FREE
daily Instructor: Dr. Victoria LewisAbout this Course
Mastering the iPhone Camera System: Hardware & Software Integration
Understanding the iPhone's Native Camera Application
- Exploring the standard photo and video modes: Photo, Portrait, Pano, Slo-mo, Time-lapse, Cinematic.
- Identifying the limitations and capabilities of each mode in various shooting scenarios.
- Understanding the default automated settings and when they are advantageous or restrictive.
Deep Dive into Sensor & Lens Technology
- Explaining the sensor size, pixel technology, and their impact on image quality, especially in low light.
- Detailing the characteristics of different lenses: Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto (if applicable to the iPhone model).
- Understanding fixed aperture values for each lens and how this influences depth of field and exposure.
- Analyzing the optical image stabilization (OIS) and sensor-shift stabilization technologies and their effect on sharpness for photos and smoothness for video.
Introduction to ProRAW and ProRES Codecs
- Defining ProRAW: its benefits for photographic editing, dynamic range retention, and color depth compared to standard JPEG/HEIC.
- Explaining ProRES: its advantages for video post-production, color grading, and handling complex visual information over standard H.264/HEVC.
- Identifying the storage implications and processing requirements for both ProRAW and ProRES files.
Expert-Level Photography Controls & Techniques on iPhone
Achieving Precise Exposure Control
- Understanding the exposure triangle as it applies to the iPhone: ISO equivalence, shutter speed, and fixed aperture.
- Manual exposure adjustment: Using exposure compensation (EV) in the native app and dedicated manual controls in third-party apps.
- Spot metering vs. evaluative metering: Techniques for accurately exposing different parts of a scene.
- Exposure Bracketing: Manually capturing multiple exposures for High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography in challenging light.
Mastering Focus and Depth of Field
- Single-point autofocus vs. continuous autofocus: When and how to use each for sharp subjects.
- Manual focus techniques using third-party applications for critical sharpness, especially for macro or precise subject isolation.
- Understanding computational photography's role in Portrait Mode: How depth maps are created and manipulated.
- Controlling depth of field post-capture in Portrait Mode: Adjusting aperture simulation (f-stop) for desired background blur.
Accurate White Balance and Color Management
- Understanding color temperature: Kelvin scale and its effect on image mood and accuracy.
- Automatic white balance (AWB) limitations and when to override it.
- Manual white balance settings: Presets (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent) and custom Kelvin adjustments in advanced apps.
- Techniques for achieving consistent color across multiple shots or in mixed lighting environments.
Advanced Photographic Composition Principles
- Applying the Rule of Thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and negative space to enhance visual storytelling.
- Utilizing foreground, middle ground, and background to create depth and interest in a scene.
- Understanding framing and how to use natural elements to draw attention to the subject.
- Practical examples of compositional techniques for landscapes, portraits, street photography, and close-ups.
Controlling Light: Natural & Artificial for Photography
- Identifying and utilizing different types of natural light: golden hour, blue hour, overcast, harsh sunlight.
- Techniques for managing shadows and highlights using natural light.
- Introduction to basic artificial lighting: portable LED panels and reflectors for mobile photography.
- Understanding light direction: front light, side light, back light, and their impact on mood and dimension.
Expert-Level Cinematography Controls & Techniques on iPhone
Optimizing Video Resolution and Frame Rates
- Understanding the relationship between resolution (720p, 1080p, 4K) and file size, quality, and editing flexibility.
- Selecting appropriate frame rates: 24fps for cinematic look, 30fps for standard video, 60fps for smoother motion or slow-motion potential.
- Using higher frame rates (120fps, 240fps) for native slow-motion capture and its creative applications.
- Configuring frame rates and resolution for specific deliverables (social media, professional projects).
Achieving Cinematic Exposure for Video
- Understanding the 180-degree shutter rule: how shutter speed relates to frame rate for natural motion blur.
- Manual ISO and shutter speed control for video, avoiding auto-exposure shifts and maintaining consistent light.
- Utilizing ND filters (Neutral Density) to control light and maintain cinematic shutter speeds in bright conditions.
- Techniques for managing dynamic range in video: flat profiles (if available via third-party apps) for better grading flexibility.
Stabilization Techniques for Smooth Video
- Understanding the role of optical image stabilization (OIS) and sensor-shift stabilization in video.
- Software stabilization vs. hardware stabilization: when to rely on each and their limitations.
- Techniques for handheld stabilization: proper grip, body mechanics, and walk/run cycles for smoother footage.
- Introduction to external stabilization tools: gimbals and tripods, and how they enhance production quality.
