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”

            “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”               – Picasso             “It took me thirty years to learn to be simple.”             – Gordon Willis, ASC             Let those quotes (and the heavyweights behind them) sink in for awhile…especially when you’re thinking of adding … Continue reading “TAKE AWAY…!”

            If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you’ll know that I’m not a fan of the murkiness that’s ruining the photography of so many streaming shows.  Thankfully, it seems that someone else has noticed the problem and is addressing it in a substantive way.             Don’t get me wrong – I’m … Continue reading “HELP IS ON THE WAY!”

            Believe it or not, Wednesday was Squirrel Appreciation Day.             I know…who could imagine such a thing?  Does every creature on earth eventually get its own day?  Who made this decision?             I wouldn’t speculate on what’s going through that person’s head.  But I’m pretty sure about what Jeff was thinking when I used … Continue reading “SCIURIDAE LOGIC”

         I wouldn’t have expected the following sentiment from a three-time Academy Award winner, but Vittorio Storaro, ASC, AIC has never been one to stagnate in the past.  His statement is drawn from a June 2023 interview conducted by the Association française des directrices et directeurs de la photographie cinématographique, otherwise known as the AFC.  … Continue reading “A BREATH OF FRESH AIR”

            Understand this much: I’m more aware than you are that lens choice is possibly the most critical part of the image creation process.  I believe in lenses.  I love lenses.  I have owned lenses – and been owned by them.  They’re the starting place for everything I do.  If five minutes from now I … Continue reading “LENS FRENZY CAUSES OPTICAL INSANITY”

            This just hit the streets yesterday, courtesy of author Carolyn Giardina in The Creative + Tech Orbit.  Scroll down a bit for the good stuff… Virtual Production: ‘June July’ Filmmakers Test New “VidViz” Technique The feature-length Western is also a case study for a developing workflow aimed at indie filmmaking. “We’re in a new … Continue reading “HOT OFF THE PRESSES”