GRAEME STRONG | Lighting Cameraman & DOP
Filming with Ross Noble for Comic Relief in Zambia

Filming with Ross Noble for Comic Relief in Zambia

 

CAMERA TRAINING

Graeme offers bespoke FX9, FX6 and FS7 training to individuals and groups in London and across the UK. Courses are taught on a 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 basis, so you have plenty of opportunity to get hands on, ask questions and learn at your pace.

Courses can be booked individually, or as a group. For production and corporate companies Graeme can train at your premises. All camera kit, monitors, radio mics and boom kit provided.

Please get in touch for rates and dates.

With years of experience, Graeme’s knowledge is superb and provides clear and patient instruction
— JOHANNA FRY - FREELANCE AP AND FOUNDER OF JOHANNA FRY FILMS

 

 

FX9, FX6 & FS7 TRAINING COURSES

 FX9, FX6 & FS7 Comprehensive Training

A two day course covering a broad range of practical knowledge in camera operating and directing. Recommended for anyone new to operating a camera, this course will give you the confidence to take your knowledge into a real world setting.

 

FX9, FX6 & FS7 An Introduction to the Camera

A popular one day course that offers a practical introduction to operating an FX6, FX9 or FS7 camera. A solid starting point for anyone new to camera operating.

 

FX9, FX6 & FS7 Intermediary Level

A one day course that offers in depth training on an FX6, FX9 or FS7 camera. This is a great course if you know the basics and are looking to build your skills and confidence.

 

Topics covered include:

  • Navigating menus 

  • Techniques for focussing

  • Shooting for the edit

  • Making the most of your lenses

  • Audio settings

  • Crossing the line

  • Time Code

  • Basic i/v lighting and colour temperature

  • Custom Settings

  • Composition and rule of thirds

  • Cine EI and luts

  • White balancing under mixed lighting

  • Codecs

  • Recording formats

  • Depth of field and how to control it

  • Gammas and Hypergammas

  • Exposure tools

  • Essential first checks

  • ISO and noise

  • Slow and quick recording

  • Covering shots and cutaways

  • Shooting with foreground

  • Tripod technique

  • Balancing the camera

  • Handheld shooting tips

  • Focal lengths and f stops

  • Holding shots

  • NDs and variable NDs

  • Sensor Crop

  • S-cinetone

  • Autofocus

  • Picture Cache Recording

  • S&Q Recording

  • Autofocus settings


 
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TRAINING TESTIMONIALS

 

“Graeme is a natural teacher and added to his professional experience, he gave us a comprehensive introduction to the FS7.  I am an experienced PD and Series Producer but I have to admit the FS7 scared me.  Graeme was incredibly patient and demystified the camera for me.  I now want to learn more and put it into action!”

- TINA GORTMANS - SP

“I thoroughly recommend attending this course.  The informal setting is perfect – totally unintimidating, which allowed me to ask numerous questions.  The hands on practical approach is essential and I feel confident to go out and solo shoot.  With years of location experience, Graeme’s knowledge is superb and provides clear and patient instruction.”

- JOHANNA FRY - AP

“A very beneficial day of training talking me through all of the aspects of what is potentially a very difficult camera to use.  All of the buttons and functions could have been quite overwhelming, but Graeme has a teaching style which is patient and doesn’t make you feel foolish for asking basic questions.  I would definitely recommend.”

- STEPHEN PAIN - SD

“Brilliant training…Great refresher…Jumping between the edit, shooting and directing crew, it was a brilliant refresher before self-shooting a new series.  Would highly recommend to any shooter, novice or experienced.”

- INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS - SD

“Great guy, relaxed and amazing attention to detail.  Made me feel at ease and nothing was too much trouble.”

- STUART HOWELS - FS7 OWNER/OP

“This was a brilliant introduction – I feel like I have the tools and knowledge to go away and consolidate what I’ve learned.  I definitely feel like I’ll have more confidence now to pick up a camera and try things out.”

