Creating Documentary Short Films with a DSLR Camera
A course by Rafa JacintoPhotographer and Filmmaker
A course by Rafa Jacinto, Photographer and Filmmaker
Produce a complete audiovisual project from script to post-production using your DSLR camera
Short documentaries have the power to tell moving stories that convey complex emotions in just a few minutes of condensed images and sounds. Free your creativity with Rafael Jacinto, photographer and filmmaker who has worked with big-name clients like Nikon, Nike, and Converse, and explore his tricks and techniques to tell stories through a lens.
In this course, learn how to create a mini documentary from script to post-production using a DSLR camera and transform any story into a powerful visual narrative.
What will you learn in this online course?
18 lessons & 17 downloads
How a DSLR Camera Works
12 minutes, 3 seconds
Equipment
4 minutes, 41 seconds
Character Choice and Research
10 minutes, 21 seconds
Script
10 minutes, 41 seconds
Before Shooting
3 minutes, 8 seconds
Set and Equipment Configuration
6 minutes, 34 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start the course by meeting Rafael Jacinto, who tells you about his career as a photographer and how he has grown professionally into a filmmaker and director. He also talks about his passion for storytelling and shows you some of his biggest artistic influences.
Next, learn how a DSLR camera works, the advantages of using one, and how to adjust the settings before covering the materials you need for the day of your shoot. Then, start searching for your main character and work on the details of your script.
Lights, camera... action! In the third unit, see how a typical day of shooting unfolds. Rafael explains why it's important to know the person you're filming beforehand as well as how to set up your equipment and arrange your set. He also shows you his personal approach to shooting and how to film b-roll footage to create more dynamic sequences.
Now it's time to enter the post-production phase. Edit your raw footage and get ready to present your short film. First, learn how to export and organize your files. Then, edit your project in Adobe Premiere Pro. Make the final adjustments, apply color correction, and export your film. Before calling it a wrap, Rafael gives you some tips on how to share your documentary on social media.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create a mini documentary about a person of your choice from script to post-production.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in photography, cinema, and audiovisual narratives that tell original stories.
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge of film production is needed, but Rafael recommends having a solid understanding of how to work your own recording gear.
This course focuses on film production with a DSLR camera, but it can be completed with a mirrorless, compact, or cell phone camera. Other essential materials include a computer with an editing program like Adobe Premiere.
Reviews
- 7 months ago
Even though I have been making videos with a DSLR for quite a while, I picked up many useful details. I will apply this to my next project. Also the course was well organized and went over all of the essentials.
- 10 months ago
I am expecting the precious outcomes in this course. The information inspired me.
- 1 year ago
De entrada me gustó mucho, lo recomiendo ampliamente. No conocía el trabajo de Rafa Jacinto y la verdad es que es un crack. Sobre la experiencia podría decir que disfruté mucho que es un curso corto y muy puntual en el desarrollo de los contenidos. El nivel técnico es MUY básico pero siempre te explica cada parte de su proceso. Y se entiende, pues a lo largo del curso aprendes una forma de contar historias con muy pocas herramientas y el mínimo de recursos técnicos.
- 1 year ago
Muito esclarecedor, esta me ajudando a organizar meu trabalho.
- 2 years ago
Buen curso para iniciarse en el mundo del documental. Sencillo pero te da las bases para empezar a hacer tus proyectos. Lo recomiendo.
He has been part of international photography festivals such as The New York Photo Festival and PHotoESPAÑA, as well as helped found the influential collective Cia de Foto. He also worked at Valor Econômico magazine and has produced ad campaigns for big names like Nikon, Nike, Converse, Martini, Basico, Vivo, Brastemp, and more.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Preparing the Documentary Short Film
- How a DSLR Camera Works
- Equipment
- Character Choice and Research
- Script
- U3
Time to Go Shooting
- Before Shooting
- Set and Equipment Configuration
- Interview Capture
- Cover Images
- U4
Editing and Releasing Documentary Short Films
- File Transfer and Folder Organization
- Adobe Premiere Pro Edition 1
- Adobe Premiere Pro Edition 2
- Adobe Premiere Pro Edition 3
- Adobe Premiere Pro Edition 4
- Finalization, Color Correction and Export
- The Importance of Documentary Short Films and Dissemination of Your Project
- Final Result: The Interview
- FP
Final project
- Creating Documentary Short Films with a DSLR Camera
What to expect from a Domestika course
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.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
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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.
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.
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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FAQs
This is an intermediate-level course, ideal for those who already have basic photography or video knowledge and want to improve their documentary production skills using DSLR cameras.
You will need a DSLR camera, compatible lenses, a microphone (lapel or directional), a tripod, an audio recorder or smartphone, and a computer with editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
You’ll learn everything from planning and researching characters to shooting, editing, color correction, sound design, script assembly, and promotion strategies for original mini-documentaries.
The course teaches how to adjust exposure, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, color profiles, and white balance to capture high-quality images in various settings.
It’s not mandatory, but basic video editing skills will help you keep up, as the lessons cover Adobe Premiere Pro workflows from organizing footage to exporting the final project.
Yes, the course covers how to approach subjects, craft questions, conduct audiovisual interviews, and capture authentic testimonials from your characters.
Yes, you’ll learn how to edit audio, balance volumes, sync tracks, and perform color correction to enhance the look of your videos.