Students explore theoretical and practical elements of cinematography with an emphasis on lighting and cinematographic language. While learning techniques of studio and location lighting, students also study historical and contemporary trends and styles. Theoretical and technical topics include operation and characteristics of cameras, lenses, accessory camera equipment, lighting, composition, digital compression, and exposure (in-camera tools like histograms as well as light meters) along with some discussion of traditional film emulsion and laboratory processing. Professional techniques for altering the look of a film are demonstrated and discussed. Practical tests and scenes are shot with an eye towards solving practical problems and achieving a visual strategy.

Students explore theoretical and practical elements of cinematography with an emphasis on lighting and cinematographic language. While learning techniques of studio and location lighting, students also study historical and contemporary trends and styles. Theoretical and technical topics include operation and characteristics of cameras, lenses, accessory camera equipment, lighting, composition, digital compression, and exposure (in-camera tools like histograms as well as light meters) along with some discussion of traditional film emulsion and laboratory processing. Professional techniques for altering the look of a film are demonstrated and discussed. Practical tests and scenes are shot with an eye towards solving practical problems and achieving a visual strategy.