Beginner Camera Techniques: Visual Storytelling for Film
A course by Stefano Lombardo , Camera Operator

Learn about composition, field depth, movement, glasses, frames and approaches to record inspiring scenes from a script.
Dive into the dynamic realm of filmmaking and camera operation with Stefano Lombardo, a seasoned Camera Operator in feature films and TV series, including the hit Netflix show Élite. Having climbed the ladder from video assistant to lead camera operator over the last few decades, Stefano brings a unique blend of hands-on experience and technical acumen to the table. With the belief that there are only a few ways to compose a shot that truly convey the intended story, Stefano emphasizes the power of the camera not only to capture beauty but to add depth, meaning, and emotion to images.
In this online course, Stefano invites you to learn the language of the camera and use it to film a narrative scene. You'll wrap up the course with a final project that showcases your ability to shoot a dialogue using storytelling techniques such as framing, movement, composition, and much more.
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 17 downloads
- 55 students
- 16 lessons (3h 28m)
- 17 additional resources (6 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Shoot a dialogue scene using storytelling techniques including framing, movement, composition, and much more.
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone interested in entering the film industry to work as a camera operator. Perfect for those interested in making shorts, music videos, commercials, and films.
Requirements and materials
To take this course, you should be familiar with a camera and should have one, with several lenses, or a zoom. Other materials include: a monitor or view finder for operating, camera stabilizers, a steadicam, gimbals, and a handheld system.


Stefano Lombardo
A course by Stefano Lombardo
Stefano Lombardo is an accomplished camera operator who has worked on prestigious projects in both cinema and TV series. Stefano's journey began as a grip on a horror movie and progressed to working as a camera operator on a feature films. With his love for movies, Stefano developed a deep understanding of the cinematic language, allowing him to communicate effectively with directors and cinematographers. He has had the privilege of collaborating with notable filmmakers like Woody Allen and cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, and has worked on successful series such as "Elite." Stefano sees each project as an opportunity to learn and improve, always striving for originality and discovering new tools and techniques in the ever-evolving world of cinema.
As a camera operator, Stefano recognizes the profound impact that storytelling through the lens can have on audiences. He understands the power of the camera to capture emotions, convey messages, and create lasting memories. Stefano emphasizes the importance of approaching each story with care and precision, transforming it into a captivating masterpiece. He encourages aspiring filmmakers to embrace this power and utilize it to tell honest and impactful stories that stand the test of time. Stefano's dedication, expertise, and passion for the art of cinematography make him a highly respected professional in the industry.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About me
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Influences
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U2
Preparation
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Role of the Camera Operator
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Equipment
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Camera Operating
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Composition
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Framing
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Reading the Script
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U3
Shooting the sequence
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Equipment and Tools on Set
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Wide Shot / Medium Shot
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Confrontation Shot
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The Close Ups
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The Push In
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Push in in the Back and the Pull Out
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U4
Post-Production
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Editing
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Store And Preserve Equipment
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FP
Final project
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Camera Operation for Beginners: Tell Stories for the Big Screen
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Domestika's courses are online classes that provide you with the tools and skills you need to complete a specific project. Every step of the project combines video lessons with complementary instructional material, so you can learn by doing. Domestika's courses also allow you to share your own projects with the teacher and with other students, creating a dynamic course community.
All courses are 100% online, so once they're published, courses start and finish whenever you want. You set the pace of the class. You can go back to review what interests you most and skip what you already know, ask questions, answer questions, share your projects, and more.
The courses are divided into different units. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with the teacher and with other students, as well as share your work and your course project, creating a community around the course.
You can redeem the course you received by accessing the redeeming page and entering your gift code.