- HAYLEY RHODES - PD

“Despite self-shooting broadcast for a number of years, gaps in my knowledge around the FS7 were an issue on shoots.  Not fully understanding camera set up or the functions of all the buttons caused problems.  I took the course with Graeme to fill the gaps in my knowledge and utilize the full potential of the FS7.  Graeme has incredible camera knowledge and industry experience which he has condensed into bite-size chunks.  Training is all camera-based with Graeme advising from a monitor.  The course is thorough taking student from A to Z of camera set up and shooting.  His Teaching style is interactive and responsive and the course is underpinned with a bespoke course manual.  I am so pleased I took the course as I can now run the FS7 properly and shoot with confidence.  I also gained some invaluable shooting skills.  Thanks Graeme.”

- ALAN KING - PD

“Graeme is a great teacher.  Friendly and patient, he is able to break down complicated subjects in ways that are easy to understand.  I found his one-day course incredibly helpful and would highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their understanding of the fundamentals of shooting.”

- SAM REDMAN - AP

“Graeme is a brilliant teacher. I learnt a lot in one day. He was patient yet efficient. I enjoyed and appreciated being in charge of the FS7 all day, starting with navigating the menu and setting up the camera to shooting practice sequences.”

  - MICHAEL LYONS - AP 

“Really useful and engaging approach to learning.  Highly informative and engaging training session – Graeme put me at ease and made me feel comfortable and confident in operating the FS7”   

- FINN SHERIDAN - RAVENSBOURNE FILM STUDENT

“Today went really well, great getting time to use the camera and go through everything at a pace that suits us.  Would definitely come to another course.”

- LILY KIANG - PROD CO-ORD

“Graeme’s methodical and patient teaching style was ideal for me getting my head round a complex camera.  The environment was relaxed and I felt I could raise any questions without feeling stupid.  The exercises were a big hit – constantly pushing me into the mindset of a seasoned camera professional.” 

- RUPPERT GABRIEL - SP

“What was invaluable about Graeme’s training was the ‘little things’ – quirks specific to the camera model, advanced setting and pro tips from his experience in the field.  Most camera courses seem to just show you the basic theory of using any camera and then leave you to figure out the rest for yourself, which is fine, but we’d done these kinds of courses before and so Graeme tailored his course to what we actually wanted to learn.  There was a mix of ability and experience levels in the group but Graeme found the perfect balance to cater for everybody and their individual needs while not leaving a single person out at any point.  I can’t fault the course at all – highly recommended!”

-JR SWABY - BBC PRODUCER

“It's clear that Graeme is an experienced cameraman and it was exciting to be learning under him.  His knowledge and patience made it a fun day.”

- LUKA SHIMIDA - BBC SOCIAL CONTENT DEPT

“Graeme was a brilliant teacher.  He tailored the training to what I wanted to know.  He’s patient and happy to go over things more than once.  The training is extensive and covers technical and practical knowledge.  Getting my hands on the camera and shooting sequences was really helpful.”

- DAMIANO PETRUCCI - FOUNDER DP PRODS

Really fantastic course – very thorough and has all the equipment needed to get stuck into learning about the FX9 if you haven’t got to grips with the camera before.  You go through all the technical elements in the morning and any settings that are different to the FS7.  Graeme is open to any confusion and questions if you are unsure so don’t be afraid to ask as if you do, you finish the day course full of knowledge and comfortable using an FX9.”

FINN LONGMUIRE - AP

Graeme was a wonderful guide to the FS7, openly sharing great insights and tips throughout the day making his tutorial great value for money.  I’d definitely recommend.” 

- ATUL MALHOTRA - FOUNDER MUTINY FILMS

“Graeme was a great instructor and I’ve learnt a lot about the camera today – feeling more confident already!”

- LAURA MCMILLEN - AP

“Great workshop, theoretical/technical and practical guidance, would recommend!!”

- ANNIE WOODMAN - PRODUCER

“Graeme is a highly knowledgeable teacher who makes things easy to understand and is able to answer any questions.”

- WILL HORNE - AP

“A great introduction to learn the set up of a camera and the basic knowledge of operating.  I have never picked up a camera before and now don’t feel afraid to ask questions as I have some basic training and camera knowledge.  The teaching style was clear and calm and explained simply in a way for someone who doesn’t operate, to easily understand.”

- ANNA GILCHRIST - AP