Description
Date & Time:
Wednesday, March 26, 2026
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM MDT
Location:
The Camera Store
802 11th Ave SW, Calgary, AB
This workshop with AJ Akhtar from The Camera Store is a practical, no-nonsense guide to preparing for a successful video shoot, without getting lost in confusing camera jargon. It’s designed to help you make smart, confident decisions before you ever hit record, based on what you’re shooting, how you’ll shoot it, and what you plan to do with the footage afterward.
We’ll walk step-by-step through shoot prep, breaking down camera settings, codecs, colour spaces, resolution, and media in clear, human language. You’ll learn when high-end options like RAW, Log, or 6K actually make sense, and when they’re just overkill. We’ll also cover real-world gear decisions (tripod vs gimbal, card speeds, audio, lighting, lenses) with an emphasis on balancing quality, reliability, and practicality.
From there, we’ll move into best practices on setting white balance, frame rates, ISO, stabilization, and common problems to watch out for, before wrapping up with what to do after the shoot, including backing up footage and a quick intro to post-production considerations. The session ends with plenty of time for Q&A, so we can go deeper on topics that matter most to the group.
Whether you’re newer to video or looking to tighten up your workflow, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your gear, a stronger prep process, and fewer surprises on shoot day.
About the instructor:
Amair Javaid Akhtar (AJ Akhtar) is a filmmaker and photographer who has been capturing images for almost two decades. He has a passion for connecting with people and sharing knowledge about tech and storytelling.
Please Note:
This is an In-Person, Paid Event. Paid events are non-refundable. Your registration is required. Your registration assists us in gauging attendance numbers and we'll provide you with a reminder and further details about the event. Should you have any questions or issues, please email ryley.schmidt@thecamerastore.com.
