Cinematography with Natural Light
A course by Albin Sjödin, Cinematographer
Craft beautiful images using available light to enhance your story and awaken a sense of curiosity within the viewer
Lighting in cinematography has the power to seamlessly convey the message of a narrative and move the viewer with emotion. Cinematographer and director of photography Albin Sjödin is fascinated by the possibilities that lighting brings to a scene. He is known for his delicate yet striking use of lighting and has worked on music videos for labels like Sony Music, and for brands such as adidas and The Absolut Company.
In this course, Albin shows you his entire process when working with available light. From the pre-production process and working with mood boards and storyboards; the shooting stage using different intensities of light; to the post-production in DaVinci Resolve.
What will you learn in this online course?
17 lessons & 25 downloads
- 95% positive reviews (203)
- 8,668 students
- 17 lessons (3h 8m)
- 25 additional resources (9 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish (Latam), French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Plan and create images for a scene, using available light in daytime and nighttime.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for aspiring cinematographers or for anyone interested in expanding their perspective on cinematography.
Requirements and materials
To take this course, you don’t need any previous experience in cinematography.
As for materials, you will need basic camera equipment, a computer with DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop, an idea for a scene, an actor, and some basic light-shaping tools.
Reviews
Albin Sjödin
A course by Albin Sjödin
Albin Sjödin is a cinematographer based in Stockholm, Sweden, who works mainly for commercials, music videos, and short films. He began filmmaking at nineteen, after studying cinematography for three years in high school. What began as a passionate hobby gradually became a full-time career, shooting music videos and commercials in Stockholm and New York.
Albin’s distinct tone and style as a director of photography can be found in music videos for Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music, as well as in commercials for adidas, The Absolut Company, Paypal, and more.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Pre Production
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Introduction and Mood board
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Lenses and Equipment
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Storyboard
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Location Scouting and Recce
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U3
The Shoot: High Key (Daytime) Lighting
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High Key (Daytime) Lighting Preparation
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High Key (Daytime) Lighting Closeups
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High Key (Daytime) Lighting Wide Shots
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U4
The Shoot: Low Key (Nighttime) Lighting
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Low Key (Nighttime) Lighting Preparation
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Low Key (Nighttime) Lighting Close Ups
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Low Key (Nighttime) Lighting Wide Shots
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U5
Post Production
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Quick Edit
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Color Grading High Key (Daytime) Footage 1
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Color Grading High Key (Daytime) Footage 2
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Color Grading Low Key Footage
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How to Curate Your Work as an Independent Filmmaker
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FP
Final project
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Cinematography with Natural Light
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
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FAQs
This course is designed for filmmakers with some prior experience, making it ideal for intermediate-level students who want to deepen their skills in natural light cinematography, camera movement, and visual storytelling.
You’ll need a basic video camera (DSLR or mirrorless recommended), a computer with editing software, and some simple light shaping tools like reflectors or curtains. Access to Photoshop is also helpful for moodboards and storyboards.
You’ll learn how to shape and control natural light, create cinematic looks, storyboard visually, edit footage, collaborate with directors, and curate a filmmaking portfolio. The course covers both technical skills and creative decision-making.
Yes, the course includes specific modules on shooting music videos and directing commercials for brands, with practical guidance on visual planning, lighting, and editing workflows.
Absolutely. The course teaches strategies for evaluating locations, planning sun position, and using available daylight to achieve cinematic results both indoors and outdoors.
Yes, you’ll learn color grading techniques, how to reference classical painters like Rembrandt and Monet, and how to use moodboards and LUTs to establish and match the tone of your film.
The course provides step-by-step guidance on creating storyboards, shot lists, and visual references using tools like Photoshop and Shotdeck, helping you organize and visualize your scenes.
muy bueno
Une approche intimiste et très cinématographique. Très intéressant pour tenter de produire des vidéos avec un look différent. Une méthodologie inspirante pour utiliser au mieux les ressources de la lumière naturelle.
Très instructif !
great profesor and fantastic lessons
Muito bom gostei muito ajudou muito a organizar minhas filmagens, mas gostaria de mais praticas
In fact, there is nothing new under the sky. It is to see his process as a filmmaker and how he does to switch lights while filming. In addition he creates atmospheres with lenses and other stuff beyond the lights.