The idea of a static camera shot may make you feel bored and uninterested, but they are an important part of filmmaking. Static camera shots can be used to highlight certain elements like the actor’s face, or for dramatic effect like a moment when the…

Shot Reverse Shot is a film technique that alternates between two characters or objects, typically with one on the left and one on the right side of the screen. A shot reverse shot is a film technique that alternates between two characters or objects, typically…

A film slate is a board or piece of cardboard with the film’s title, director, and cinematographer written on it. The purpose of this tool is to give continuity between shots to avoid confusion over which scene the editor is working on.   FILM SLATE…

Deep focus is when an object or subject is in sharp detail and contrasts against its surroundings, which results in an image that has a high degree of depth and clarity. It can also refer to the use of deep-focus cinematography, which uses lenses with…

Directors use cowboy shots to show the perspective of a character. The shot is used when one character is looking at another from a distance as if they were on horseback. This type of shot allows the director to include more than one actor in…

A Steadicam is a device that was invented in the late 1970s to stabilize filmmakers’ shots. The Steadicam provides an alternative to mounting bulky equipment on a camera operator’s shoulder or back. It allows for smoother, more flowing transitions and can also be used as…

Lens flare is a problem with which image makers have long battled. Have you ever been in a movie theater and looked up at the screen to notice that your eyes are not adjusting to the change in light? In amateur videos, it can be…

A light meter, also know as an incident meter, is a handheld device that helps to determine the light falling on a specific subject. A light meter reads light falling on a subject and helps you know the accurate speed and aperture required to capture…

Knowing and understanding the different types of shots in film is critical to forming an understand of shot composition and choice as a film director or director of photography. Back when cinema was in its infancy, films used to be shot on a tripod in…

Ah, the challenging and important role of the Director of Photography! In this post, I want to give you an idea of what is a DP in film. We’ll also look at what makes a great DP. We’ll also take a look at questions like:…