What makes some images timeless while others fade from memory? How can a single picture capture the essence of a moment? And can these techniques be applied to even the simplest scenes, like an interview?
By studying both fiction and documentary films, along with some of the most iconic photographs, a common thread emerges—one rarely discussed in traditional photography, photojournalism, or documentary workshops. This cinematic approach to visual storytelling applies even to the simplest scenes, like an interview. It will transform how you capture events, film people, and frame locations as stories unfold.
Whether a single session or a series of classes, in a studio, on the street, or online, the Real Stories / Cinematic Impact workshop adjusts to participants’ needs, focusing on these key topics:
What is subtext, and how do images express it? By analyzing films and photographs, we uncover the meaning conveyed silently and effectively. You'll learn to find your own subtext and draw insight from any image, whether fiction or nonfiction—an approach that works even when there’s no preparation and all you have is a camera.
Cinematic lighting is often seen as an expensive, time-consuming process with little relevance to nonfiction. But a closer look reveals that iconic images have cinematic lighting, even when no equipment or crew was involved. You'll learn to see light like a cinematographer, recognizing its quality and purpose—forever transforming how you approach any filming location or capture a photograph.
Narrative perspective is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in film, and all it takes to convey it is a camera. Explore how master directors choose camera placement to connect with characters and guide the audience’s experience. Develop a more intentional approach to any space, and use your personal perspective to shape your creative camera choices.
Lenses may seem mysterious, but unlocking their storytelling potential doesn’t require deep technical knowledge. Using examples from powerful scenes, we explore how different lenses shape both the image and the audience’s experience.
Cinema differs from photography by introducing the element of time. Explore how viewers engage with a photograph and how the human eye moves through a scene. Then, see how movement—both within the frame and of the frame itself—enhances visual storytelling.
The sit-down interview is a great case study because it’s often seen as a straightforward technique with little room for creativity. In reality, though, the creative possibilities are endless, offering photojournalists and documentarians a chance to expand their visual vocabulary and apply it to any scene.
Cinematic Impact workshops are offered to educational institutions, companies and organizations of all types. Individuals are welcome to reach out too!