Cinematography

What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips and Techniques Explained

There are various elements that contribute to a cinematic shot. Depth, naturalism, and dynamic lighting styles can all result in stunning cinematography. A simple and direct way to introduce all three into a shot is by using practical lighting. Practical lighting is so effective because it aims to utilize light not just to properly expose a… Continue reading What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips and Techniques Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

What is the Vertigo Effect? The Hitchcock Zoom Explained

It is not uncommon for directors to take inspiration from previous great directors in history. Various techniques and styles are passed on through cinema like a tradition between filmmakers. The Vertigo effect is one of the most distinct examples of this. Films throughout the last sixty years have used the Vertigo effect in a variety… Continue reading What is the Vertigo Effect? The Hitchcock Zoom Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

Soft Focus Photography & How to Master that Soft Focus Look

While we may be familiar with soft focus shots as images with intentional blur or glamour shots in portraits, understanding this effect in such a limiting way…well, limits us! The shots that are possible when you master soft focus are endless, and they can be done whether you have high-tech equipment, or not. So what… Continue reading Soft Focus Photography & How to Master that Soft Focus Look

Alyssa Maio

Portrait Photography Tips & Techniques For Every Photographer

Portraiture is older than photography itself. Capturing the essence of a human being was originally achieved through the medium of paint and sculpture. But now, some of the most historical figures of modern day are captured through portrait photography. Whether you are taking portraits of a new client, a friend, or an icon, there are a… Continue reading Portrait Photography Tips & Techniques For Every Photographer

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a Rim Light — 3 Point Lighting Techniques Explained

Cinematography and photography is naturally a two-dimensional medium. However, great cinematographers and photographers utilize light to create three-dimensional effects. One of the tools they have to do this is the rim light.  A rim light can keep an image from falling flat. Rim lighting can bring out shapes, textures, and contours that make an image appear… Continue reading What is a Rim Light — 3 Point Lighting Techniques Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

Camera Lenses Explained: What’s Inside & How Do They Work?

Types of LensesOpen menu Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Lens Basics More About Lens Types Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) More Focal Lengths Specialty LensesOpen menu Macro Lens Fisheye Lens Tilt-Shift Lens Split-Diopter Lens Deakinizer Lens Lens BrandsOpen menu Lens Buying… Continue reading Camera Lenses Explained: What’s Inside & How Do They Work?

SC Lannom

How Was 1917 Filmed — The Making of 1917 Explained

1917 was one of the most technically innovative and daring films ever made… but how was 1917 filmed? The production of 1917 utilized more than 500 extras in an effort to retain as much authenticity as possible – and it called for body exhuming, bird conservation, and stringent cloud coverage. We’re going to explore how… Continue reading How Was 1917 Filmed — The Making of 1917 Explained

Chris Heckmann

What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of Shots in Film Explained

Close UpsOpen menu Extreme Close-Up (ECU) Close-Up (CU) Medium Close-Up (MCU) Medium ShotsOpen menu Medium Shot (MS) Cowboy Shot (CS) Medium Full Shot (MFS) Wide ShotsOpen menu Full Shot (FS) Wide Shot (WS) Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now There are… Continue reading What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of Shots in Film Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

What Does a Cinematographer Do? What They Consider and Why

Cinematographers obviously play a vital role in making a film, but what decisions do they make on a daily basis? The cinematographer’s primary goal is to capture the director’s vision. Using lighting, camera, and composition techniques, a DP translates that vision into images. This post goes over the common considerations with explanations from working professionals.… Continue reading What Does a Cinematographer Do? What They Consider and Why

StudioBinder

What is Celluloid Film — A Brief History of Motion Picture Film

In the world of movie making we have today, any digital device with video functionality can help you tell a story, from your mobile phone to your computer’s webcam. But what about celluloid film? What is celluloid film, even? We still call movies “films,” right? Film stock used to be the only way major movies… Continue reading What is Celluloid Film — A Brief History of Motion Picture Film

Rafael Abreu

Different Types of Camera Shots and Angles in Film

Close UpsOpen menu Extreme Close-Up (ECU) Close-Up (CU) Medium Close-Up (MCU) Medium ShotsOpen menu Medium Shot (MS) Cowboy Shot (CS) Medium Full Shot (MFS) Wide ShotsOpen menu Full Shot (FS) Wide Shot (WS) Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now Camera ShotsGet… Continue reading Different Types of Camera Shots and Angles in Film

StudioBinder

Point of View Shots: Creative Camera Movements & Angles

Types of FramingOpen menu Establishing Shot Single Shot Two Shot Over the Shoulder Insert Shot POV Shot More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now W hen you’re working on a movie or TV show, it can be hard to plant the audience inside the character’s point of… Continue reading Point of View Shots: Creative Camera Movements & Angles

StudioBinder

What is Shutter Speed and Its Role in the Exposure Triangle?

Exposure TriangleWhat is Aperture?What is ISO?What is Shutter Speed?What is Frame Rate? We all know the sound that a camera makes. That satisfying click when we press the button and create our photograph. What we’re hearing is the camera’s shutter. That sound is the shutter moving up and down. It moves the same way every… Continue reading What is Shutter Speed and Its Role in the Exposure Triangle?

Alyssa Maio

What is Cinematography? Defining the Art and Craft

Making films isn’t just an art. It takes years of practice to cultivate a consistent craft and keen eye for filmmaking. It’s what separates great cinematography from cliche movie making. You’ve probably heard the term a million times, but what is cinematography? Before honing a craft, a deep knowledge of what it entails is critical.Continue… Continue reading What is Cinematography? Defining the Art and Craft

StudioBinder

17 Best 360 Cameras — The Ultimate Buying Guide (2021)

BIf you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your gear collection to a 360 camera, it’s good to know a bit about what’s out there. The majority of these omnidirectional cameras are video, but it’s noted when they’re solely for photography. This is a buying guide to the best 360 cameras on the market today. Continue… Continue reading 17 Best 360 Cameras — The Ultimate Buying Guide (2021)

Alyssa Maio

What is a Leko Light and How to Use It — Lighting Techniques

Gaffers and Cinematographers know the benefits of the Leko light. Once solely used for lighting up auditoriums and concert venues, these lights can now level up your scenes without spending more than a couple hundred dollars. For those unfamiliar, let’s go deeper. What is a Leko light and how can you use it on set?Continue… Continue reading What is a Leko Light and How to Use It — Lighting Techniques

Alyssa Maio