How to Find the Best Film For Your Camera
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Discovering the Silver Screen
Understanding Cinematography
CINEMATOGRAPHY DEFINED
Cinematography (from Greek: kinema – ????µa “movement” and graphein – ???fe?? “to record”), is the making of lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for the cinema. It is closely related to the art of still photography. Many additional issues arise when both the camera and elements of the scene may be in motion, though this also greatly increases the creative possibilities of the process.
Source: Wikipedia.org
LEARNING CINEMATOGRAPHY
The art of cinematography need not be complicated, though to many it is the most intimidating part of the filmmaking process. Simply think of cinematography as still photography without the ‘still.’ The best way to learn cinematography is to learn 35mm still photography. A good manual 35mm SLR (single-lens-reflex) camera, and the mastery of its use, should be a self-imposed requirement for every filmmaker before shooting a motion picture.
It should be noted that with all the advancements in video technology, film seems to be nearing the end of its legacy. At least, that is what many in the digital video revolution would like you to believe. But they have been giving this line for many years and yet film has survived, mostly for one reason: Film Is The Standard. Everyone wants their movie to look like it was shot on film, even if it wasn’t, simply because film looks better. It has a timeless essence to it, a surreal look. However, if you cannot afford to shoot film, then go with video. The success of your movie will depend more on the story than on the medium it was shot in. With that said, this lesson will focus on film as the standard in motion picture production.
Important Points
The key to great photography is having something interesting to photograph. Beautiful sets and wardrobe are as essential to cinematography as are the elements of lighting, camera work, and actor performance.
Everything in photography can be measured in doubles and halves, most prevalent in the standard measurement called stops. An increase of one stop equals double the amount of light; an increase of two stops equals four times the amount of light; a decrease of one stop equals half the amount of light; a decrease of two stops equals a 75% decrease in the amount of light.
Never use the light meter installed in the camera itself. Purchase a good incident light meter. Own a spot meter too if you have the funds. Learn to use them proficiently by practicing with your 35mm SLR camera. During the production shoot it is best to have a backup incident meter in case the other fails or is damaged. Be sure to test the accuracy of each meter with still 35mm film. (See ‘Using a Light Meter’ under Lighting the Set)
Double-check everything dealing with both camera and lighting before rolling film. You do not w