From Still Photographer to Filmmaker: The Basic Tools

It’s easy to feel daunted by the prospect of shooting video to make a short film. The craft itself can seem overwhelmingly complex, but it’s not. As an experienced still photographer, you already have many of the skills necessary to be successful with moving images.

Visual storytellers know how to compose a frame, use the best light available, and work with digital-imaging technology. They just need someone to guide them through the transition from still photographer to filmmaker—and then to dedicate the time to practice.

David Wells creates videos full-time, for personal projects and paying clients. With his professional guidance, you learn how to create a dramatic and visually compelling short film maximizing ambient sound and compelling motion visuals.

You function essentially as a one-person crew, gathering video, audio, and still photographs. Together we explore how you can use the tools that you already have to tell a story through movement, the unfolding of time, and especially the power of sound. As your short film evolves, we engage in real-time instruction, discussions of pre-recorded lessons, and one-on-one conversations as needed.

From inception to capture and from organization to final output, David takes the intimidation factor out of shooting video and ultimately to mastering the filmmaking process. You come away with a set of new skills and a renewed appreciation for the ones you already possess.

View a couple of David’s videos below:

Good Friday —

Kochi Time —