What does a focus puller do? In this post, we’ll explain what it means to pull focus, who does it and why, and we’ll cover all of the different types of focus available at a filmmaker’s disposal. We’ll also break down the other responsibilities of a focus puller in filmmaking.Continue reading What is a Focus Puller — Job Description and Duties Explained
Itching to capture some of your favorite travel moments? Maybe you want to find the best camera that will help you share your adventures online. We put together a list to help you find the best travel camera for your needs whether it be size, function, or price. The best travel moments deserve to be shot on your ideal travel camera. So let’s help you find it.Continue reading Best Travel Camera — Pros & Cons, Specs and Prices
Lighting is a huge component of how a shot looks and feels to a viewer’s eye. Specifically, the quality of light can deeply affect the overall tone of a shot. Diffused light, hard light and everything in between are tools filmmakers have at their disposal to tell a story through their shots. In this article, we’re going to dive into how diffused light photography is created with a light diffuser. What is a light diffuser and how does it work? Let’s dive in. Continue reading What is a Light Diffuser — How Do They Work in Photo & Film
Looking to make a sci-fi epic? Need to shoot a weatherman spoof? Wanna spice up your Zoom calls? Don’t worry, no matter why you want to know how to use a green screen, we got you covered. We’ll talk about set-up, lighting, editing, all that stuff. Forget the key to the city, once you know how to use green screen/chroma key, you get the key to the universe.Continue reading How to Use a Green Screen — Setup, Lighting and Creative Uses
How we see a campfire versus how we see the moon varies greatly. Why? Both are sources of light but are visually very different. The answer is color temperature. Color temperature is one of the most determining qualities of how a light source appears to the human eye as well as a camera sensor. What is color temperature and why is it important? In this article, we’ll take a look at what it is as well as the spectrum of color temps. We’ll also take a look at how color temperature applies to white balance and your own lighting schemes and…
Cinematographers far and wide have come to know the name “Local 600” – but what is IATSE Local 600? What does it mean? Why does it sound like a spy syndicate? Well, we’re going to answer those questions (at least most of them anyways) by exploring the history of Local 600. We’re also going to examine how specialty technicians can join Local 600. By the end, you’ll know all the nuts and bolts regarding Local 600.Continue reading IATSE Local 600 — How to Join the Cinematographer’s Guild
One of the key differences between professional images and amatuer images is detail. Detail, or lack thereof, is the difference between a cinematic shot and a video-looking shot. Capturing more detail requires a solid understanding of dynamic range. What is dynamic range in photography?Dynamic range in photography and cinematography is a fundamental technical principle that ultimately allows you to bring your creative vision to life. Without an understanding of this range, you run the risk of creating images that fall flat, are blown out, or get crushed. Continue reading What is Dynamic Range in Photography — Exposure Essentials
Whether you are a cinematographer or photographer, you are very likely to come across a project that will require the use of hard light. High contrast photography, Chiaroscuro lighting, and dramatic images in general are all created with some type of hard light. What is hard light and how does it differ from soft light? We’ll answer these questions and give you some tips to create and shape hard light so that you can use it to create the images you see in your mind. Continue reading What is Hard Light — Examples and Techniques in Film & Photo
Roger Deakins movies include Fargo, Skyfall, Sicario, No Country for Old Men, and recently he won the Academy Award in Cinematography for Blade Runner 2049 and 1917. But these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best Roger Deakins movies. We watched every one of them to see which films we think qualify as the best of the best in cinematography. Continue reading Roger Deakins Movies — His 16 Best Ranked for Filmmakers
What is tenebrism? Tenebrism is a lighting style that’s often confused with chiaroscuro – but what are the differences between them? And what makes the style unique? We’re going to explore tenebrism by looking at paintings from the Renaissance period. By the end, you’ll know where this style originated, what it can bring to your imagery, and how it’s been used by visual artists for half a millennium in fine art, photography, and film. Let's get to it. Continue reading What is Tenebrism — The Art of Light and Shadow Explained
