Cinematography with Natural Light
A course by Albin SjödinCinematographer
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
Introduction and Mood board
19 minutes, 18 seconds
Lenses and Equipment
17 minutes, 15 seconds
Storyboard
16 minutes, 42 seconds
High Key (Daytime) Lighting Wide Shots
11 minutes, 24 seconds
Quick Edit
8 minutes, 5 seconds
Color Grading High Key (Daytime) Footage 1
19 minutes, 33 seconds
What's included in this course?
Get to know Albin, how he got started in cinematography and how he found his voice within filmmaking. Explore his sources of inspiration from artists to different types of projects.
Start the pre-production phase with an introduction to mood boards and how they are used to explore the look you want to achieve. Then look at the different equipment for your project and which ones work best for the purpose of your film. See how Albin recreates his vision of a project through storyboards and use his template to create your own in Photoshop. Then, learn how to scout for locations and go through the process of the tech recce.
Prepare for shooting a bright version of your scene and learn to work with the different kinds of available light from your location. Then, shoot your closeups and wide shots, seeing how to play with your light sources to create your desired effect.
Move on to shooting your scene in low key lighting at night. Prepare your scene according to what you planned in the pre-production stage and shoot your closeups. Albin guides you through the different angles and lighting options to enhance the quality of your shots.
Learn how to edit both versions of your scene in DaVinci Resolve. Explore one of Albin’s favorite filmmaking processes: color grading. Albin then demonstrates his approach to color grading step-by-step for both scenes. Finish the course with Albin’s tips for creating a portfolio that represents your work and advice for future projects as an independent filmmaker.
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
- 4 months ago
muy bueno
- 1 year ago
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 !
- 1 year ago
great profesor and fantastic lessons
- 1 year ago
Muito bom gostei muito ajudou muito a organizar minhas filmagens, mas gostaria de mais praticas
- 1 year ago
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.
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
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Pre Production
- Introduction and Mood board
- Lenses and Equipment
- Storyboard
- Location Scouting and Recce
- U3
The Shoot: High Key (Daytime) Lighting
- High Key (Daytime) Lighting Preparation
- High Key (Daytime) Lighting Closeups
- High Key (Daytime) Lighting Wide Shots
- U4
The Shoot: Low Key (Nighttime) Lighting
- Low Key (Nighttime) Lighting Preparation
- Low Key (Nighttime) Lighting Close Ups
- Low Key (Nighttime) Lighting Wide Shots
- U5
Post Production
- Quick Edit
- Color Grading High Key (Daytime) Footage 1
- Color Grading High Key (Daytime) Footage 2
- Color Grading Low Key Footage
- How to Curate Your Work as an Independent Filmmaker
- FP
Final project
- Cinematography with Natural Light
What to expect from a Domestika course
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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.