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!”

         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”