Introduction to cinematography : learning through practice / Tania Hoser.

Includes index.

Cover; Half Title; Title; Copyright; Contents; Acknowledgments; Preface; Section A: The Bigger Picture; 1 Cinematography: The Bigger Picture; Learning Outcomes; The Cinematography Triangle: Technology, Technique and Taste; Developing Your Visual Language; How and Where to Learn Cinematography; Learning in Education; Learning in a Professional Environment; Learning Independently; Techniques for Developing Creativity and Imagination; Working Creatively Within the Limits of a Production; The Creative Workflow; Collaboration Techniques; Progress and the Learning Cycle; Assessing Your Work Section B: Essential Working Knowledge for Cinematographers and Camera Assistants2a Working on Set: Professional Practice; Learning Outcomes; The Role of the Production Department; The Role of the Camera Assistant in Pre-Production; The Role of the Cinematographer in Pre-Production; The Camera Crew; The Camera Department Hierarchy; The Role of the 2nd AC and Trainee; The Role of the 1st AC; The Role of the Camera Operator; The Role of the DP; The Role of the Digital Imaging Technician (DIT); The Role of the Dolly Grip; Shoot Procedure Step-by-Step; How to Survive the Shoot Protecting the Camera Equipment2b Camera Assistant Skills; Learning Outcomes; Focus and Focus Pulling; Best Practice for Putting on the Clapper Board; Record Keeping: Notes and Camera Sheets; Managing Batteries and Power Supply; Setting Up and Calibrating the Monitor; Data Management and Rushes Delivery; To Backup Data; Directory Structure and Folders Layout; 3 Fundamental Photographic Knowledge for Cinematography; Learning Outcomes; Understanding Exposure; The Camera and the Camera Sensor; Image Noise; ISO and How the Sensor Responds to Light; Clipping and Avoiding Clipping Recording Color and Bit DepthRecording Formats; RAW; Log; LUT; Moiré; Exposure; Zebras; Histograms; Monitors and IRE Levels; Exposure Problems and Solutions; Controling the Look of the Image with Aperture and Shutter Speed; Aperture and Depth of Field; Shutter Speed and Motion Blur; Aperture Shutter Speed and ISO: Ideals and Compromises; White Balance; Black Balance/Shading; Flare; Polarization; Summary; 4a Assembling the Camera and Preparing to Shoot; Learning Outcomes; Selecting an Appropriate Camera; Assembling the Camera; Mounting the Lens; Camera Supports; Tripod; Camera Heads Leveling the Camera HeadHand-Held Supports and Apparatus; Securely Connecting the Camera; Assembling Camera Accessories; Follow Focus; Matte Box and Eyebrow; Filters; Balancing the Camera; Camera Menu Set-Ups; Cleaning the Camera and Equipment; The Cinematographer's Toolbag; The Camera Assistant's Kit; 4b Camera Preparation and Testing; Learning Outcomes; Checking and Prepping the Equipment; Dead Pixel Test; Lens Performance Tests; Lens Sharpness and Color Fringing Test; Focus Tests; Zoom Lens and Drift Test; Bokeh Test; Anamorphic Lens Tests; Lens Flare Test; Filter Tests

Introduction to Cinematography offers a practical, stage-by-stage guide to the creative and technical foundations of cinematography. Building from a skills-based approach focused on professional practice, cinematographer and author Tania Hoser provides a step-by-step introduction for both cinematographers and camera assistants to the techniques, processes, and procedures of working with cameras, lenses, and light. She provides hands-on insight into negotiating with production constraints and understanding the essentials of the image workflow from shot to distribution, on projects of any scope and budget. Richly illustrated, the book incorporates exercises and sample scripts throughout, exploring light, color, movement, 'blocking', and pacing scenes. The principles and techniques of shaping and controlling light are applied to working with natural light, film lamps, and, as with all areas of cinematography, to low budget alternatives. This makes Introduction to Cinematography the perfect newcomer's guide to learning the skills of cinematography that enables seamless progression from exercises through to full feature shoots. Assessment rubrics provide a framework to measure progress as the reader's ability to visually interpret scripts and enhance the director's vision develops. The book also teaches readers: To understand and develop the combination of skills and creativity involved in cinematography; Photographic principles and how they are applied to control focus exposure, motion blur, and image sharpness; To identify the roles and skills of each member of the camera department, and how and when each are required during a shoot; The order and process of lighting on all scales of productions and the use and application of the four main types of lamps; How to use waveforms, false color, and zebras for monitoring light levels, and meters for guiding exposure choices; The principles of the color wheel, color palettes, and the psychological effects of color choices; How to shoot for different types of fiction and nonfiction/documentary films and how to apply these skills to other genres of TV and film production; Strategies for both starting and progressing your career within cinematography and the camera department.