Communication Studies and Language Communication Studies

Camera Mounting And Movement Techniques Training

SAQA US 117531 | NQF 4 | Credits 14 | Duration 11 Days
From $2,074 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills to mount cameras securely and apply movement techniques for dynamic video production. It covers tripod setup, handheld stabilization, dolly tracking, and gimbal operations to achieve professional-grade footage. Designed for media professionals, the training ensures safe equipment handling and creative camera movement.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate safe mounting of cameras on tripods, monopods, and stabilizers.
  • Apply dolly, pan, tilt, and tracking movements to enhance visual storytelling.
  • Analyze shot composition and select appropriate movement techniques for narrative impact.
  • Implement handheld and gimbal stabilization for smooth footage in dynamic environments.
  • Evaluate equipment setup and adjust for different shooting scenarios.
  • Design a sequence of camera movements to achieve a specific creative brief.

Target Audience

This course is for videographers, camera operators, film students, and content creators seeking to master camera mounting and movement for productions in corporate, event, or broadcast environments.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Camera Mounting and Movement

Objectives:
• Understand the importance of camera mounting and movement in visual storytelling
• Identify different types of camera mounts and their applications
• Explain the principles of smooth camera movement
• Recognise safety considerations when using camera mounts

Topics:
• Overview of camera mounting equipment
• Basic camera movement techniques: pan, tilt, dolly, track
• Principles of composition and framing
• Safety protocols for mounting and moving cameras

Day 2: Tripods and Fluid Heads

Objectives:
• Set up and balance a tripod with a fluid head
• Execute smooth pans and tilts
• Adjust tripod height and spread for stability
• Maintain tripod equipment

Topics:
• Types of tripods: video, photo, lightweight
• Fluid head operation: drag settings, counterbalance
• Levelling techniques using bubble levels
• Tripod maintenance and troubleshooting

Day 3: Handheld and Shoulder-Mounted Techniques

Objectives:
• Stabilise handheld shots using body mechanics
• Operate a shoulder rig effectively
• Reduce camera shake with proper posture
• Transition between handheld and static shots

Topics:
• Handheld grip techniques
• Shoulder rig setup and adjustment
• Breathing and movement control
• Using image stabilisation in-camera

Day 4: Dollies, Sliders, and Cranes

Objectives:
• Assemble and operate a dolly on tracks
• Use a slider for smooth linear movement
• Operate a mini jib or crane for vertical motion
• Plan camera movement paths

Topics:
• Dolly types: wheeled, track, doorway
• Slider setup and motorised options
• Crane/jib safety and balancing
• Blocking movement with actors

Day 5: Gimbals and Steadicams

Objectives:
• Balance and calibrate a gimbal
• Walk with a gimbal to achieve smooth motion
• Operate a Steadicam vest and arm
• Execute low-angle and high-angle gimbal shots

Topics:
• Gimbal types: handheld, body-mounted
• Balancing techniques for different cameras
• Steadicam vest fitting and arm adjustment
• Dynamic movement modes: follow, lock, pan

Day 6: Car Mounts and Vehicle Rigs

Objectives:
• Install car mounts safely on vehicles
• Capture driving shots with suction cup mounts
• Use hood, side, and rear mounts
• Comply with road safety regulations

Topics:
• Suction cup mount types and load limits
• Rigging cameras on cars, bikes, and boats
• Remote control operation while driving
• Legal and insurance considerations

Day 7: Aerial Mounts and Drones

Objectives:
• Set up and pilot a drone for cinematography
• Mount cameras on drones safely
• Compose aerial shots following CAA regulations
• Plan flight paths for smooth footage

Topics:
• Drone types and camera payloads
• Pre-flight checks and battery management
• Gimbal settings for aerial movement
• South African drone regulations (SACAA)

Day 8: Creative Movement and Advanced Techniques

Objectives:
• Combine multiple movement types in one shot
• Use motion control for repeatable moves
• Create whip pans and crash zooms
• Implement focus pulling while moving

Topics:
• Combining dolly and pan
• Motion control rigs and time-lapse
• Creative transitions: snap zooms, rotating
• Pulling focus on moving cameras

Day 9: Rigging and Safety for Complex Shots

Objectives:
• Rig cameras in challenging locations
• Use safety cables and tethers
• Calculate weight distribution for rigging
• Perform risk assessments for camera mounts

Topics:
• Clamps, stands, and grip equipment
• Safety cables and secondary supports
• Rigging on scaffolding, ladders, and balconies
• Risk assessment documentation

Day 10: Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Objectives:
• Diagnose common camera mount issues
• Perform field repairs on mounts
• Clean and lubricate moving parts
• Calibrate gimbals and fluid heads

Topics:
• Troubleshooting vibration and wobble
• Replacing worn parts: screws, pads
• Cleaning tripod leg locks and fluid heads
• Firmware updates for electronic mounts

Day 11: Practical Integration and Assessment

Objectives:
• Plan and execute a multi-camera movement sequence
• Integrate various mounts into a narrative scene
• Demonstrate safe rigging practices
• Receive feedback and final assessment

Topics:
• Storyboarding movement sequences
• Coordinating multiple camera operators
• Final practical project: scene with movement
• Peer review and instructor evaluation

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Tue 08 Sep 2026 Tue 22 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $2,074 Register
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Wed 19 Jan 2028 Wed 02 Feb 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $2,074 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 531 sessions across 26 venues
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Wed 24 Jun 2026 Wed 08 Jul 2026 Mombasa, Kenya Winter 2026 $5,891 Register
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Tue 30 Jun 2026 Tue 14 Jul 2026 Mombasa, Kenya Winter 2026 $5,891 Register
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Fri 18 Jun 2027 Fri 02 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $2,695 Register
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Wed 28 Jul 2027 Wed 11 Aug 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $2,695 Register
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Fri 29 Oct 2027 Fri 12 Nov 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $2,695 Register
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Fri 07 Jan 2028 Fri 21 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,695 Register
Thu 27 Jan 2028 Thu 10 Feb 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,695 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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