Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
It’s possible to shoot great cinematography all by yourself with simple gear and creative techniques. Getting inspired, finding locations, using prime lenses and manual focus. Step-by-step examples of wide angle shots, creative defocusing, b-roll, and faking natural light indoors and outdoors. Plus neon lighting and using with AI to replace the lights.
This video is partially sponsored by @DZOFILM
DZOFilm Vespid 2 Cine Lenses
US: dzolink.com/4onFCaK
UK: dzolink.com/4nhLxNB
AU: dzolink.com/3WSyKGo
Get my co-designed Freewell VND CPL filter kit:
49-82mm
freewellgear.com/collections/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-series/products/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-82-mm
86-95mm
freewellgear.com/collections/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-series/products/brandonli-freewell-86mm-vnd-cpl
10% discount with code BRANDON10
Thanks buddy @naztlee
@GODOXGlobal ML100R Lights geni.us/godoxml100rlight
Godox parallel beam adapter geni.us/godoxmlcfl5parallel
Godox inflatable airsoft tube amzn.to/3L2cXJN
KF Concept Mini Tripod amzn.to/3IbdibV
Ulanzi AT-O1 Tripod amzn.to/40Cbkaz
Ulanzi Flexible Mini-Tripod amzn.to/3Ggukop
SHINEWEE Carbon Fiber Extension Rod amzn.to/4nCGxVd
🎥 Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2025-invite
🔴 Checkout my Gimbal Course: gimbalmasterclass.com
Music by Uppbeat! Get started for free: share.uppbeat.io/brandon
My Portfolio Page: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
✅ Subscribe: youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
👉 Filmmaking FAQ: unscripted.com/faq
👉 All Gear: unscripted.com/gear
👉 My Portfolio: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
👉 Instagram: instagram.com/brandon_l_li
✅ For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
==============================
✅ Recommended Playlists:
👉 Brandon's Film School
youtube.com/watch?v=v72ZCEmO_bM&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnezWYDj5isoZ_iJU1nhjKv
👉 Short Films
youtube.com/watch?v=D_xBHxRpQDY&list=PL4HCvXRptWNk-esVFXU8NPfedqNvb6P3d
===========================
0:00 Intro
1:13 Getting Inspired
3:06 What Gear Do I Need
4:59 Low Wide Shot
7:12 Defocus Yourself
8:35 Telephoto B-Roll
9:47 DZOFilm Vespid 2 Prime Cine Lenses
11:13 Faking Indoor Sunlight
12:46 Balcony Shot
13:28 Medium Shot in a Chair
14:06 Faking Outdoor Sunlight
15:42 Neon Glow
16:53 Replacing the Light with AI
#filmingyourself #dzofilm #cinematography #godox #solofilmmaker
It’s possible to shoot great cinematography all by yourself with simple gear and creative techniques. Getting inspired, finding locations, using prime lenses and manual focus. Step-by-step examples of wide angle shots, creative defocusing, b-roll, and faking natural light indoors and outdoors. Plus neon lighting and using with AI to replace the lights.
This video is partially sponsored by @DZOFILM
DZOFilm Vespid 2 Cine Lenses
US: dzolink.com/4onFCaK
UK: dzolink.com/4nhLxNB
AU: dzolink.com/3WSyKGo
Get my co-designed Freewell VND CPL filter kit:
49-82mm
freewellgear.com/collections/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-series/products/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-82-mm
86-95mm
freewellgear.com/collections/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-series/products/brandonli-freewell-86mm-vnd-cpl
10% discount with code BRANDON10
Thanks buddy @naztlee
@GODOXGlobal ML100R Lights geni.us/godoxml100rlight
Godox parallel beam adapter geni.us/godoxmlcfl5parallel
Godox inflatable airsoft tube amzn.to/3L2cXJN
KF Concept Mini Tripod amzn.to/3IbdibV
Ulanzi AT-O1 Tripod amzn.to/40Cbkaz
Ulanzi Flexible Mini-Tripod amzn.to/3Ggukop
SHINEWEE Carbon Fiber Extension Rod amzn.to/4nCGxVd
🎥 Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2025-invite
🔴 Checkout my Gimbal Course: gimbalmasterclass.com
Music by Uppbeat! Get started for free: share.uppbeat.io/brandon
My Portfolio Page: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
✅ Subscribe: youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
👉 Filmmaking FAQ: unscripted.com/faq
👉 All Gear: unscripted.com/gear
👉 My Portfolio: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
👉 Instagram: instagram.com/brandon_l_li
✅ For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
==============================
✅ Recommended Playlists:
👉 Brandon's Film School
