Pursuit of excellence vs. acceptance of adequate…             To be a cinematographer is to engage with this challenge every minute of the day. It can be like dealing with a liquid puzzle, one that frequently changes and that we do not have absolute control over.             Therefore, we must constantly measure our creative vision … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #14”

            A few weeks ago I posted about the small flaws that occasionally appear in features and TV productions.  Even though we strive for perfection, I’ve always found them charming in how they call to mind the presence of the living, breathing people who created the piece.  You can find one in most every show … Continue reading “A CHARMING FLASH”

            Rajiv M. of Hyderabad, India asks:             How do you deal with fill light?             As I’ve stated many times, there are no one-size-fits all answers to most questions about cinematography.  That also applies here but I’ll try to be as specific as possible.             Fill light is what brings out the true feeling … Continue reading “Q & A #5…”

            You can make a hard light soft but you can’t make a soft light hard.             Keep this in mind when ordering equipment before your next shoot.  Carry some hard sources that will provide the punch and directionality you might need.  Then save time and money when you transform those lamps into soft lights … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #13”

            I had been wanting to make this photograph for twenty-five years.             While shooting the feature Outside Providence in – appropriately enough – Providence, Rhode Island, I used to drive past the corner of Hope and Doyle every day on my way to work.  No matter the conditions, the dark building crowned by the … Continue reading “IT’S ABOUT TIME”

            The Rising of the Moon is a 1957 anthology film directed by John Ford and photographed by Robert Krasker, ASC, BSC.  I saw it awhile back and it didn’t resonate with me, but what did make an impression were the Dutch angles within which so many of the images were framed.  With no data … Continue reading “WHY…?”

            How many times have you watched a film that was beautifully shot yet left you empty as a drum at its conclusion?  Conversely, you’ve no doubt seen many that were photographically sloppy yet have retained their emotional power years after the fact.             Director James Cameron addressed this dichotomy in The Toronto Star, April … Continue reading “THOUGHT FOR AN EARLY SPRING FRIDAY”

The success of foolishness does not imply wisdom. Sounds simple, but really think about it. It will apply to situations you’ll encounter over and over throughout your filmmaking career. This is not to say that they won’t be valuable learning opportunities…

Yes, isn’t it interesting indeed how certain images affect us.  Below are two versions of the same photo (which happens to be the view from my current production office window in Providence, RI).             Though a decent composition with a sort of 70’s vibe, for the most part the color original leaves me as cold … Continue reading “ISN’T IT INTERESTING?”

Angela B. of Dallas, Texas asks: How do you approach pre-production? In short? As often as possible. In almost every case, time spent in prep will pay infinite dividends during production. Much of that is spent getting to know my crew and other collaborators, consulting on the shooting schedule, visiting locations, assembling gear, shooting tests, … Continue reading “Q & A #4…”