A good friend and reader of NormalExposure recently alerted me to this article, which was published in the April 27, 2026 issue of the New York Times.  Written by Jessica M. Goldstein and titled, Are Movies Really Getting Darker?  Let’s Shine Some Light on the Issue, it mirrors many of the concerns I dissected in … Continue reading “ALL THE NEWS THAT SEEMS TO FIT”

…I’d suggest this blurb from the December 1925 issue of American Cinematographer meets the criteria for both.  Through a lifetime of involvement with cinematography, I’ve never encountered anything more bizarre.             But at least this much is certain: It wasn’t created by a bot!

From the Summer 2017 issue (Volume 8, No. 4) of World War II Quarterly: Journal of the Second World War – Susan Zimmerman’s article titled, Combat Photographers: Shooting the War.  It can be found in its entirety at www.https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/shooting-the-war/ Photo by Lt. William Wilson; U.S. Army cemetery on Sicily, 1944.             Lieutenant (later Captain) William … Continue reading “A DAY LATE, BUT THE SENTIMENT REMAINS”

Jeff IV’s obsession with squirrels is hilarious!             He never gets close enough to spook them, and even if he did, I’m sure he’d do no harm.  His fascination is palpable; I think he wants them to come over and play.  But man, does he get locked-in!  He has no interest in birds, other dogs … Continue reading “CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR”

         It’s funny how such interesting messages can be delivered in such short statements.  Here’s a good one from a very smart man, Red Digital Cinema founder Jim Jannard, delivered in 2008:             “The camera is arguably one of the most important of all inventions.  It is the single tool that has the ability to … Continue reading “PITHY IS PRETTY”

         As AI has already found a broad level of acceptance among mainstream filmmakers, it’s nice to know the world isn’t coming to an end because of it.  Sweep aside the stupid and repetitive arguments (c.2005: Which is better, film or digital?) and you’ll see that it’s just the latest vehicle to barrel down the … Continue reading “RESISTANCE IS FUTILE”

            From an essay titled, Picture Partners, written by John Huston and published in the December 1941 edition of American Cinematographer…             His observations stem from his experience making the classic film The Maltese Falcon alongside legendary cinematographer Arthur Edeson, ASC.             Would that everyone in the industry thought like this!          “I’m still pretty … Continue reading “HUSTON HAS NO PROBLEM”

            When you absolutely, positively must shoot big night exteriors, forget about those lightweight LED’s and go straight for the heavy artillery, like the 18K HMI.  It means the difference between a slap and a punch!             Those equally old-school PAR cans adorning the lower part of the basket are just garnish for the whopper … Continue reading “MESA, AZ…THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 5:48PM, PDT”

            I try to keep alive the memories of obscure cinematographers through this blog…but do you really want to get obscure?  The mis-spelling of Bert Shipman’s name in the ad featured in Friday’s post made me curious about him.             Born August 15, 1900, in New York, Shipman began in silents as the cinematographer of … Continue reading “UNSUNG HERO”

         Eighty-five years ago today, Citizen Kane (Orson Welles) – perhaps the most influential film ever made – premiered at the Palace Theater in New York City.  What can I say about its innovation and artistry that hasn’t already been said?  Better to raise a glass and dive in for another close viewing.          A … Continue reading “A GLOBAL HOLIDAY…?”