I'm a performer who's been interested in learning cinematography and facing that creative fear.

I already do my own editing and directing and storyboarding (shot composition) and writing, and I already directed one really short film, but I wanted to know how to use basic cinematography tools like cameras and lenses and light fixtures.

I've been researching and buying camera and lighting products for maybe couple of years, all basic, affordable stuff.

But I'm exhausted and I feel like I've been wasting my time. Some doubt is definitely creeping in. I'm gonna use the tools on a short film I'm currently storyboarding, but I have a feeling I'm going about this the wrong way.

When did it get easier for you?