What is the Exposure Triangle? A Beginner’s Guide

Light is responsible for every image captured in both photography and cinematography. How a camera captures light is determined by three variables that make up what is known as the exposure triangle. What is the exposure triangle? How can each one of its three settings be used to capture an image? In this article, we’ll dive in deep into the three variables that create the exposure of an image. We’ll also take a look at an exposure triangle chart that you can save as a reference to create the images you envision. Let’s dive in.Continue reading What is the Exposure…

Extreme Close-Up Shots: Creative Examples That Work

Extreme close-up shots are a very useful tool in cinema, but because they are so noticeable it’s important to know how and when to use them so that your viewer is generally on board with your shot selection. We’re going to discuss the extreme close-up shot and go over which emotions are generated when you use one, and show you extreme close-up shot images and scenes that worked well.Continue reading Extreme Close-Up Shots: Creative Examples That Work

Cinematography and Film Terms Every Working Filmmaker Should Know

  Afilm set is a unique world that has to be experienced to be understood. There is a steep learning curve that comes with every film production. It can take many years before anyone is completely at home on set, and to master the plethora of film and cinematography terms. Continue reading Cinematography and Film Terms Every Working Filmmaker Should Know

50+ Types of Camera Shots, Angles, and Techniques

It’s easy to mix up the different types of camera shots and types of angles. To make a shot list, a filmmaker or video creative must know the classic types of shots based on attributes like shot size, shot framing, camera movement, camera mechanisms, and depth of field. We'll break down all the camera shots, camera angles, and camera techniques that you need to know for your next film or music video. We also include camera shot examples from famous movies to help solidify all the discussed cinematography techniques.Continue reading 50+ Types of Camera Shots, Angles, and Techniques

Film Lighting Techniques — How to Get a Cinematic Look

Shooting projects on a budget can mean limitations on your gear. So how can you maintain a “cinematic” look without a cube truck full of lighting equipment? In today’s post, we’ll examine what exactly it means to have a cinematic look. Then we’ll break down several lighting techniques that are achievable on any budget. Although cinematic lighting is predicated on creative interpretation, these principles of film lighting can form the basis of your creative choices. To show this, we’ve taken several examples of how the best DPs (directors of photography) create specific cinematic effects with thoughtful lighting setups of their…

How to Storyboard Photography — Ideas, Examples & Templates

During a photoshoot, there are many variables and details to keep track of shot to shot. Lighting, camera framing, wardrobe, and poses can all change from one shot to the next. One of the best tools to ensure that every shot contains the details you desire is the photography storyboard. Photography storyboards allow you to visualize and define your shots before the day of the shoot. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to make a storyboard for photography as well as the details to define when creating one. Continue reading How to Storyboard Photography — Ideas, Examples &…

30 Best Cinematography Books That Actually Inspire

There is no better teacher than doing. Learning as you go and surrounding yourself with filmmakers who are better than you is one of the best ways to learn the craft. However, many of the best cinematography books are actually worth taking a look at. In fact, some of them not only educate on craft, but they also provide a new way to see the world. Continue reading 30 Best Cinematography Books That Actually Inspire

Camera Angles Explained: The Different Types of Camera Shot Angles in Film

You're looking for a list of the different camera angles in film, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use specific camera shot angles. Whether you want your characters to seem powerful, vulnerable, or intimate, the power of camera angles cannot be understated. We'll provide you with downloadable shot lists that feature all of the different types of camera shot angles in film. Lezgo.Continue reading Camera Angles Explained: The Different Types of Camera Shot Angles in Film

What is a Camera Pan — Camera Movement Fundamentals

How you move the camera is a sort of language, a way to communicate to the audience apart from dialogue. There are one million ways to move the camera to complement the narrative. And camera panning is just one way to speak — a simple movement that speaks volumes. So, what is a camera pan and how can it be used to speak directly to the audience? Let’s define it and look at some examples.Continue reading What is a Camera Pan — Camera Movement Fundamentals

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 is it used today? Let’s find out with some chiaroscuro examples in film, from past to present.Continue reading What is Chiaroscuro in Film? Definition, Techniques, & Examples