Description:
Are you a still photographer looking to expand your creative toolkit with motion? Join Leica Akademie USA for an immersive two-day workshop designed to bridge the gap between still imagery and cinematic storytelling.
Led by photographer and director Gajan Bajan, Video for Still Photographers is crafted specifically for photographers who are comfortable behind the camera but new to the world of video. Whether you're looking to create short films, branded content, or simply elevate your visual storytelling, this workshop provides a practical, Leica-centric introduction to filmmaking using the powerful Leica SL system.
What You Will Learn:
- Understand the why behind adding motion to your work
- Master the Leica SL system for video (including the SL3-S, SL2-S, and Q models)
- Nail exposure, focus, and audio like a pro
- Learn the essentials of cinematic lighting and movement
- Build sequences that tell compelling stories
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for photographers of all levels who are new to video and eager to expand their creative horizons. No prior video experience is required. Whether you want to create short films, brand content, or simply add a new dimension to your storytelling, this workshop is designed for still photographers with zero video experience.
Agenda:
This workshop follows a clear and structured curriculum led by an experienced instructor, ensuring each concept builds on the last for maximum impact. Expect a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where preparation is key. Bring your camera (if you have one), an open mind, and plenty of space for notes so you can capture every insight.
Saturday 9/13: - 10:00 am- 4:30 pm
- Differences between photography and filmmaking
- Mastering the perfect video settings
- What is Rec.709 & L-Log?
- Understanding key monitoring tools
- Landing the perfect exposure
- Developing user profiles
- Essentials in audio
- Live-demo experience
- And much more…
Sunday 9/14: - 11:00am-5:00pm
- Building a video rig
- Overview of key cinematography principles
- Working with three-point lighting
- Camera movements
- Planning and executing a sequence
- Ingesting and organizing footage
- Intro to editing workflows
- Sound design concepts
- And much more…
A catered lunch will be provided.
By the end of this two-day experience, you will walk away with the skills, confidence, and creative insight to bring motion into your photography practice. From mastering the Leica SL system to crafting and editing your own cinematic sequences, every moment of the workshop is designed to give you hands-on experience and real-world techniques you can apply immediately. This is your chance to expand your storytelling potential, learn in an inspiring environment, and leave with work you are proud to share.
Instructor:
About Gajan Balan:
Gajan Balan is a Toronto-based photographer and director whose work spans portraiture, fashion, street, and documentary. His visuals are a form of world-building, grounded in humanistic storytelling and inspired by his cultural heritage. Gajan’s work has received awards, been featured in galleries, and published internationally—but his mission remains focused: to create meaningful stories that resonate and inspire the next generation of creatives. He is currently working on his first feature-length documentary, set for release in 2026.
AT-A-GLANCE
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