How to learn camerawork and develop a strong visual sense
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Get hold of a camcorder
One of the things that distinguishes outstanding film and video makers from mediocre ones is an intimate knowledge of what different camera lenses do – specifically, the different looks produced by different focal lengths. A real filmmaker knows exactly what things look like when framed through a given type of lens, and will instinctively know, for example, whether he/she wants to frame a 2-shot with a long lens or a wide one. If you are serious about learning the art of making films and developing a strong visual sense, you must learn to see the world through the camera lens.
It is therefore imperative for anyone who wants to become a filmmaker to get hold of a camcorder and experiment with different focal lengths, which can be done very easily by zooming in or out (the wide setting has the shortest focal length, whereas zooming in increases the focal length). You can buy a decent camcorder for reasonable prices these days, and the knowledge and experience you will gain will put you streets ahead of filmmakers who are clueless about lenses and are at the mercy of their DP when it comes to camerawork. You should buy a camcorder with an LCD screen, as they are a marvelous view-finding tool, especially when you're walking around with the camera.