Year: 2025

         As far back as I can remember, I have been in love with the natural light that reaches us during the month of June.  Although its effect actually extends through July 10th or so, I’m always surprised by the power of what it evokes within me.  Often, the emotions arrive out of nowhere like … Continue reading “LOVE STORY”

         I’m continually shocked at how little appreciation many younger cinematographers have for the great ones who came before us.  Maybe it’s the speed of modern life, but there’s no excuse not to be familiar with the work of such relatively recent giants as John Alonzo, Conrad Hall, Victor Kemper, Laszlo Kovacs, Owen Roizman, Haskell … Continue reading “IRMIN ROBERTS, ASC (1904-1978)”

         Pardon me if I have a moment of self-awareness as the proprietor of this blog: Who else relates the sort of information you’re about to read?          The Beatles at Shea Stadium (1966) is the appropriately-titled documentary that memorializes the most significant show of the band’s record-setting 1965 tour.  Directed by Robert Precht, the … Continue reading “INSIDE SCOOP”

         Jeff IV…  Himself…  Photographed on an iPhone 12 Pro Max on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 4:20PM at the ASC Clubhouse in Hollywood.          You might be wondering why he’s named Jeff IV.  The answer is simple.  He’s the fourth dog I’ve owned whose name is Jeff.

         Anyone who has spent time working in the film industry understands that it can occasionally reveal a fascinating incongruity.  Well, here’s a good one for you.          Did you know that in 1961 the great cinematographer George Folsey, ASC – recipient of the ASC Lifetime Achievement Award, holder of thirteen Oscar nominations and winner … Continue reading “WE’LL NEVER KNOW WHY”

         This article I wrote was first published in slightly edited form in Issue 26 (March\April 2025) of Cinematography World.  Though I’m at peace with the total loss visited by the Palisades fire, it’s worth remembering a day that seems to have already disappeared from most people’s consciousness.  Still, I wish I had a camera … Continue reading “NEVER DWELL, BUT NEVER FORGET”

         This appeared on the @panavisionofficial Instagram feed last Thursday…

            In celebration of my 500th post on normalexposure.com, here’s a re-run of the very first entry, which appeared on July 31, 2020.  For something that was born of Covid boredom, I can’t believe I’ve continued to pursue it for so long.  And while the new title doesn’t quite roll off the tongue in the … Continue reading “THROWBACK…FRIDAY?”

          From the recent @the__asc and @american_cinematographer Instagram\Facebook posts…          If it sounds like I’m speaking loudly, this was filmed on the presentation floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center during April’s NAB gathering.  There must’ve been a couple of thousand people scurrying around just out of frame, so I wanted to be sure I … Continue reading “AND YET, ANOTHER BIT OF SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION…”

         The other night I somehow found myself watching Harvey (1950; Henry Koster\William Daniels, ASC), an oddball of a movie that I’m not particularly fond of.  I stuck with it though, if only to appreciate the performance of one of my all-time favorite movie stars, Jimmy Stewart.          Daniels’ photography was an additional reward.  It’s … Continue reading “COUNT ‘EM…”