Year: 2025

         Some interesting facts about this largely forgotten genius of the camera:          He came to prominence in an unorthodox way.  Having never worked as an assistant or in any other crew position, he simply bought a camera and called himself a cinematographer (so, there is a precedent for what’s going on today!).          He … Continue reading “IRA H. MORGAN, ASC (1889-1959)”

         I recently came upon some observations made by one of my all-time favorite jazz pianists, Bill Evans.  While he was referring to fellow musicians, they have some relevance to our time in which beautiful images are a mouse-click away and almost anyone who picks up a camera calls themself a cinematographer.          Are we … Continue reading “MUSIC TO MY EARS”

         Gerald Hirschfeld, ASC (1921-2017) was not just a talented cinematographer – Fail Safe (1964; Sidney Lumet), Young Frankenstein (1974; Mel Brooks) and My Favorite Year (1982; Richard Benjamin) are among his titles – he was also generous in sharing his knowledge.  Long before authoring The Hand Exposure Meter Book (1999) and Image Control: Motion … Continue reading “ANOTHER AMAZING CURIO”

         I love the NHL playoffs!          Like most professional sports of our time, the regular season bores me.  When things get serious at the end of April, I become the biggest fan who ever lived.  I don’t care what teams are playing; any match-up is good enough.  It’s great that the fight for the … Continue reading “HOW’S THIS FOR OUT OF LEFT FIELD?”

         It’s been awhile since I’ve posted one of these, but the advice – however simple – never goes out of style.  Give it some consideration and make it part of who you are when you step onto a set.  I promise, especially in this day and age, anything above the minimum effort will be … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK-TIP #24”

         This’s what happens when you set a one-hundred-twenty-pound Great Dane loose inside the ASC Clubhouse.  He was in high gear that morning, having completed nine or ten laps around the Board table before I got into the room.  This dog cracks me up all day long and I really appreciate how happy he looks … Continue reading “CLEAR THE WAY!”