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Learn to see.
Learn to tell.

Hands-on photography and videography training in Malindi, Kenya. Professional equipment, small cohorts, real-world shooting from day one.

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The Academy

Photography and videography
taught as a craft

IMARA Film Academy is the teaching arm of the cinematic studio IMARA Film, on the Kenyan coast. We teach the skills behind the image: exposure, light, composition, movement, sound, and story. Every course runs on professional camera systems, in real locations, with real subjects.

Taught by IMARA Film photographers and filmmakers with experience in film production, portrait photography, events, documentary, and commercial work.

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Photography Class
5 Days

From technically correct to creatively intentional. Learn exposure, focus, light, composition, and perspective — shooting on a professional full-frame camera system every day.

Course Details
Q1 2027
Editing: Lightroom & Photoshop
Duration TBA

RAW processing, colour correction, retouching, batch workflows, and developing a consistent visual style. From import to finished image.

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End of 2026
Videography Class
10 Days

Build on your photography foundation and move into cinematic video: camera operation, coverage, movement, audio, colour grading, and editing in DaVinci Resolve.

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Q1 2027
Editing: DaVinci Resolve
Duration TBA

The full editing and finishing craft. Timeline editing, colour grading with nodes and LUTs, audio mixing in Fairlight, and export for web and broadcast. Picks up where the Videography Class leaves off.

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Go deeper

Short courses that build on the Photography Class. Take them once you have the foundation, in whichever order suits you.

End of 2026
Lighting: Studio & Flash
2 Days

The Photography Class teaches you to read light. This one teaches you to build it. Studio and flash: apparent size, fall-off, flash exposure, portrait patterns, gels, and fill flash against a hard midday sun.

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Learning Journey

Curriculum Paths

Five courses, seven possible paths. Photography is always first. After that, choose your direction: lighting, photo editing, video production, or the complete journey.

IMARA Film Academy Curriculum Paths

Download Curriculum Paths (PDF)

Instructor explaining camera handling at the whiteboard Student portrait lit with a softbox in the studio Student filling in the Final Assignment Reviewing a portrait together on the monitor Instructor coaching a student while shooting outdoors Student photographing a young subject on location Student photographing on the beach in Malindi Student shooting on the beach with the sea behind Student shooting with the camera at eye level
Lightbox
Why IMARA Film Academy

Six reasons to train with us

01
Professional Equipment

You shoot on the same full-frame camera systems we use on productions. No toy gear, no compromises.

02
Small Cohorts

The Photography Class runs in groups of 4 to 6, never more than 9. The Videography Class runs smaller, 2 to 3 and never more than 4. Every student gets direct feedback and hands-on time. This is mentorship, not a lecture hall.

03
Real-World Shooting

You shoot outdoors from day one. Real light, real subjects, real environments on the Kenyan coast.

04
Production Experience

The curriculum comes from working productions, not textbooks. Every technique taught is one we use professionally.

05
Photo Before Video

Photography is a prerequisite for video. Exposure, light, and composition are learned once and applied in both crafts.

06
Talent Programme

Students who show commitment can join the IMARA Talent Programme — learn the craft and give back through community volunteer work.

IMARA Talent Programme

Not everyone can afford professional training. The IMARA Talent Programme gives motivated students access to the full Photography Class at no cost. In return, graduates commit to 24 volunteer days over 3 months, applying their skills to community projects and IMARA Film productions.

The programme is open to applicants in the Malindi area who demonstrate genuine interest and commitment. Some experience in photography or video is an advantage, but not required.

Explore the Talent Programme

Ready to start?

The Photography Class is open for booking. Write to us to reserve your spot or ask anything.

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