Learn Videography With Online Courses and Programs (2024)

Videography course curriculum

Whether you want to pursue videography as a personal hobby or as a career, gaining practical experience can be a helpful first step. edX offers many courses and tutorials with options available for learners of all experience levels.

A typical introductory videography course may review:

• Basic camera gear and equipment

• The capabilities of your camera

• Shooting in auto mode

• Elements of exposure including light, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO

• Effects of different camera settings on depth of field, motion blur, and noise

• White balance

• Automatic and manual focus

• Frame rate

• Camera positioning

• Basic lighting

• Audio recording

Intermediate and advanced videography classes may provide opportunities to dive deeper into these subjects, exploring:

• Advanced videography cameras including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, action cameras, and cinema cameras

• Equipment such as lenses and filters, microphones, lighting, tripods, sliders, and gimbals

• Video editing software

• The creative elements of videography such as composition and storytelling

• Lens selection and focal length

• Drones used to obtain aerial footage

• Stabilization tools such as gimbals

• Timelapses and hyperlapses

• Techniques for capturing A-roll and B-roll footage and combing the two

• Panning and tracking shots

Some degree-level programs may also include business studies modules that include guidance on pricing, writing a contract, insurance, and marketing.

Start building the knowledge you need to work in videography with edX. From accelerated boot camps to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. Busy professionals can even take advantage of executive education courses tailored to those in leadership and management positions, while advanced learners can explore master’s degree programs to help meet their career goals. Find the right course for you.

Explore videography jobs

As a videographer, you can find opportunities across nearly every industry, allowing you to pursue unique roles that align with your passions while growing professionally. Some of those industries and responsibilities include:

• Marketing videographers: Work in advertising agencies or marketing departments, producing video content for commercials and promotional campaigns. This may also include social media videography tasks, such as producing video for digital platforms.

• Event videographers: Record footage of weddings, conferences, concerts, and other live events.

• Travel videographers: Work on projects such as travel documentaries, promotional videos for travel companies, or content for social media.

• Higher education videographers: Work for educational institutions, producing instructional videos, e-learning content, or documentaries for academic purposes.

• Learning and development videographers: Create video content for academic institutions, learning organizations, or educational events. They may produce videos of lectures, campus activities, campus life, interviews, and other learner-related content.

• Corporate videographers: May work in business to create promotional videos, training videos, and event coverage.

• Sports videographers: Record sporting events, matches, and competitions. They focus on capturing key moments, player performances, and the overall action of the game.

• Government videographers: Create video content for government agencies and departments. They produce videos for public announcements, educational materials, training videos, documentaries, and promotional campaigns.

• Legal videographers: Specialize in recording video footage for legal proceedings.

• Broadcast and television videographers: Work for television networks or production companies, shooting news segments or live broadcasts.

Each of these roles can have different education and skills requirements. For example, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in a related subject such as film, broadcasting, performing arts, or in the field of communications.^{Footnote 3} Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.

How do you learn videography?

To learn videography, you could start with a videography tutorial to familiarize yourself with basic concepts such as composition, camera operation, and lighting. To build on those skills, you can take more in-depth videography courses and start to build a portfolio of your work to show potential clients or employers. An internship or apprenticeship can also be helpful for gaining valuable hands-on experience and skills. A degree isn’t always necessary, but it may enhance your employment prospects.^{Footnote 4}

What is videography used for?

Videography may be used to document events, create promotional videos, produce educational content, and showcase products or services. Video content is commonly used as a marketing tool on social media and other online platforms.

What are different types of videography?

Various types of videography cater to different purposes and industries. Some common types include wedding videography, corporate videography, documentary videography, travel videography, drone videography, real estate videography, legal videography, sports videography, and music videography. Each type requires specialized techniques, equipment, and storytelling approaches.

What are the differences between videography and cinematography?

Videography focuses on capturing live footage for events, documentaries, or online platforms. A videographer often works alone or with a small team, and undertakes all aspects of video creation. A cinematographer, on the other hand, manages a team of people working on larger creative projects such as films, TV shows, music videos, and commercials.

Do videographers do editing?

Videographers may work on some or all aspects of video production and post-production, which can involve editing tasks. As a videographer, editing skills can make you more marketable and available for more diverse or challenging projects.

What skills can be applied in videography?

A broad scope of skills is employed by videographers. These include technical skills regarding the use of cameras and related equipment, communication skills, computer and post-production skills, and a high level of imagination and creativity. The specific skill set needed for any particular role will depend on the industry and production goals.