Forum

Notifications

Clear all

I would like to become a good CINEMATOGRAPHER!

Noob Questions

Last Post by robmanu7 16 years ago

6 Posts

4 Users

0 Reactions

1,572 Views

RSS

JohnCa

(@johnca)

Posts: 1

New Member

Topic starter

Hi everyone,

I would like to become a good CINEMATOGRAPHER, can anyone provide me their experience and any further details?
I am very new, I do not have any experience and trying to dig information on the web through forums, blogs, etc.

However, your experience and any additional information will surely help me to learn.

Thank you,

John

_______________
TALK 2 EXPERTS
http://www.digitalvideo.talk2experts.com

Posted : 15/06/2009 4:14 am

certified instigator

(@certified-instigator)

Posts: 2951

Famed Member

Welcome to filmmaking.net John. How are you connected to "Talk2Experts"?

The only way I know to become a good cinematographer is to shoot.

How good a baseball player can you be by reading forums and blogs
and never picking up a bat or stepping onto a diamond - or just playing
with friends on the street or vacant lot?
Can you get really good at your favorite video game by reading forms
and blogs?

I suppose reading forums and blogs can give you some insight, but
you need to get out there with a camera and shoot.

But if you're set on reading forms and blogs I typed "cinematography blogs" in Google and found these for you:

http://en.wordpress.com/tag/cinematography/
http://www.blogtoplist.com/rss/cinematography.html
http://dpduraid.blogspot.com/
http://mistudiosblog.com/
http://indie2zero.com/category/cinematography/

There is always http://www.cinematography.com/
http://www.cinematography.com/
http://www.2-popforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=181

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

Posted : 15/06/2009 11:33 am

bjdzyak

(@bjdzyak)

Posts: 587

Honorable Member

quote:

Originally posted by JohnCa

Hi everyone,

I would like to become a good CINEMATOGRAPHER, can anyone provide me their experience and any further details?
I am very new, I do not have any experience and trying to dig information on the web through forums, blogs, etc.

However, your experience and any additional information will surely help me to learn.

Thank you,

John

_______________
TALK 2 EXPERTS
http://www.digitalvideo.talk2experts.com

Hi, John.

There's A LOT to discuss in order to answer your question entirely, far more than anyone is able to share in a forum like this.

First, there is book knowledge you can learn about the basics of cameras, exposures, and lighting. Start there.

Then, you'll have to put your studies into real practice with real situations and people. Don't worry too much about having a great camera or "proper" lighting units at first. Ideally you should use a REAL FILM still camera so you have absolute control over all the functions (no automatic settings at all!).

Once you get a handle on the basics of photography, carrying those lessons over to a motion-picture camera isn't that large of a leap.

Getting out and actually lighting sets and people is where your real education will come from. You'll be forced to apply the book theories in real time, when you're up against limitations of time, space, resources in addition to dealing with the various personalities who will be on set with you.

But technical knowledge is only a part of becoming a "good Cinematographer." The BUSINESS of being a freelance Cinematographer is what allows you to make a living doing this, so learning the various paths you can take to get where you want to be is crucial.

First, so you can get a sense of what you're getting yourself into, I urge you to read the book, "What I Really Want to Do: On Set in Hollywood" (link below). Specifically, read chapters 1-5 and then the entire Camera Department section. As a Director of Photography, you ideally should know about all the other jobs that are written about in that book, but start with those sections first.

Cinematography.com has a list of great Cinematography books and DVDs that are also great resources for technical information.

Also, visit Cinematography.net for more technical information and a discussion board that is frequented by professionals.

You may also find it helpful to peek in on Steadicamforum.com.

AND, all of these resources and A LOT MORE are all available at http://www.realfilmcareer.com where you'll find countless links, books, workshops and up-to-date news that impacts real working professionals in the motion-picture and television industry.

I'm a twenty year veteran, having worked on everything from no-budget student films to some of the biggest budget features ever made. One of the BEST things I ever did to make me a better Cameraman was to begin as an Editor. Yes, Editor. As a Cameraman, you're primarily interested in creating quality images per the requirements of the project, however you're also shooting many pieces that have to be cut together. The more you know about how your shots will be edited, the better choices you'll be able to make as you place cameras and light sets.

Good luck!

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com