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 shot, but to build the world of a film through the light we see in the frame. What is practical lighting in film? And how can it be used to elevate a story? Let’s dive in. Continue reading What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips and…
In the world of photography and cinematography, gels play a pivotal role behind the scenes of great lighting. Gels subtly transform a scene's visual palette, evoking emotions and creating a mood. But what exactly are these gels we speak of? How do cinematographers, photographers, and gaffers use them? Continue reading What are Gels in Lighting — Photography & Cinematography
In the world of filmmaking and photography, understanding the difference between a T-Stop and an F-Stop is crucial. These terms often confuse many newcomers, yet mastering their concepts can greatly improve the quality of your work. Essentially, both relate to the control of light entering the camera but in slightly different ways. Let's delve deeper to distinguish between T-Stop and F-Stop, and how each can impact the cinematic visuals you create. Continue reading What is a T-Stop — Camera Lens Essentials Explained
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 reading 17 Best 360 Cameras — The Ultimate Buying Guide
Hoyte van Hoytema is a cinematographer at the top of his game. He began with smaller projects in Europe before shooting some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters we’ve ever seen. If someone were to ask for a description of Hoyte van Hoytema movies, what would you say? It’s hard to pin down a distinct look or style. And that’s his superpower — to facilitate and support the director to achieve their vision for each particular story. Let’s take a tour through a select filmography to see if we can identify the Hoyte van Hoytema cinematography style.Continue reading Hoyte van Hoytema…
James Cameron’s Avatar was successful by almost any metric. It became the highest-grossing movie of all time, received rave reviews, and was nominated for a whopping nine Academy Awards. As many have noted, while Avatar’s story is compelling, it is its groundbreaking visuals that set it apart from other blockbusters. So how did James Cameron and his team create the vibrant, expansive world of Pandora? In this article, we’ll look at Cameron’s game-changing approach to filming Avatar and how he raised the bar for the film’s much-anticipated follow-up Avatar: The Way Of Water. Continue reading Making of Avatar & Avatar…
If you’re an aspiring cinematographer or director, you know that the camera is your primary storytelling tool. How you move the camera or how you frame a subject communicates intangible information to the audience. The zoom shot is just one of these techniques and adds a very particular and nuanced message. Knowing what this message is is critical to deciding when to use it. So, what is a zoom shot?Continue reading What is a Zoom Shot and When You Should Use One
At this time, the theatrical experience is fighting to stay relevant among streaming giants. Top Gun: Maverick made an undeniable case for getting back into theaters. The film was praised by the likes of Quentin Tarantino. It received a five-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. So, what went into creating a film that sparked this response? Let’s take a look behind the scenes of Top Gun: Maverick.Continue reading Top Gun Maverick Behind the Scenes — How They Shot It
What is the fastest and most efficient way to clearly communicate all of the vital information about an upcoming photoshoot to all of the necessary people? The answer is: with a call sheet. We created our own custom photoshoot call sheet template, and you can download it for free. We will break down the various sections of the template, explain how to use it, and offer some tips for customizing the template to best suit your individual needs.Continue reading Photoshoot Call Sheet Template — Free Download and Guide
The best cinematographers are artists, technicians, diplomats, and accountants. Choosing the best cinematographers is tough and extremely subjective but this list is full of talented people. If you want your film to look like it was shot by one of the world’s best cinematographers, read on. We’ve broken down the key cinematic techniques that the top cinematographers who are working today actively use. Onto the list! Continue reading The 27 Best Film Cinematographers That Everyone Should Know
