NFTS Cymru Wales: Self-Shooting 1 - An Introduction

This course is a practical introduction to self-shooting for people with little or no experience of using camera and sound for factual shooting and directing. It is also suitable for those looking for a refresher or renewed confidence to pick up the camera, and those in the industry with no practical shooting experience.

Over 2 days you will receive technical training in a series of enjoyable exercises on the industry-standard Sony FS7 camera. The course will include:

• formats & codecs
• lenses, focus & exposure
• ISO, ND & depth of field
• white balance
• basic framing & tripods
• shotgun & radio mics
• shooting a simple sequence
• setting up a basic interview

Through a series of practical exercises in pairs, you will learn the basics of framing and operating the camera handheld and on the tripod, recording sound, shooting a sequence and setting up an interview. You will review exercises with the tutor and be given individual feedback within the group.

Many of the skills taught on this course can be applied to any camera or shooting format and will be of benefit to you regardless of which camera/s you have already used.

This course is ideal for anyone wishing to learn to shoot professionally at any stage of their career, such as Researchers, Assistant Producers, Producers, Runners, Stills Photographers and Development Producers.

About the tutor: Zillah Bowes is a filmmaker and multi-disciplinary artist who has made award-winning films as a director and cinematographer shown worldwide. She has worked with Ffilm Cymru Wales, BBC and Channel 4 among others. Her films include STAYING/AROS MAE, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Premiers Plans Film Festival and SMALL PROTESTS, nominated for a Grierson Award, which won the Current Short Cuts Vimeo Award. Her films as cinematographer include ENEMIES OF HAPPINESS, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival.

To progress, you may also be interested in: 

Self-Shooting 2: Storytelling