youtube.com/watch?v=v72ZCEmO_bM&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnezWYDj5isoZ_iJU1nhjKv
👉 Short Films
youtube.com/watch?v=D_xBHxRpQDY&list=PL4HCvXRptWNk-esVFXU8NPfedqNvb6P3d
===========================
0:00 Intro
1:13 Getting Inspired
3:06 What Gear Do I Need
4:59 Low Wide Shot
7:12 Defocus Yourself
8:35 Telephoto B-Roll
9:47 DZOFilm Vespid 2 Prime Cine Lenses
11:13 Faking Indoor Sunlight
12:46 Balcony Shot
13:28 Medium Shot in a Chair
14:06 Faking Outdoor Sunlight
15:42 Neon Glow
16:53 Replacing the Light with AI
#filmingyourself #dzofilm #cinematography #godox #solofilmmaker
![Un Voyage Magique- Maison de Grand Esprit Brand Film [with behind the scenes]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f0h0KqqP5TU/mqdefault.jpg "Un Voyage Magique- Maison de Grand Esprit Brand Film [with behind the scenes]
A commercial project I directed for Maison de Grand Esprit. Directors cut + behind the scenes footage. Learn filmmaking from me: https://myfilm.school/mdge-commercial
Gear: https://bdn.li/kit
Agency: CA_ creativexagency.com
Directed by Brandon Li @brandon_l_li
Executive Producer: Victor Hu @v_hu
Producer Lucía Villalta @luciavillaltam
.
Starring:
Sumi Yamaguchi @sumi_yamaguchi
Behind the Scenes footage: Atiba Belgrave @DigitalTravelVideos")
![DJI RS 5 Gimbal First Look [New handle, enhanced tracking, fine tuning knobs]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f8dM7KoZjZ8/mqdefault.jpg "DJI RS 5 Gimbal First Look [New handle, enhanced tracking, fine tuning knobs]
The DJI RS 5 Gimbal is the camera stabilizer we’ve all been waiting to see. I got my hands on it and took it out for some real shooting. Learn all about the new features in this first-look video.
Get RS 5: https://geni.us/DJIRS5GIMBAL
This video is sponsored by DJI.
Thank you to the crew @FreeToUseSounds @ManitMonsur
Get my co-designed Freewell VND CPL filter kit:
49-82mm
https://freewellgear.com/collections/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-series/products/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-82-mm
86-95mm
https://freewellgear.com/collections/brandonli-freewell-vnd-cpl-series/products/brandonli-freewell-86mm-vnd-cpl
10% discount with code BRANDON10
🎥 Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2025-invite
🔴 Get my DJI Osmo Pocket 3 training course! https://pocket.video/cinematic-course
🔴 Checkout my Gimbal Course: https://gimbalmasterclass.com/
My Portfolio Page: https://vimeo.com/rungunshoot
✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
👉 Filmmaking FAQ: https://unscripted.com/faq
👉 All Gear: https://unscripted.com/gear
👉 My Portfolio: http://www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_l_li/
✅ For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
0:00 Intro - What’s New
0:39 Fine tuning knobs on every axis
1:09 Second gen auto axis locks
1:27 Native vertical shooting
1:47 Mini tripod feet
2:02 Electronic briefcase handle
3:19 RS enhanced intelligent tracking module
4:15 Advanced tracking features
4:57 Real world uses for tracking
6:44 Why I use gimbals
#DJIRS5 #DJIGimbal #camerastabilizer")
![Sirui 50mm T2.9 Full Frame 1.6X Anamorphic Lens - Filmmaking Test [Sony A7sIII]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fvvLeBW7GS8/mqdefault.jpg "Sirui 50mm T2.9 Full Frame 1.6X Anamorphic Lens - Filmmaking Test [Sony A7sIII]
Ive always dreamed of being able to shoot run-and-gun anamorphic, so I wanted to try this new full-frame lens on my Sony A7siii. Read my full thoughts in description below. Learn filmmaking: https://filmschool.us/brandon-li-2024
Get the lens: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sirui-50mm-t2-9-1-6x-full-frame-anamorphic-lens 2
Shout out to my friends at 8055 bar (IG @8.0.5.5) and 9Cut Barbershop (IG @9cutbarbershop). Thanks guys!
Sunset location: Central-Wanchai Bypass East Vent Shaft, Hong Kong
Filmmaking for Photographers: https://filmmakingforphotographers.com/
My Gimbal Masterclass: https://gimbalmasterclass.com/brandon/
GOT A QUESTION FOR ME? CHECK MY HUGE LIST OF FILMMAKING Q&A https://learn.unscripted.com/faq/
My thoughts on this lens:
The Sirui 50mm Full Frame Anamorphic is the first Sirui lens that looks noticeably anamorphic to me. The lens is sharp and has great contrast and color. The bokeh is noticeably oval, though of course its not the full 2x stretch. The focus ring is smooth in operation and not too tight for small follow focus gears to operate.
