Cinematography is a term that includes many elements of filmmaking. If that sounds intimidating, fear not, because today in our beginner’s guide to cinematography techniques, we’re going to look at a bunch of different examples, so that you can see what they look like in action. By the end, you’ll know what the major cinematic shots are, and how to capture them. Let’s explore the world of cinematography!Continue reading A Beginner’s Guide to Cinematography Techniques
 Golden hour is a term to describe a certain kind of light that is incredibly pleasing to the eye, and also looks incredibly cinematic. But what is it? And when is golden hour? We'll look at some examples from top Hollywood filmmakers as well as tips on how you can capture images in this incredible light.Continue reading When is Golden Hour? How to Capture the Perfect Light
Lighting plays a crucial role in the world of photography and cinematography, as it helps create mood, atmosphere, and depth in images. Among various lighting techniques, book lighting stands out as an essential method that can significantly impact the visual storytelling process. This technique is widely used by professionals to enhance subject focus, create a sense of dimension, and emphasize textures and details in both photography and cinematography. In this article, we will explore the concept of book lighting and discuss its importance in image making.Continue reading What is Book Lighting — Techniques for Photography & Film
There are many elements that go into creating the optimal lighting setup for a shot. The positioning of lights, the type of lights you use, and the quality of light you create. One of the best tools cinematographers have to adjust the quality of a light is bounce light. Bounce light is used from DIY short film sets to high budget Hollywood films. In this article, we’ll analyze why cinematographers may opt for bounce and diffused light and lay down a few tips you can use it in your next project.Continue reading How to Bounce Light — Photography & Film Techniques
Film Lighting: The Ultimate Guide (FREE Ebook)A foundational guide for photographers and cinematographers aspiring to master the art of cinematic lighting.We'll cover the attributes of light, the equipment involved and tips on shooting in various lighting scenarios. Types of Film Lighting ExplainedAchieving cinematic lighting starts with knowing "the rules"Great lighting is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. Cinematographers with firm grasp on how the combination of light and shadow can support visual storytelling all started with the fundamentals.This guide is a jumpstart towards that goal. By learning how light works and how to harness it, you can approach any lighting…
Low light cinematography can be daunting. If it goes wrong, an image can be hard to see or fraught with noise. Trying to overcorrect with stronger lights, on the other hand, can make a night scene feel unnaturally bright. How can a cinematographer navigate this minefield to achieve a beautiful low-light shot? In this post, we'll cover various techniques when shooting low light photography and cinematography. We'll start with our interview with famed DP Claudio Miranda discussing how to shoot in low light with scenes from Oblivion, Life of Pi, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.Continue reading Low Light…
Lighting is one of the most crucial aspects of cinematography. There are literally infinite ways to light a scene, and each one has the potential to drastically change how people view the subject. When you want a dramatic effect that makes the subject’s face interesting, you want what’s known as Rembrandt lighting.A Rembrandt lighting setup is common in the field of photography. It’s a great way to draw a viewer’s attention to a precise area of the photograph. However, cinematographers have much they can learn from this technique. Let’s look at this technique and how it can help you attain…
If you’re a photographer or cinematographer, chances are you’ve used ambient light, whether you’ve known it or not. This type of light is everywhere, and can make or break your image — sometimes it helps, sometimes it's unwanted. So, what is ambient light? In this article, we’ll walk through what ambient illumination is, and how you can use it to your advantage for your next shoot.Continue reading What is Ambient Light — Lighting Techniques Explained
Softboxes are the workhorse of any photography studio. In fact, it would be difficult to find any professional photographer who does not own one. What is a softbox and why are they so crucial for photographers? In this article, we’ll cover the essentials for this type of light and dive into when they should be used. We’ll also analyze the different types of softboxes available and the different effects of each.Continue reading What is a Softbox Used For in Photography & Lighting Tips
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 shot, but to build the world of a film through the light we see in the frame. What is practical lighting in film? And how can it be used to elevate a story? Let’s dive in. Continue reading What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips and…
