In filmmaking, the phrase, “We’ll fix it in post” gets thrown around a lot. While working with a green screen requires a lot of post production work, it’s all for naught if you don’t light the scene properly. A green screen opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your next project. If you plan on using one, then you need our guide on correct green screen lighting to ensure your chroma key shots don’t look like a $10 commercial.Continue reading Green Screen Lighting: How to Ensure Your Backgrounds Pop
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 top cinematographers who are working today actively use. Onto the list!Continue reading The 27 Best Film Cinematographers That Everyone Should Know
Understanding the different qualities of light is important for any filmmaker to know. Each quality can enhance a story by providing a visual element that matches the style and tone of a film. One of the most fundamental qualities of light to understand is diffused light. From interviews to commercial work to films, knowing the effects of diffused light can make you a more versatile and well equipped filmmaker. Let’s find out why and how you can use diffused light in your next project. Continue reading What is Diffused Light — Types of Lighting in Photo & Film
Taking a great portrait isn’t about having a quality camera and attractive subject. It’s not even about wardrobe or location. If you mess up the lighting in your portraits, post production won’t always be able to save you. How can you nail it each time? Whether you’re taking school pictures or are shooting athletes for an ad, knowing how to master portrait lighting setups will pay off big. Continue reading Portrait Lighting Setup Guide — 8 Ways to Shoot Great Portraits
What is flat lighting? You may have heard the term applied to a sitcom or used derisively in a critique of a film’s cinematography, but what does it actually mean? We’ll be providing a definition for flat lighting, explaining the causes and how to avoid it, and detailing when and why flat lighting might actually be the best way to light a scene. Continue reading What is Flat Lighting — Photo & Film Examples & Techniques
Euphoria is one of the most popular shows on television, and its success is in large part due to its distinct visual style. The Euphoria cinematography became iconic right from its pilot, and its influence can be seen in many shows and films that have come in its wake. Euphoria’s singular look comes from a confluence of cinematic techniques, from bold lighting choices to unexpected camera movement. In this post, we’ll break down the factors that make up Euphoria’s visual approach, and tell you how you can achieve it on your next project.Continue reading Euphoria Cinematography Analysis — Lighting, Movement, and…
What is day for night? And, perhaps more importantly, is it a good idea? There is plenty of debate over the effectiveness of day for night and, even though the technique is used in plenty of feature-films, many filmmakers wouldn’t touch day for night with a ten-foot pole. In this post we will be defining day for night, weighing the pros and cons of shooting day for night, and even giving a couple of tips for getting the best results if you do decide to shoot day for night. Let’s get started with a definition.Continue reading How to Shoot Day…
Low-key lighting can be found in some of the earliest and most influential films in cinema. Early filmmakers utilized low-key lighting in black and white cinematography to tell compelling stories that pushed the art form. Even as film developed and color was introduced to motion pictures, low-key lighting evolved and has influenced the works of some of today’s most prominent cinematographers. Why has low-key lighting been an influence for so long in cinema? How has it evolved past its use in black and white? How can you use it to elevate your next film? Let’s dig in. Continue reading What is…
What defines a cinematic shot? For many of us, it is the result of masterful cinematography that creates depth, tone, and tells a story through lighting and camera work. One lighting technique that can help achieve all of these things is volumetric lighting. What is volumetric lighting in filmmaking? Odds are, you have seen this lighting in some of your favorite films. Cinematographers and photographers alike love the captivating effect it has. Let’s take a look at volumetric lighting in cinema and how you can achieve it in your own projects. Continue reading What is Volumetric Lighting — Definition and Examples
Diffused light is an incredibly important tool for any photographer or cinematographer. It’s soft, flattering quality is used in various setups. Of course, not everyone can afford expensive softboxes or silk flags. Luckily, making your own DIY light diffuser is not as difficult as it may seem. In this article, you’ll find various inexpensive ways to make your own light diffuser.Continue reading DIY Light Diffuser — Materials, Tips and Video Tutorials