So lets go ahead and talk about that crazy flare. Yeah theres way too much of it. It looks ok to me when theres just one strong light source light like the sun, but it looks awful when theres many light sources. Sirui told me the production version of this lens will have different coatings for reduced flare, so well see. I do wish they could also give the flare a more neutral color. I prefer the flare to be more subtle and natural overall because Im not shooting sci-fi.
The lens is big and heavy, but thats to be expected from most anamorphic primes. I was able to balance it on my DJI RS 2 and RSC 2 gimbals (with follow focus and lens support), but the gimbals couldnt stabilize it nearly as well as my smaller primes. I still got lots of jitters, even with easy slow movements. Also, it was difficult to keep the follow focus gear from disconnecting. Generally it just didnt work too well with my gimbals, so be warned.
The T2.9 aperture is about the same as F2.8. Its not super bright for a prime. But if it were T2, the lens would be gigantic and more expensive. So thats the tradeoff.
The 50mm focal length is actually wider, because of anamorphics increased field of view. It feels more like a 35mm or 40mm in spherical lens terms. A very useful focal length for filming people in medium and close-up shots. If you use a 4x3 sensor camera, I think youll get a wider FOV.
I dont know if its weatherproof, so I cant comment on that.
Final thoughts: this lens is totally usable and gives you enough anamorphic look to justify the extra hassle. Personally, I would wait to purchase until I could get a whole set of FF 1.6x lenses. Otherwise the image wont match the rest of my kit. But this 50mm is a great start, once they fix that flare.
Technical notes: Filmed on Sony A7siii in slog3sgamut3cine @ 4k60p, 4k24p. No ND filters. Handheld + DJI RSC 2 gimbal. Edited in DaVinci Resolve. 5184 x 2160 timeline. Input LUT and basic cc only. No creative LUT or film emulation used.
Music by Uppbeat! Join for free today: https://uppbeat.io/?ps=brandonli
#filmmaking #lenses #anamorphic #fullframe #unscriptedstudio
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I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and B&H Photo Video Affiliate program, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and bhphotovideo.com. Additionally, I participate in other affiliate programs, and sometimes get a commission through purchases made through my links.")
![Coast of Spain - Cinematic Travel Film [shot on vivo X300 Pro]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hN1M9PqMX_U/mqdefault.jpg "Coast of Spain - Cinematic Travel Film [shot on vivo X300 Pro]
I spent a month traveling the outer regions of Spain to create this video, a look into parts of the country a bit less known to tourists. I shot it all on the vivo X300 Pro smartphone.
From the calm Mediterranean seas of Costa Brava, to the rugged life in Galicia and Cantabria, to the endless beaches and traditional mountain cultures of Tenerife. Come take a look at another side of Spain.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this possible:
@davidfilmmaker
@annatorras
@coevolvenetwork
@MaralaVista
@_uri.g_
@aless.william
@ideandoart
@un_farandulero
@elmascanario
@AlexTimelapse
@by.alexpires
The music in this film is from Uppbeat.io
Get started for free: https://share.uppbeat.io/brandon
🎥 Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2025-invite
🔴 Checkout my Gimbal Course: https://gimbalmasterclass.com/
My Portfolio Page: https://vimeo.com/rungunshoot
✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
👉 Filmmaking FAQ: https://unscripted.com/faq
👉 All Gear: https://unscripted.com/gear
👉 My Portfolio: http://www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_l_li/
✅ For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
✅ Recommended Playlists:
👉 Brandons Film School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v72ZCEmO_bM&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnezWYDj5isoZ_iJU1nhjKv
👉 Short Films
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_xBHxRpQDY&list=PL4HCvXRptWNk-esVFXU8NPfedqNvb6P3d
👉 Cinematic Vlog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1VGIA2mdhg&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnMonL-zrqyuebC7SLzyMBf
✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:
👉 SmallRig RC 450B COB LED Video Light: Location Shoot Test https://youtu.be/OL1wDp7OCKc
👉 I tested these POWERFUL Pocket RGB Filmmaking Lights [Zhiyun Molus x60, Fiveray M20C Tutorial] https://youtu.be/3q4fOEx_VTQ
👉 How to Delete Lighting Gear from Your Shots! (Featuring Godox UL150 & LC500R) https://youtu.be/bf-47KUygwI
0:00 Coast of Spain
4:28 Behind the Scenes
#vivoX300Series #vivoX300FeelTheWay #shotonvivo #FeelTheWay")
