Cinematography

Aesthetic Photography — Composition, Lighting, and Color

Have you ever been in a photo gallery and immediately drawn to a specific photograph? If so, what was it about this photograph that grabbed your attention? This is the question at the heart of aesthetic photography. What defines an aesthetic photograph? In this article, we’ll take a look at the highly ambiguous and often vague… Continue reading Aesthetic Photography — Composition, Lighting, and Color

Kyle DeGuzman

The 27 Best Film Cinematographers That Everyone Should Know

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… Continue reading The 27 Best Film Cinematographers That Everyone Should Know

Herman Wilkins

Sports Photography Tips — Cameras, Lenses, Settings & More

So you want to be a sports photographer. Awesome! Sports photography is how we capture sports – but it’s also something more than that. Sports photography is an artistic medium for artists to express how they see the world of sports. We’re going to break down step-by-step how to shoot sports images, with camera tips… Continue reading Sports Photography Tips — Cameras, Lenses, Settings & More

Chris Heckmann

Free Fog Overlay Templates — Downloads For Video & PNG

Utilizing mediums like fog, haze, and smoke in a shot has various benefits. Visually, it can give your scene depth and imbue it with motion as the haze moves across the screen. Tonally, fog and haze can add a layer of mystery that is perfect for horror, thriller, and dramatic stories. But fog and haze… Continue reading Free Fog Overlay Templates — Downloads For Video & PNG

Kyle DeGuzman

What is Chiaroscuro in Film? Definition, Techniques, & Examples

For decades, filmmakers have iterated on creative lighting and cinematic techniques. But still, some of the best lighting techniques, such as chiaroscuro, have persevered to have an impact on cinema today. Though chiaroscuro in film was popularized nearly a century ago, modern cinema still venerates its value. So what is chiaroscuro in film and how… Continue reading What is Chiaroscuro in Film? Definition, Techniques, & Examples

Chris Heckmann

What is Tungsten Light — 5 Ways Cinematographers Can Use It

If you have ever been on a film set or in a studio, then you have likely seen tungsten lamps. The tungsten-halogen bulb is the most commonly used light source in professional light fixtures, and for good reason. Tungsten bulbs are small, bright, and relatively inexpensive. Because of its inherent characteristics, tungsten light contends for… Continue reading What is Tungsten Light — 5 Ways Cinematographers Can Use It

StudioBinder

Creative Photography Ideas & Techniques To Get You Inspired

Every artist, photographer or otherwise, comes to a point in their creative process where they must look elsewhere for inspiration. As such, we felt it would be a great idea to compile a list of creative photography ideas. We’re going to touch on some creative and technical strategies that might stimulate your photographic eye –… Continue reading Creative Photography Ideas & Techniques To Get You Inspired

Chris Heckmann

Sunset Photos — How to Master the Sunset Landscape

Have you ever shot an immaculate sunset with your camera and thought “This doesn’t do it justice.” Why can’t some photos capture the beauty and awe of a gorgeous sunset? The truth is that they can. Through preparation, technique, and creativity you can capture sunset landscape photographs that actually do the sunset justice. In this… Continue reading Sunset Photos — How to Master the Sunset Landscape

Kyle DeGuzman

What is the Best Lens for Portraits? — A Photographer’s Guide

What is the best lens for portraits? This is a question that nearly every photographer asks and yet there is no definitive answer – suffice it to say that different camera lenses create different looking photographs. However, some lenses are better suited for portraits than others. We’re going to analyze some different focal length lenses… Continue reading What is the Best Lens for Portraits? — A Photographer’s Guide

Chris Heckmann

7 Best Free LUTs You Need to Make More Cinematic Videos

Color grading is a critical, yet tedious aspect of the Post-Production process. One of the best tools a filmmaker has to save time without compromising great color grading are LUTs. LUTs are used by both professional and amateur filmmakers for both their convenience and their cinematic effects. Many of the best free LUTs are now generously… Continue reading 7 Best Free LUTs You Need to Make More Cinematic Videos

Kyle DeGuzman

What is Frame Rate? A Filmmaker’s Guide to Frames Per Second

Exposure Triangle Aperture ISO Shutter Speed Frame Rate Shot List Creator Everyone loves a good slow-motion scene or a shot that speed ramps into an interesting moment. The key to these types of videos begins with understanding and controlling frame rate. What is frame rate and why is it important? We’ve done the legwork, and… Continue reading What is Frame Rate? A Filmmaker’s Guide to Frames Per Second

SC Lannom

Black and White Pictures — Where to Find Amazing Pics & Prints

Black and white photography has become a staple of modern art with more and more prominent photographers choosing to shoot in black and white. The deep contrast and simplicity of black and white pictures has made it popular among amateur and avid art collectors alike. However, trying to find the perfect black and white print to… Continue reading Black and White Pictures — Where to Find Amazing Pics & Prints

Kyle DeGuzman

Best Soft Box Lights of 2021 — The Ultimate Buying Guide

If you’re just starting out or simply looking to expand your filmmaking toolkit, soft box lights are a must. Knowing how to diffuse and soften your light is just as important as knowing how to light the shot itself. So whether you’re a hobbyist or beginner-enthusiast ready to get your first studio kit, it’s good… Continue reading Best Soft Box Lights of 2021 — The Ultimate Buying Guide

Alyssa Maio

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