Visual Storytelling: From Stills to Motion

Key Concepts & Content Roadmap

Below is an outline of key concepts related to visual storytelling in photography, videography, and cinematography. This is a summary of important areas you might want to study on your journey to mastering these artforms.

At True The Lens we are in the ongoing process of building lessons to elaborate on each one of these concepts. Use the links below to read existing lessons and review unlinked items in the outline for a roadmap of additions to expect in the future. We are dedicated to consistently adding new content and expanding on existing topics. Check back here or follow us on YouTube for updates.
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Table of Contents

Part 1: Foundations of Visual Capture

Part 2: Equipment Deep Dive

Part 3: The Art of Still Photography

Part 4: Introduction to Videography

Part 5: The Language of Cinematography

Part 6: Advanced Topics and Specializations
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Part 1: Foundations of Visual Capture

Introduction to Image Capture

• Defining Photography, Videography, and Cinematography
• The History and Evolution of Visual Capture Technologies

Camera Fundamentals:

• Introduction to Camera Types
• Lenses and Focal Lengths
• Exposure Triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO
• Depth of Field
• White Balance
• File Formats (RAW vs. JPEG)

Composition and Framing:

• Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio
• Leading Lines, Symmetry, and Patterns
• Framing, Figure-Ground Relationship, and Negative Space
• Point of View and Angle of Capture

Basic Lighting Principles:

• Natural vs. Artificial Light
• Key Light, Fill Light, and Backlight
• Hard Light vs. Soft Light
• Basic Lighting Setups

Part 2: Equipment Deep Dive

Cameras:

• Film, DSLR, mirrorless, compact, action, smartphone
• Sensor Sizes - full frame, micro four thirds, APS-C, CCD, CMOS, medium format, etc.
• Bit Depth and Dynamic Range
• Understanding Video Resolutions and Frame Rates
• Internal vs. External Recording

Lenses:

• Focal Length and Angle of View: Wide-Angle, Standard, Telephoto
• Prime Lenses vs. Zoom Lenses: Advantages and Disadvantages
• Lens Types: Modern Photography, Cinema, Anamorphic, Vintage
• Lens Filters: UV, Polarizing, ND, and Special Effects
• Lens Care and Maintenance

Lighting

• On-Camera Flashes and Speedlights
• Studio Strobes and Monolights
• Continuous Lighting Options: LED Panels, Tungsten Lights
• Light Modifiers: Softboxes, Umbrellas, Diffusers, Grids
• Powering Lighting Equipment

Audio

• The Importance of Good Audio
• Types of Microphones: Built-in, Shotgun, Lavalier, Handheld
• Audio Recorders and Interfaces
• Monitoring Audio Levels
• Basic Audio Editing Concepts

Support Systems: Tripods, Gimbals, Stabilizers and Rigs

• The Importance of Stability for Sharp Images and Smooth Video
• Tripods, Monopods and Heads
• Gimbals
• Steady cams
• Sliders, Jibs and Dollies

Part 3: The Art of Still Photography

Mastering Exposure in Photography

• Advanced Control of Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO
• Understanding Histograms and Their Use in Exposure Correction
• Long Exposure Photography Techniques
• Creative Use of Motion Blur and Freezing Action

Composition Techniques for Impactful Images

• Advanced Applications of Compositional Rules
• Creating Depth and Dimension in Two-Dimensional Images
• Leading the Viewer's Eye
• Experimenting with Abstract and Conceptual Composition

Working with Light and Shadow for Dramatic Effect

• Golden Hour and Blue Hour Photography
• Using Natural Light to Your Advantage (Indoor and Outdoor)
• Effective Use of Flash Photography (On and Off Camera)
• Studio Lighting Setups for Portraits and Products

Genres of Photography

• Portrait
• Landscape
• Street
• Wildlife
• Event
• Product
• Fine Art
• Macro

Post-Processing and Editing Techniques

• Basic Principles of Image Editing
• Introduction to Editing Software
• Color Correction and White Balance Adjustments
• Basic Retouching Techniques
• Organizing and Managing Your Photo Library
• Building a Portfolio

Part 4: Introduction to Videography

Basic Video Concepts:

• Frame Rate and Resolution
• Motion Blur & the 180 Degree Rule
• Video Codecs and Formats
• Audio Recording Basics
• Understanding and working with microphones

Camera Movement Techniques:

• Panning, Tilting, Zooming
• Steadicam and Gimbal Operation
• Tripod Techniques

Basic Video Editing (DaVinci Resolve):

• Cutting and Sequencing
• Adding Transitions and Effects
• Color Correction Basics
• Audio editing

Documentary and Event Videography

Part 5: The Language of Cinematography

Cinematic Storytelling:

• Visual Language and Symbolism
• Creating Mood and Atmosphere
• Shot Composition and Blocking for Narrative

Advanced Lighting Techniques:

• Three-Point Lighting
• Creating Cinematic Lighting Effects
• Color Grading and Look Development

Advanced Camera Movement:

• Dolly and Crane Shots
• Creating Dynamic Camera Movements

Analysis of Some Famous Cinematographers and Their Work

Part 6: Advanced Topics and Specializations

Specialized Photography Techniques:

• Long Exposure Photography
• High-Speed Photography
• Aerial Photography

Advanced Videography:

• Motion Graphics and Visual Effects
• Live Streaming and Multi-Camera Setups

Advanced Cinematography:

• Working with Film vs. Digital
• Advanced Color Grading and Look Development
• Creating Visual Effects for Film
• Working with film lighting

Career Paths in the Visual Media Industry

Building a Professional Portfolio / Reel