Make Films, Build Community.
Engage in hands‑on education for storytellers in the Pacific Northwest.
Introduction to Cinematography: Foundations of Visual Storytelling
November 28th and 29th
11:00AM to 6:00PM PST
Introduction to Cinematography is a hands-on workshop designed to give emerging filmmakers a strong, practical foundation in how visual storytelling is crafted. Participants will learn how cinematographers think, make choices, and collaborate — from shaping light and color to designing shots that support story, emotion, and character.
Across focused instruction and guided exercises, students work directly with industry‑level cameras, lenses, and lighting tools, building the technical instincts and creative confidence needed to elevate their visual storytelling.
Grounded in Cascadia Media Lab’s resourceful, community‑driven ethos, this workshop emphasizes learning by doing, experimenting with real gear, and understanding how to make beautiful, intentional images on any budget.
What Participants Will Learn
Core principles of cinematography and visual language
Exposure, aperture, ISO, shutter, and how they shape the image
Lens choice, focal length, and depth of field as storytelling tools
Composition, framing, and camera movement
Lighting fundamentals: shaping mood, contrast, and texture
Working with natural light in the Pacific Northwest
Building a simple, effective lighting setup for small crews
Collaborating with directors and production teams
Who This Workshop Is For
New and emerging filmmakers, directors, content creators, and anyone ready to move beyond automatic settings and start making intentional visual choices.
What You’ll Leave With
A working understanding of camera and lighting fundamentals
Hands‑on experience with professional gear
Practical techniques for crafting cinematic images on indie budgets
Increased confidence in designing and executing visual ideas
Create Boldly. Collaborate Deeply.
Building a home for resourceful, independent filmmaking in the Pacific Northwest.
Cascadia Media Lab uses a sliding‑scale registration model to keep high‑quality film education accessible to emerging creators across the Pacific Northwest. Participants choose the fee that best matches their financial situation, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to learning or participating in our programs.
$250 - Full Price. Supporting us at this level allows us to continue to offer our amazing programs and allows us to provide scholarships to other community members who need it.
$200 - Your support is essential to our success. Supporting us at this level allows us to compensate our instructors at industry levels.
$100 - Your support keeps us going. Your support helps us maintain our office space and provide industry level equipment for all of our programs and participants.
$50 - Your support allows us to maintain our programming. Supporting us in this way allows us to continue to offer amazing programs!
$25 - We are grateful for your participation. We are excited to have you participate in the program!
Cascadia Media Lab offers a limited amount of scholarship seats for all programs. If you are interested in applying for scholarship, please reach out to derek.edamura@gmail.com.
Cascadia Media Labs also offers various payment plans for participants that are in need of financial assistance.
Proudly Supported by 4Culture Grant Programs