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

What is Shallow Depth of Field? Definitions and Examples

DOF Basics Shallow DOF Deep DOF DOF Guide DOF vs Depth of Focus FREE E-Book Whether you’re interested in photography or cinematography, you’ve seen the gamut of what can be done to manipulate images to get breathtaking cinematic effects. Some though, aren’t as complicated as they may look. This article covers the fundamentals of one… Continue reading What is Shallow Depth of Field? Definitions and Examples

What is the Exposure Triangle — Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

Exposure TriangleOpen menu What is the Exposure Triangle Aperture ISO Shutter Speed Frame Rate Shot List Creator 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… Continue reading What is the Exposure Triangle — Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

What is White Balance — How it Works and Why It Matters

What is white balance? White balance is a vital camera setting to properly calibrate in order to achieve your desired image. If you have ever taken a photograph or video and found the result to look unnatural blue or yellow, then improper white balance is to blame. We’ll break down what white balance is, how… Continue reading What is White Balance — How it Works and Why It Matters

What is Rolling Shutter — Camera Shutter Effect Explained

What is rolling shutter and why does it happen? If you have ever filmed something on your phone and found that the resulting footage looked completely different than what you recorded, then rolling shutter may be the culprit. Whether this type of shutter plagues your footage or you just find the effect interesting and what… Continue reading What is Rolling Shutter — Camera Shutter Effect Explained

What is Color Temperature & Why It’s Important in Photo & Film

Color BasicsOpen menu What is a Color Palette Color Grading vs. Color Correction What is Color Space What is Color Temperature What is a Vectorscope What is LUT What is a Colorist What is a Color Checker What is Technicolor First Color Movie Film Colorization Process Color SchemesOpen menu What is a Color Scheme Triadic… Continue reading What is Color Temperature & Why It’s Important in Photo & Film

What is Dynamic Range in Photography — Exposure Essentials

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… Continue reading What is Dynamic Range in Photography — Exposure Essentials

What is an Anamorphic Lens? How to Get that Cinematic Look

Types of LensesOpen menu Lens Basics Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) What is a 50mm Lens Good For 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Specialty LensesOpen menu What is a T-Stop Macro Lens Fisheye Lens Tilt-Shift Lens Split-Diopter… Continue reading What is an Anamorphic Lens? How to Get that Cinematic Look

What is Aspect Ratio? A Formula for Framing Success

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, you’ve probably heard the term aspect ratio quite often. Before you shoot even a single frame of your film, you have to decide what aspect ratio would be best. This decision will affect the staging and framing of every single shot going forward. Why? What is aspect ratio, and why… Continue reading What is Aspect Ratio? A Formula for Framing Success

What is Depth of Focus vs. Depth of Field? — Camera Essentials

DOF Basics Shallow DOF Deep DOF DOF Guide DOF vs Depth of Focus FREE E-Book There are few terms in cinematography and photography more misunderstood than depth of focus. The term is often used interchangeably with depth of field, but the two ideas actually have two completely separate meanings. Depth of focus is critical to… Continue reading What is Depth of Focus vs. Depth of Field? — Camera Essentials

What is the Circle of Confusion — Photography Definition

How do you ensure your photos are sharp and in focus? Getting comfortable with the circle of confusion is a good first step. What is circle of confusion? This concept is an under-defined, yet super critical idea in photography. And understanding it will help you see how everything works together. The circle of confusion is… Continue reading What is the Circle of Confusion — Photography Definition

Underexposed Photography — Editing in Photoshop & Lightroom

BasicsOpen menu What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur Lighting EssentialsOpen menu Basics of Film Lighting: 4 Qualities of Light What is Practical Lighting 3-Point Lighting What is Key Light What is Fill Light What is Backlight What is Low Key Lighting What is… Continue reading Underexposed Photography — Editing in Photoshop & Lightroom

Best Cell Phone Camera — Latest Models, Prices, & Features

It’s 2021, and just about every cell phone you can get your hands on has a camera. In some cases, the cameras on your phone rival ones used by professional photographers and filmmakers. But for most of us, the cameras that come on a cell phone do just enough to satisfy. As such, we have… Continue reading Best Cell Phone Camera — Latest Models, Prices, & Features

11 Event Photography Tips and Tricks for All Photographers

If you are starting a career in photography, you will inevitably be paid to shoot some type of event. Events can differ vastly ranging from weddings to corporate events to concerts. However, we’ve created a list of a few fundamental tips that will help you capture better photos no matter what event you are shooting.… Continue reading 11 Event Photography Tips and Tricks for All Photographers

Best Cheap 4K Camera — 5 Great Options Under $1,000

To find an easy-to-use professional-level camera isn’t too difficult in today’s market. There might be lots to pick from but at least you have options. But if you’re on the beginner/enthusiast side, even getting closer to professional-level, and on a budget, it’s not always easy. Finding that sweet spot between inexpensive and well, good enough,… Continue reading Best Cheap 4K Camera — 5 Great Options Under $1,000