Manual Audio Control and Recording
- Understanding the limitations of the iPhone's internal microphone for professional audio.
- Selecting and connecting external microphones: lavalier mics, shotgun mics, and their specific uses.
- Monitoring audio levels: preventing clipping and ensuring clear dialogue and sound capture.
- Basic audio recording techniques: placement of microphones, reducing environmental noise, and achieving optimal sound quality.
Advanced Cinematographic Storytelling & Movement
- Applying fundamental cinematic camera movements: pans, tilts, dollies, tracks, and zooms (digital vs. optical).
- Understanding shot types: wide shots, medium shots, close-ups, and their role in conveying information and emotion.
- Developing a shot list and planning sequences for narrative or documentary video.
- Techniques for smooth transitions and sequence continuity in mobile video production.
Leveraging Third-Party Camera Apps & Essential Accessories
Exploring Advanced Camera Applications
- In-depth review and practical application of popular manual camera apps (e.g., FiLMiC Pro, Moment Pro Camera, ProCamera).
- Configuring custom presets for various shooting scenarios: specific frame rates, resolutions, color profiles, and manual controls.
- Understanding advanced features like focus peaking, zebras for exposure, and waveform monitors for professional monitoring.
- Utilizing log profiles and LUTs (Look Up Tables) for advanced color grading workflows in video.
Essential Hardware Accessories for iPhone Filmmaking & Photography
- External lenses: telephoto, wide-angle, anamorphic, macro—their benefits and practical applications.
- Tripods and mobile mounts: stability solutions for sharp photos and steady video.
- Gimbals and stabilizers: achieving fluid, professional-looking camera movements.
- Lighting solutions: portable LED panels, ring lights, and diffusers for controlled illumination.
- Audio equipment: selection and setup of external microphones for superior sound capture.
Foundations of On-Device Post-Processing & Editing
Photography Editing Workflow on iPhone
- Understanding the fundamental editing tools: exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, black point, white point.
- Color correction techniques: adjusting saturation, vibrance, hue, and individual color channels for desired mood and accuracy.
- Cropping, straightening, and perspective correction for improved composition.
- Sharpening and noise reduction: balancing detail and clarity with artifact reduction.
Video Editing Workflow on iPhone
- Non-linear editing basics: trimming clips, splitting, merging, and sequencing footage.
- Applying essential video adjustments: exposure, contrast, color correction, and white balance to video clips.
- Understanding the use of sound: adjusting audio levels, adding music, and basic sound effects.
- Exporting video in appropriate formats and resolutions for various platforms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For detailed information about our iPhone Cinematography & Photography: Camera Settings & Manual Controls course, including what you’ll learn and course objectives, please visit the "About This Course" section on this page.
The course is online, but you can select Networking Events at enrollment to meet people in person. This feature may not always be available.
We don’t have a physical office because the course is fully online. However, we partner with training providers worldwide to offer in-person sessions. You can arrange this by contacting us first and selecting features like Networking Events or Expert Instructors when enrolling.
Contact us to arrange one.
This course is accredited by Govur University, and we also offer accreditation to organizations and businesses through Govur Accreditation. For more information, visit our Accreditation Page.
Dr. Victoria Lewis is the official representative for the iPhone Cinematography & Photography: Camera Settings & Manual Controls course and is responsible for reviewing and scoring exam submissions. If you'd like guidance from a live instructor, you can select that option during enrollment.
The course doesn't have a fixed duration. It has 26 questions, and each question takes about 5 to 30 minutes to answer. You’ll receive your certificate once you’ve successfully answered most of the questions. Learn more here.
The course is always available, so you can start at any time that works for you!
We partner with various organizations to curate and select the best networking events, webinars, and instructor Q&A sessions throughout the year. You’ll receive more information about these opportunities when you enroll. This feature may not always be available.
You will receive a Certificate of Excellence when you score 75% or higher in the course, showing that you have learned about the course.
An Honorary Certificate allows you to receive a Certificate of Commitment right after enrolling, even if you haven’t finished the course. It’s ideal for busy professionals who need certification quickly but plan to complete the course later.
The price is based on your enrollment duration and selected features. Discounts increase with more days and features. You can also choose from plans for bundled options.
Choose a duration that fits your schedule. You can enroll for up to 180 days at a time.
No, you won't. Once you earn your certificate, you retain access to it and the completed exercises for life, even after your subscription expires. However, to take new exercises, you'll need to re-enroll if your subscription has run out.
To verify a certificate, visit the Verify Certificate page on our website and enter the 12-digit certificate ID. You can then confirm the authenticity of the certificate and review details such as the enrollment date, completed exercises, and their corresponding levels and scores.
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