Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Our BRAND NEW course CinePath Pro™: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Full-Time DP, is launching May 12th. Taught by pro DP Nik Pilecki, CinePath Pro™ gives you the clearest, most practical path to becoming a working Director of Photography - not someday - now.

FREE WORKSHOPS: In celebration of the new course we are holding our Rush Week Sale, from May 12th to 16th, where we are hosting free-workshops.
See all the events here: tinyurl.com/2mwfeytu

GIVEAWAY: We are doing an INSANE giveaway, a full documentary kit, 4x Simera-C Lenses + a Sony Fx30. Check out the giveaway on our instagram here: tinyurl.com/mrxkn9az

FOOTAGE REVIEW: If you want to get YOUR FOOTAGE REVIEWED by Nik Pilecki, sign up for our newsletter to be the first to receive your chance to book a slot: https://mailchi.mp/aodfilm/insider

Find out more about The Art of Documentary: theartofdocumentary.com

0:00 - Intro
0:56 - good lighting, be careful with intersecting objects
2:49 - too bright, follow these steps to make your subject stand out
4:50 - hide your mic!
5:29 - very dark background, try this instead
7:37 - how to become a Top-tier, in demand DP
8:42 - avoid this at all cost
10:45 - learn when you can/can’t jump the axis
12:31 - make sure your windows aren’t clipping
14:17 - great lighting, but hide your mic!
16:32 - make sure your waveform has highs and lows
17:20 - when working with elderly talent, always do this
18:55 - great ACam, but there’s a problem with the BCam here
20:47 - super tight BCam, this could be problematic
23:24 - don’t shoot the BRoll where you record your interview
25:17 - final thoughts