Learning Journey
Curriculum Paths
Seven courses, and more than one way through them. Photography is always first. After that, choose your direction: lighting, photo editing, video production, or the complete journey.
Hands-on photography and videography training in Malindi, Kenya. Professional equipment, small cohorts, real-world shooting from day one.
Explore the Photography ClassIMARA 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.
From technically correct to creatively intentional. Learn exposure, focus, light, composition, and perspective — shooting on a professional full-frame camera system every day.
Course DetailsThe technical ground every moving image stands on: frame rates, the 180 degree shutter rule, exposure for video, ND filters and log. Three days, and the entry point to the whole video track.
View CurriculumFoundation teaches you to operate the camera. This one teaches you to tell a story with it: coverage that cuts together, motivated movement, audio, edit thinking, and a finished film you deliver yourself.
View CurriculumShort courses that build on a main class. Lighting follows Photography, the Drone Class follows Videography: Foundation. Take them once the ground is solid.
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.
View CurriculumLearn to fly before you learn to film. Pre-flight and safety, stick control, orientation, precision landing and emergencies, all flown by sight, then aerial camera moves on a DJI Mini 5 Pro.
View CurriculumShooting is half of it. These two courses take your files from the card to a finished image or a finished film.
RAW processing, colour correction, retouching, batch workflows, and developing a consistent visual style. From import to finished image.
View CurriculumThe 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 Cinematography leaves off.
View CurriculumSeven courses, and more than one way through them. Photography is always first. After that, choose your direction: lighting, photo editing, video production, or the complete journey.
You shoot on the same full-frame camera systems we use on productions. No toy gear, no compromises.
The Photography Class runs in groups of 4 to 6, never more than 9. The video courses and Lighting run smaller, 2 to 3 and never more than 4, the Drone Class smaller still. Every student gets direct feedback and hands-on time. This is mentorship, not a lecture hall.
You shoot outdoors from day one. Real light, real subjects, real environments on the Kenyan coast.
The curriculum comes from working productions, not textbooks. Every technique taught is one we use professionally.
Photography is a prerequisite for video. Exposure, light, and composition are learned once and applied in both crafts.
Students who show commitment can join the IMARA Talent Programme — learn the craft and give back through community volunteer work.
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 ProgrammeThe Photography Class is open for booking. Write to us to reserve your spot or ask anything.
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