Camera Fundamentals

Have you ever wondered why some shots look cinematic while others feel amateur? The secret lies in mastering your camera. This workshop hits on the technical aspects of cinematography, transforming complex concepts into practical skills where you’ll learn to manipulate your camera to create the right visual for your project.

• Camera types and basic operations
• Aperture, ISO, and shutter speed
• Lens selection and focal lengths
• Focus techniques and depth of field
• White balance and colour temperature
• Frame rates, recording formats, and file types

Lighting Essentials

Light is the language of cinema. In this workshop, you’ll discover how master cinematographers use light to evoke emotion, create depth, and tell powerful stories. From crafting dramatic shadows to painting with light, you’ll learn why lighting isn’t just about making things visible – it’s about creating mood, atmosphere, and visual poetry that resonates with viewers.

• Single-point, Two-point, and Three-point lighting
• Natural vs artificial lighting
• Light modifiers and control
• Color temperature
• Location lighting techniques
• Studio lighting setups
• Advanced techniques

Audio Production

The best visuals can be ruined by poor audio. This workshop reveals why sound is half of your viewing experience and how to capture crystal-clear audio that enhances your storytelling. Learn the secrets of professional sound recording that will elevate your productions from amateur to broadcast quality.

• Microphone types and selection
• Recording techniques
• Background noise management
• Audio levels and monitoring
• Location sound recording
• Recording foley
• Studio audio setup
• Acoustic treatment

Composition and Visual Storytelling

Every frame tells a story. This workshop explores the art of visual composition – the invisible force that guides viewers’ eyes and emotions through your narrative. Discover how filmmakers use composition, camera angles, and focal lengths to create unforgettable scenes, and learn to speak the universal language of visual storytelling.

• Rule of thirds
• Composition and Leading lines
• Camera angles and movements
• Camera Angles
• Focal Lengths
• 180-degree rule
• Visual narrative techniques

Editing and Final Production

Editing is where the magic happens. This workshop introduces you to DaVinci Resolve, an industry-standard tool that turns raw footage into compelling stories. Learn how to shape time, build emotion, and create rhythm in your edits, transforming individual clips into powerful narratives that keep viewers glued to their screens.

• Interface navigation
• Media management
• Timeline operations
• Utilizing text and titles
• Color correction basics
• Audio mixing
• Export settings

Become a Member

Hosted by
Jeff Gruending

With five years of professional experience as an independent videographer, Jeff Gruending has built significant skills around delivering high-quality commercials, dynamic social media ads, and short-form content. His work spans a diverse range of clients, including Telus STORYHIVE, Brink Group of Companies, Northern Health, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Canadian Homebuilders Association, and the Prince George Chamber of Commerce to name a few. Jeff’s true passion lies in supporting community-focused non-profits. A recent example is the Prince George Hospice & Palliative Care Society, where he created compelling content that boosts the impact of the organization’s mission. Specializing in concise, visually striking videos, he brings a careful eye for detail and a real love for storytelling through cinematography. Jeff’s workshops focus on equipping participants with hands-on, practical skills, helping them produce content that they can take pride in. He aspires to share what he himself has learned to help spark creativity and confidence in other aspiring videographers.