Heather Erdmann
Five artists-in-residence gained practical photography and videography skills during a three-day clinic organised by the Namibian Arts Association (NAA).
The Namibian Arts Association (NAA) recently concluded a three-day Photography and Videography Special Clinic, equipping five mid-career visual artists with practical skills to document and present their work professionally.
Held in Windhoek under the NAA’s Artist Development Programme (ADP), the clinic focused on camera settings, lighting equipment, mobile videography, and video editing.
Cavin Claassen, founder of Coolcat Productionz and a certified photographer and self-taught wedding cinematographer, facilitated the sessions, which explored techniques for producing high-quality visual content for professional portfolios and digital platforms.
Claassen said the main objective was to help participants understand quality control through professional equipment and camera settings.
“Once you know the basics, the rest is up to you to gain experience by going out there and exploring your creativity,” he said, encouraging participants to practise and develop their skills through experience.
On the second day, participants learnt about lighting equipment, including softboxes, and how lighting techniques differed between indoor and outdoor settings. Claassen also emphasised the importance of taking one’s business seriously and maintaining good relationships with clients.
The final day focused on recording and editing videos using mobile phones, highlighting how accessible technology could help artists document their creative processes and present their work.
Participant and artist Juliana Fredericks described the workshop as insightful, saying it expanded her existing knowledge and highlighted the difference lighting could make to visual content.
“Something I will definitely invest in,” she said, referring to lighting equipment.
Fredericks added that she had gained lessons she intended to apply in her daily practice.
Claassen said dedication and consistency were essential for anyone seeking to succeed in content creation.
“Anyone can start something, but it takes dedication and consistency to follow through and finish,” he said.
-herdmann@nepc.com.na
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