Video for Still Photographers with Gajan Balan | June 2026

About Gajan Balan

Gajan Balan is a Toronto-based photographer, director, and Leica Ambassador whose work spans portraiture, fashion, street, and documentary storytelling. His images and films have been exhibited internationally and featured in publications including LFI Magazine, Rolling Stone, GQ, and Forbes.

Known for combining strong visual storytelling with practical education, Gajan has built a global audience through his workshops, online content, and creative projects. His work explores the intersection of culture, identity, and human connection, while his experience across both photography and filmmaking makes him uniquely placed to help photographers confidently transition into motion.

In this workshop, Gajan draws on years of professional experience working with the Leica SL system to guide photographers through the creative and technical foundations of video production, helping them unlock new possibilities for visual storytelling.

About the workshop

Are you a still photographer looking to expand your creative toolkit with motion? Join the Leica Akademie for an immersive two-day workshop designed to bridge the gap between still imagery and cinematic storytelling.

Video for Still Photographers is crafted specifically for photographers who are comfortable behind the camera but new to the world of video. Whether you're looking to create short films, branded content, or simply elevate your visual storytelling, this workshop provides a practical introduction to filmmaking using the powerful Leica SL system.
 

What will you learn?

• Understand the why behind adding motion to your work

• Master the Leica SL system for video (including the SL3-S, SL2-S, and Q models)

• Nail exposure, focus, and audio like a pro

• Learn the essentials of cinematic lighting and movement

• Build sequences that tell compelling stories

• Work hands-on with Leica gear, guided by real-time feedback
   

Who should attend?

This workshop is ideal for photographers of all levels who are new to video and eager to expand their creative horizons. No prior video experience is required.

Whether you want to create short films, brand content, or simply add a new dimension to your storytelling, this workshop is designed for still photographers with zero video experience.

The workshop follows a clear and structured curriculum led by an experienced instructor, ensuring each concept builds on the last for maximum impact. Expect a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where preparation is key.

Bring your camera (if you have one), an open mind, and plenty of space for notes so you can capture every insight.
 

Student Testimonials

“From Gajan’s artfully designed presentation to his obvious passion for photography, cinematography, and visual storytelling, I was hooked from the start. What truly sets him apart is his ability to engage—with humor, infinite patience, and a knack for breaking down complex ideas into something easily digestible.”

Daniel S.
Director & Photographer

“We covered a huge amount of ground in a short time thanks to Gajan’s depth of knowledge and approachable teaching style. Everything was broken down in a way that was easy to grasp as a still photographer, yet we went as deep as time allowed. The course is worth far more than its current price.”

Andrew B.
Photographer
 

Workshop Overview

Day 1

• Differences between photography and filmmaking

• Mastering the perfect video settings

• What is Rec.709 & L-Log?

• Landing the perfect exposure

• Developing user profiles

• Building a video rig

• Overview of key cinematography principles

• Live demo experience

• And more…

Day 2

• Working with natural and artificial light

• Planning and executing a sequence

• Filming on location experience

• Ingesting and organizing footage

• Introduction to DaVinci Resolve

• Sound design concepts

• Editing video

• Intro to colour grading

• And more…

By the end of this two-day experience, you will walk away with the skills, confidence, and creative insight to bring motion into your photography practice.

From mastering the Leica SL system to crafting and editing your own cinematic sequences, every moment of the workshop is designed to give you hands-on experience and real-world techniques you can apply immediately.

This is your chance to expand your storytelling potential, learn in an inspiring environment, and leave with work you are proud to share.