Every filmmaker loves “Magic Hour.” That fleeting window just after sunset provides the most flattering, ethereal light known to cinema. But when you are shooting on film, this time of day is terrifying. As the sun dips below the horizon, your light levels plummet by the second. On a digital camera, you might just crank […]
Tag Archive for: Cinematography Tips
We’ve all seen night exteriors that feel flat, overlit, or just plain wrong. Of all the lighting scenarios a cinematographer faces, “how to light the night” is one of the biggest challenges. It’s an art form that requires balancing technical skill with a strong creative vision. Where you place your moonlight is arguably the most […]
Moonlight in cinema is a beautiful lie. We’ve all seen it: a lonely character bathed in a soft, blue-silver glow; lovers meeting under a luminous, romantic sky; a monster emerging from the stark, hard shadows of a full moon. These iconic images feel emotionally true, yet they bear little resemblance to the faint, often colorless […]
“I don’t have 18Ks. I don’t have M40s. How can I create cinematic lighting?” It’s one of the most common challenges filmmakers face. The great news is that powerful storytelling isn’t always about having the biggest lights. It’s about creatively shaping the light you already have. In this exclusive lesson excerpt, we provide a detailed […]
As filmmakers, we are constantly in a dance with light. We shape it, diffuse it, flag it, and bounce it. While powerful lights create our key, the subtle art of the bounce is often what brings an image to life, especially when working with actors in challenging lighting conditions. How do you fill in shadows […]
What’s the deal with Streaks ‘N Tips as a lighting technique? Well, as cinematographers, we’re constantly battling and embracing light. Practical light sources — those lamps, bulbs, and fixtures that exist within your scene — can add immense realism and atmosphere. But they can also be unruly, creating unwanted lens flares or spilling light where […]
Practical lights — those lamps, fixtures, and light sources visible within your frame — are the unsung heroes of cinematic realism. From table lights and barrel shades to goosenecks and bare bulbs, these elements, often provided by the Set Decoration department, are crucial for grounding your scene in reality and establishing mood. However, as any […]
Welcome back to the Inner Circle Podcast, where cinematography fuses with wellness and leadership! In this special episode, hosts Shane Hurlbut, ASC, and Lydia Hurlbut return to a favorite format: answering questions directly from Filmmakers Academy members. It’s a deep dive into practical challenges, creative choices, and even some essential self-care tips for life on […]