If you’re looking to improve your videography lighting skills, taking a course can be an excellent way to learn new techniques and gain valuable insights.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced videographer, there are plenty of courses that cater to all skill levels.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the five best videography lighting courses, both free and paid, that offer comprehensive instruction on lighting techniques, equipment, and setups.
By enrolling in one of these courses, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning video content that will captivate your audience.
1. Udemy: Introduction To Lighting For Videography
This online course titled “Introduction to Lighting for Videography” is taught by Jordy Vandeput, a professional filmmaker and successful YouTuber who has been working in video production for over 10 years.
With a 4.6 instructor rating, 4,164 reviews, and 13,297 students, Jordy Vandeput is a top-rated Udemy instructor.
In this course, students will learn how to create depth, cinematic shots, and interesting scenes using lighting techniques.
The curriculum covers the purpose of light, where to place lights, how to work with practical lights, and the difference between coloured lights.
The course includes practical examples using basic lighting tools and natural sources in a film studio and at home.
Students will learn how to apply the principles of lighting to any situation, including using windows, decorative lights, and sunlight.
This course is ideal for any videographer who is new to lighting or struggles with the purpose of light in video.
With a cost of $19.99, this course is affordable and includes a comprehensive understanding of lighting in video.
Highlights:
- Teaches the essence of lighting in video and how to create depth and interesting scenes
- Covers where to place or position specific lights for optimal results
- Provides practical examples using basic lighting tools and natural sources
- Ideal for videographers who are new to lighting or struggle with the purpose of light in video
- Taught by a professional filmmaker and successful YouTuber with a top-rated instructor rating
2. LinkedIn Learning: Learning Video Lighting
This online course, “Learning Video Lighting,” is perfect for beginners looking to improve their video shooting skills.
Taught by Mark W. Gray, a Media Creation Machine and Educator, this course covers the fundamentals of portrait lighting, including three-point lighting setups, lighting for specific subjects, and dealing with location shooting challenges.
Throughout the course, students will learn how to control and add additional light to their video shoots, resulting in more beautiful and compelling images.
Mark also discusses the effects of various lighting changes, such as angle, intensity, and colour temperature, and introduces various types of lighting equipment — with both professional and affordable options.
The course includes three chapter quizzes, access on tablet and phone, and a certificate of completion.
Additionally, students can share their certificates on LinkedIn, making it a valuable addition to their professional portfolio
At a price of $21.90/month after a 1-month free trial, this course is accessible to anyone looking to improve their video lighting skills.
Highlights:
- Ideal for beginners looking to improve their video shooting skills
- Covers fundamental portrait lighting concepts and techniques, including three-point lighting setups and location shooting challenges
- Teaches students how to control and add additional light for more beautiful and compelling images
- Introduces various types of lighting equipment, both professional and affordable options
- Includes 3 chapter quizzes, access on tablet and phone, and a certificate of completion
3. FilmSkills: Cinematic Lighting Master Course
The Cinematic Lighting Master Course is an extensive and methodical course that guides students toward achieving a professional cinematic look on set.
With Emmy-winning cinematographers as instructors, this course covers everything from gear selection to lighting techniques and processes to help students create a professional cinematic look.
With a total of 34 lessons, students will have lifetime access to 11 hours of on-set video tutorials, quizzes to test their knowledge, illustrated companion guides, and comprehensive lighting diagrams to apply the techniques learned on set.
Students will also receive a personalized certificate of completion and be listed in the Certification Database upon earning 85% or higher.
The course is designed to help students learn from expert filmmakers, including Emmy-winning filmmakers who reveal their techniques.
With a cost of $949, the course is not cheap but offers an extensive curriculum that covers four main sections: Lighting Gear, Grip and Rigging Gear, Lighting Techniques, and On-Set Lighting Demos.
The course is ideal for aspiring filmmakers looking to improve their skills and achieve a professional cinematic look on their sets.
Highlights:
- Taught by Emmy-winning cinematographers who reveal their techniques
- Comprehensive curriculum with 34 methodical lessons and 11 hours of on-set video tutorials
- Includes quizzes, illustrated companion guides, and comprehensive lighting diagrams
- Certificate of completion with 85% or higher and be listed in the Certification Database
- Covers four main sections: Lighting Gear, Grip and Rigging Gear, Lighting Techniques, and On-Set Lighting Demos
- Ideal for aspiring filmmakers looking to improve their skills and achieve a professional cinematic look on their sets
4. Udemy: Cinematic Lighting
This course, Cinematic Lighting, is perfect for cinematographers of independent films who want to create dramatic and visually stunning shots.
It is taught by experienced Director of Photography, Neil Oseman, with a 4.6 instructor rating, 1,178 reviews, and over 5,509 students.
The course is designed to be an advanced and in-depth guide to designing lighting for independent film production.
It takes place entirely on location and shows how to deal with challenges such as time, weather, and equipment.
The course also consists of four modules: Day Exterior, Day Interior, Night Interior, and Night Exterior.
This course is perfect for cinematography students, camera operators looking to move up to Director of Photography, corporate/industrial filmmakers looking to move into drama, and indie filmmakers looking to increase their production values.
At only $21.99, this course is a great value and includes the final edited scene for each module, so students can see the end result.
Highlights:
- Teaches how to design lighting for independent film production
- Takes place on location to show how to deal with real challenges
- Covers different types of lighting and how to use them
- Shows how to use natural light and how to create depth and contrast
- Includes information on using a light meter and false colours to correctly expose images
- Teaches how to use smoke or haze to create an atmosphere and simulate sunlight, moonlight, and firelight
- Perfect for cinematography students, camera operators, corporate/industrial filmmakers, and indie filmmakers
5. SkillShare: Cinematography Basics: Introduction to Lighting Techniques
This Skillshare course, taught by cinematographer Zak Mulligan, provides a comprehensive introduction to lighting techniques used in films and TV shows to create cinematic looks and evoke feelings.
Zak Mulligan, an accomplished cinematographer known for his work in film and television, breaks down lighting into seven key elements: direction, shape, color, intensity, quality, texture, and movement.
Throughout the course, Zak showcases how he has used each of these elements in his movies and also demonstrates how students can apply them in their own work.
This course is ideal for aspiring cinematographers, filmmakers, photographers, or anyone interested in understanding the magic of film and television.
By the end of the course, students will have learned how to create their own Visual Haiku, a compilation of shots that evoke a feeling or mood.
Skillshare offers a free one-month trial, and the course costs $32 per month afterward.
Highlights:
- Learn the secrets of lighting and how to use it to create a sense of story and evoke feelings
- Understand the seven key elements of lighting: direction, shape, colour, intensity, quality, texture, and movement
- Taught by an accomplished cinematographer known for his work in film and television
- Suitable for aspiring cinematographers, filmmakers, photographers, and avid movie and TV watchers
- Learn how to create a Visual Haiku, a compilation of shots that evoke a feeling or mood
Final Thoughts
Lighting is an essential element of videography that can make or break your video content.
By investing in a videography lighting course, you can learn the necessary techniques and skills to enhance your video’s visual appeal and make it stand out.
The courses on our list cater to different budgets and skill levels, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Whether you choose a free or paid course, the knowledge you gain will be invaluable to your videography career.
So, take the time to explore the courses on our list and choose the one that best suits your needs.
With dedication and practice, you’ll be able to create high-quality video content that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
Happy shooting!
