100D — The Amaran LED Video Light Really Shines: Review

Hey YouTubers, Aputure is gunning for your money and in my humble opinion, you should give it to them. Aputure has announced four new point-source COB LED lights under the Amaran brand. The 100d, 100x, 200d, and 200x. “D” standing for daylight and “X” for bi-colour. All coming in at a fraction of the price compared to their Light Storm 120d and 300d fixtures. We were fortunate enough to get our hands on a 100d Amaran LED video light and we were not disappointed. Continue reading 100D — The Amaran LED Video Light Really Shines: Review

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 of ways for different reasons. But they have all derived from the same origin. What is the Vertigo effect and where did it originate? How have some of cinema’s best directors used it? Let’s dive in. Continue reading What is the Vertigo Effect? The Hitchcock Zoom…

What Happened to Every Frame a Painting? — A Eulogy

In April 2014, a YouTube channel named Every Frame a Painting was created and it changed the course of film criticism forever. Over the course of three years, Every Frame a Painting founders Taylor Ramos and Tony Zhou released 28 video essays addressing everything in film from the style of Akira Kurosawa to the editing of Edgar Wright. But what happened to Every Frame a Painting? We’re going to explore why Ramos and Zhou stopped making video essays – but more importantly we’re going to take a look at what made their video essays so special. Continue reading What Happened…

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 few fundamental portrait photography tips that will help you capture a moving portrait. In this article, you’ll learn how to take portraits through technique and creativity.Continue reading Portrait Photography Tips & Techniques For Every Photographer

The Best 2020 Movies — Bright Lights in a Dark Year

2020 was a very strange year for movies. Most theaters in the United States have been closed since March in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing studios to push most of its offerings into 2021 at the earliest. While it may seem like a bare year for cinephiles, there was still plenty to enjoy. If the pandemic had never happened, then this list of the best 2020 movies would likely look very different.Streaming services picked up the slack with Oscar contenders flocking to the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime. Studios experimented with releasing more tentpole features on their respective…

Full Frame vs. APS-C — Camera Sensor Pros & Cons Explained

Which is better full frame vs APS C? Every camera is different – but most (not all) have a full frame or APS C sensor. But what is the difference between full frame and APS C? Or better yet: what is a full frame sensor? And what is an APS C sensor? We’re going to answer those questions by looking at sensors from various manufacturers. By the end, you’ll know the strengths and weaknesses of both image sensor formats and which makes the most sense for your production needs.Continue reading Full Frame vs. APS-C — Camera Sensor Pros & Cons…

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 more lively. So, what is rim light and how can you use it to create beautiful images? We’ll cover all of this and more in this article. Continue reading What is a Rim Light — 3 Point Lighting Techniques Explained

The Best Sam Mendes Movies — American Beauty to 1917

Sam Mendes, director of stage and screen, may not release quite as many feature films as some of his contemporaries but one thing he has displayed in abundance is variety. With the exception of his turns in the James Bond series as the Spectre and Skyfall director, it’s rare to see Sam Mendes movies tackle the same subject matter more than once. With a chameleon filmography, he leaps from gangster film to war film to drama to rom-com. Mendes adapts his style to best suit the story at hand, rather than focusing on a cohesive directorial fingerprint across his body…

The UV Protection Lens Filter — When and When Not to Use One

Have you ever heard that a UV protection lens filter for your lens is like cheap lens insurance? You might be wondering how true this is. In this article, we’ll take a look at just that. We’ll also take a look at why the UV protection lens filter was invented in the first place and what its utility is in digital photography today. By the end of this read, you’ll have a better understanding of the pros and cons of a UV protection lens filter and when to use one and when to not.Continue reading The UV Protection Lens Filter…

The Best Shows on HBO Right Now (January 2021)

There are plenty of great shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but HBO still reigns king in the world of TV streaming. Since 1972, the ‘Home Box Office’, better known as HBO has produced dozens upon dozens of top-tier TV shows. We’re going to rank the best shows on HBO, from ‘72 to 2020 so that you can find a new series or a forgotten classic that is 100% worth viewing.Continue reading The Best Shows on HBO Right Now (January 2021)