Year: 2026

            William Claxton (1927-2008) was an American photographer best known for his iconic images of jazz musicians as well as mid‑20th century Hollywood and fashion culture.  After studying at UCLA in the early-’50’s, he turned to full-time photography and quickly gained respect for his work documenting such notable figures as Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Duke … Continue reading “A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND”

            I was cleaning out some leftover detritus from last year’s mess in the Palisades when I tripped upon the memory of an old friend.  Though I still love the look and texture of film, I’m a realist.  The future is indisputably digital.  But the thing I perhaps miss most about celluloid is the durability … Continue reading “DISPATCH FROM MEMORY LANE”

            We all know the job of the cinematographer doesn’t end with camera, lighting, composition, color and movement.  Learning to think as an editor does is of equal importance, and the faster we embrace that task is the faster the effectiveness of our images will increase.             I took it to heart when someone advised … Continue reading “AND YET, ANOTHER SEMINAL VOLUME…”

            Last week I appeared on Episode 537 of the CG Garage podcast to discuss my recent experiences with an amazing new technology – VidViz.  It hit the airwaves yesterday!             Chris Nichols and Daniel Thron – the show’s hosts – are also VidViz’s foremost progenitors.  And if you’ll recall, during 2024 I shot a … Continue reading “GO HAVE A LISTEN!”

            I had an unanticipated free day yesterday, so a casual visit to the ASC Clubhouse saw me drawn into the shooting of an in-depth, filmed interview with esteemed member Jack Cooperman.  It was no shock that Jack characterized everything a good subject should; I’ve known him for years and he has always been engaging, … Continue reading “AN UNEXPECTED TREAT”

            In the same sense that hearing an old song can bring buried emotions to the fore, my recent rediscovery of the above-pictured book set off a cascade of feelings from my earliest days in the camera department.  During that ’80’s pre-internet era, it was one of the few resources DP-aspirants could rely on for … Continue reading “GREAT BOOK, GREAT MEMORIES”

            A few years back, I was fortunate to read Kevin Brownlow’s epic study of one of our greatest directors, David Lean: A Biography.  Published in 1996, it’s filled with insights regarding not just a brilliant career, but the private moments of the man behind it.  This was no surprise.  Brownlow is the preeminent historian … Continue reading “STAYING POWER”

            Full disclosure: I was somewhat displeased with last Tuesday’s post due to the lack of detail I was able to provide regarding the life and career of Lester White, ASC.  Fortunately, a deeper dive surfaced the missing bits.  Have a look at this article from the September 1946 issue of American Cinematographer.  Written by … Continue reading “LESTER WHITE, ASC REDUX”

            I’ve been having fun the past few weeks reminding family and friends in New York City that while they were being punished by near-zero temperatures, I was searching for shade on the back deck in board shorts and a T-shirt.  Good manners prevent me from sharing the replies, but their vitriol got me thinking … Continue reading “I WISH I SAID THAT…”

            When you think of unheralded studio-era cinematographers, people like Lester White, ASC must certainly come to mind.  As part of the work-a-day, lunch-pail brigade that made up the backbone of the industry, his artistry never approached the level of Gregg Toland, ASC, but his output was prolific and was seen by millions of people. … Continue reading “LESTER WHITE, ASC”