Introduction

Hello everyone! I am thrilled to share my journey through the PIWF Institute’s comprehensive 40-day course in wedding filmmaking, which began on May 5, 2024. This course covered a wide range of subjects, including photography, cinematography, video editing, and VFX. It was an incredible learning experience, guided by expert mentors who brought out the best in us.

Week 1: Foundations and Orientation

Our journey started with a solid introduction to the basics of wedding filmmaking. The first week was all about understanding the fundamental concepts and getting to know our mentors:

Amit Kumar (Cinematic)
Dhiraj Kumar (Photography)
Viraj Kumar (Cinematic)
Sumit Kumar (Video Editing)
Sourav Kumar (VFX)

We also had assistants Rithik, Abhishek, and Teja who supported us throughout the course. Their guidance was invaluable as we navigated the initial stages of our learning.

Week 2: Diving into Photography

Under the mentorship of Dhiraj Kumar, we delved deep into the art of wedding photography. We explored various techniques, from mastering camera settings to understanding lighting and composition. One of the highlights was a pre-wedding shoot assignment at the picturesque Patna Ganga River, where we captured stunning moments that told a beautiful story.

Week 3: Cinematography Skills

The third week was all about cinematography, led by Amit Kumar and Viraj Kumar. We learned about different camera movements, framing, and the use of drones to add a cinematic touch to our wedding films. The live bride entry shoot was an exciting challenge that allowed us to apply our new skills in a real-world setting.

Week 4: Mastering Video Editing

Sumit Kumar guided us through the intricate process of video editing in the fourth week. We got hands-on experience with industry-standard software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. This week was crucial in understanding how to weave different shots together to create a cohesive and engaging wedding film.

Week 5: Exploring VFX

In week five, Sourav Kumar introduced us to the world of VFX. We learned how to enhance our videos with special effects, making them even more captivating. This added a new dimension to our projects, allowing us to experiment with creative ideas and bring them to life.

Final Weeks: Advanced Techniques and Final Projects

As we moved into the final weeks, we focused on advanced techniques and worked on our final projects. Each student created a unique wedding film, incorporating everything we had learned over the past 40 days. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience, showcasing our growth and creativity.

Graduation Day: June 20, 2024

The course culminated in a grand graduation ceremony on June 20, 2024. Certificates were awarded by Amit Kumar, the CEO of PIWF Institute. We were honored to have guest Deep Shresth, a renowned actor and director, at the event. His presence and encouraging words made the day even more special.

Conclusion

Completing the PIWF Institute’s 40-day wedding filmmaking course has been a transformative experience. I’ve gained invaluable skills and knowledge that I can’t wait to apply in my career. This journey has been filled with learning, creativity, and inspiration, thanks to our amazing mentors and supportive peers.