How to Practice Cinematography Solo

Brandon Li β€’ October 28, 2025
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About

I'm a nomadic filmmaker on an endless world tour. Most of my main projects are on Vimeo. This is my channel for experimenting with new ideas. Business inquiries: [email protected] Please no gear questions via direct message or email Unscripted Studio: https://myfilm.school/youtube-invite All my gear: https://unscripted.com/gear Filmmaking FAQ: https://unscripted.com/faq My Vimeo page is better: https://www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot My homepage: https://brandonli.com Facebook.com/rungunshoot instagram: @brandon_l_li

Video Description

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: https://dzolink.com/4onFCaK UK: https://dzolink.com/4nhLxNB AU: https://dzolink.com/3WSyKGo Thanks buddy @naztlee @GODOXGlobal ML100R Lights https://geni.us/godoxml100rlight Godox parallel beam adapter https://geni.us/godoxmlcfl5parallel Godox inflatable airsoft tube https://amzn.to/3L2cXJN KF Concept Mini Tripod https://amzn.to/3IbdibV Ulanzi AT-O1 Tripod https://amzn.to/40Cbkaz Ulanzi Flexible Mini-Tripod https://amzn.to/3Ggukop SHINEWEE Carbon Fiber Extension Rod https://amzn.to/4nCGxVd πŸŽ₯ Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2025-invite πŸ”΄ Checkout my Gimbal Course: https://gimbalmasterclass.com/ Music by Uppbeat! Get started for free: https://share.uppbeat.io/brandon My Portfolio Page: https://vimeo.com/rungunshoot βœ… Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted πŸ‘‰ Filmmaking FAQ: https://unscripted.com/faq πŸ‘‰ All Gear: https://unscripted.com/gear πŸ‘‰ My Portfolio: http://www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot πŸ‘‰ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_l_li/ βœ… For Business Inquiries only: [email protected] ============================== βœ… Recommended Playlists: πŸ‘‰ Brandon's Film School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v72ZCEmO_bM&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnezWYDj5isoZ_iJU1nhjKv πŸ‘‰ Short Films https://www.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

Masterful Cinematography Starter Kit

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