Learning to use a Z1

I have returned from the first of my little courses.
I spent 2 days in Newbridge-On-Wye with Sir John Lubran learning how to use the Sony Z1 and various camera skills.
He went through all of the settings of the Z1 camera with me and went through the particulars of things like gain, white balance and exposure to begin with. I also had a brief introduction to the Sony A1 camera, merely to point out that it is sometimes difficult to use larger camera in certain situations and smaller cameras can and are used.
We went out to practice using the camera and the tripod, doing pans, zooming and framing the shot. He also showed me how to do focus pulls and using the tripod to do 'Dutch' shots.
The most useful techniques I learnt was using the automatic features manually i.e. holding the auto focus to quickly get the focus near enough where you want it to be and then switching the auto off and manually tweeking (same with exposure). Also zooming in all the way and focusing so before you take a shot that when you zoom in and out everything stays in focus, also exposing the face or area you want exposed and then setting up the shot.
All of these things were to help make me more efficient, the quicker I can be and more comfortable with the camera, the more shots I can do making the editor a very happy person.
We went through shooting sequences and shooting for the edit. Composition was mainly ensuring that people had looking space, head room, close ups, mid shots and full shots (cant remember if thats the right terminology for them).
We also went through recording sound, ensuring nothing goes over 0db, how to monitor it and the possible microphones that can be used.
We also touched upon lighting and grip. We didnt use grip to much but he showed me some dolly and other bits of kit that can be used. We also played with some reflectors, blondes and redheads to create different effects and use filters on the camera and gels on the lights.

There was a huge amount to take in but im confident I have all the new skills to competently use this camera and start shooting!
Sadly though I shall not be able to get near another z1 until university begins. So on with the next course! Its Final Cut Pro in Birmingham!

It begins.

So, I decided to become a camera person.
I figure that years of artiness, creating work, lighting it and photographing it should come in handy with this career choice. Plus its a hobby of mine that I really enjoy.Mostly though its just something I really want to do and I generally tend to go by my gut and do what I want instead of the sensible thing.
So after a few years working in a cinema and digging myself into a hole full of management stuff and never getting to play in projection and learning more about the ability to cook super salted popcorn, I began to devise a plan to return to university.
I applied just in time and managed to get myself onto a foundation degree course in creative technology. I spent the following months being turned down for all types of funding to support me at uni. Most irritating was the 'entry scholarship' as apparently I didn't have the grades to get it (I have a degree!!!)
However I have been extremely lucky and offered a part time course, never been done and first year funded by the Welsh Government. So now I can work and study.
At the same time, rather conveniently, I have been made redundant from a job in a call centre that i was going to quit anyway. From being made redundant I have managed to apply for funding on courses outside of university. I have chosen to do a camera course, editing course and lighting course to ensure im all ready for university.

So off I go, on my adventure to become a Camera Person :D

wish me luck!