Exposure Therapy: A Technical Deep Dive

Decoding the science behind your camera's settings and how they translate to the final image.

This three-hour workshop is designed for intermediate cinematographers and professional filmmakers or photographers who want to gain a comprehensive, technical understanding of their digital camera.

Led by industry professional Philip LeMoyne, this intensive session will move beyond simple settings to provide a deep dive into the core principles of digital image capture.

Part 1: Theory and Fundamentals (Lecture)

• This foundational lecture will demystify the science behind digital imaging. We will cover the essential concepts that inform every creative and technical decision on set.
• How a Camera Sensor Works: A back-to-basics look at the architecture of a digital sensor and its function.
• The RAW vs. Debayering: Understanding the difference between raw data and processed formats, and the role of various codecs.
• Decoding Color Spaces: A clear explanation of standard color spaces like Rec.709 and the expanded potential of HDR and beyond.
• Exposure Control: A critical analysis of digital vs. analogue exposure, and the proper use of terms like ISO, EI, and ASA.
• The Science of Light: Defining Middle Grey, and its importance in achieving accurate exposure.
• Creative Parameters: A discussion on the technical and creative impact of saturation and white balance.

Part 2: Practical Application (Interactive Demo)

In the second half of the workshop, we will put theory into practice with a series of hands-on demonstrations using a professional cinema camera. This session will allow you to see the real-world effects of the concepts discussed in the lecture.

• White Balance & Exposure: Witness the direct relationship between white balance and exposure values.
• Dual Gain Sensor Technology: A demonstration of how dual gain sensors can be leveraged to improve dynamic range and reduce noise.
• Exposing for Any Scene: Practical techniques for optimizing exposure in both high-dynamic-range and low-dynamic-range environments.
• The Limits of Recovery: We will intentionally under- and overexpose footage to test the limits of what a camera can recover in post-production.

About Philip LeMoyne:

With over a decade of experience across narrative and commercial productions, Philip LeMoyne’s work has reached millions — from festival premieres to billboards in Times Square. His deep research into modern cinematography technologies (both film and digital) informs every frame he shoots. As a partner at Toronto-based production company Ten Four Pictures, Philip brings a wealth of real-world expertise to every project — and to every workshop.

Audience & Outcomes

This workshop is ideal for cinematography and photography students, freelance filmmakers, and industry adjacent professionals. Upon completion, attendees will have a robust understanding of their camera's technical capabilities, enabling them to make more informed and creative decisions. The principles covered are universally applicable to both film and photography.

Who Should Attend:

• Aspiring and emerging cinematographers
• Photographers
• Anyone interested in the behind-the-numbers camera set up and how the camera settings influence the final image

Host or Publisher Toronto Thrive