Mark Cella And The Life Of The Lighting Camera Person
November 15, 2010 by Guest Author · Leave a Comment
A cinematographer is a master of lighting. He knows where the light is coming from, how intense it needs to be and what mood it creates. He works very closely with the director and the gaffer to create the perfect balance of light. A few things a cinematographer considers when setting up lights are movement, placement, intensity and color. Here is how they work:
Movement: “Why is the light moving?” “How much is it moving?” These are two questions a cameraman or cinematographer must ask himself. If there is no movement, fine-the scene is still. Movement causes curiosity, chaos and directs the eye to a certain place in the frame. If not trying to recreate a scene that requires lights to flicker, turn on and off at a certain rate or move back and forth as if searching for something, movement of light is not required-it just helps to make a more believable situation if necessary. Some examples of scenes that use light movement would be in a scene where the lights are going out or flickering or something like an interrogation scene. Movement could also be used to portray a lightning or a massive earthquake where everything is falling down and the power is going out. Also, any sort of club or party scene would use not only moving lights but colored lights as well.
Placement: Depending on where you place the light on a character, it creates different shadows on their faces and can create different moods and can change the way you look at someone. For instance, when you light someone from the bottom, it creates an evil look. Remember when you’d go camping and you’d scare your little sister by placing a flashlight under your chin, turning it on and making a scary face? Just like that. The more lights you use, the less shadow you will create, so using just one light will create more shadow and make a character look darker and more mysterious.
Light placement on characters also creates different moods because depending on where you shine the light on someone; different shadows will project onto their faces. The darker the light, the more equivocal someone will look. Lighting from below will make someone look more suspicious and placing light more on the face so you can see a character’s eyes better will make them look friendlier and more trustworthy. Protagonists are usually better lit and more visible while antagonists are darker lit to keep them in the shadows more and to portray a darker character whom is up to no good.
Intensity: Light intensity can make things look different and hide objects and even wrinkles in shadows. I once had an actress ask me to turn the light down a little because she thought she looked better in the lower lighting-and she was right-it took away some of her wrinkles and made her look a little younger and thinner. It was after this encounter that this lesson stuck with me. Just like black clothes give you the illusion of looking thinner, less light also makes you look thinner and younger. If you notice, in films you will see that antagonists are shown in darker lighting because shadowy figures represent someone evil or unapproachable to people. Protagonists are better lit and you can see more of their face because someone who’s eyes you can fully see seems more trustworthy and approachable.
The darker it is, the more mysterious and dingy the scene becomes. The brighter the scene, the happier the characters are and the audience will feel more comfortable. Dramas tend to be darker and comedies are brighter for that exact reason. Comedies want you to laugh; so making it brighter will create a happier mood for the audience, therefore making them laugh easier.
Color: Playing with colored light is fun and challenging. A cameraman must know about the color wheel because if you white balance on a color, the camera will tint the frame with the opposite color. Sometimes cinematographers will want their film to be tinted a certain color for a theme they’re trying to convey, in which case knowing what color to white balance on is key. Different skin tones get lost with certain colors so it’s also good to know what pops out and what doesn’t pop. The color of the light also helps the audience distinguish between the times of day. Sunlight is always bluer and incandescent lights are always more orange in color. Color also makes people feel a certain way, so having a color scheme for characters in both wardrobe and lighting is very common.
When all these concepts are learned and mastered, they come together to create a masterpiece and can be used and manipulated in every project you shoot to invent a different, unique look. With all these concepts and a touch of your personal creativity, the possibilities of painting with light are endless!
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There’s Much To Bear In Mind When Choosing The Best Picture Editing Software
November 3, 2010 by Guest Author · Leave a Comment
If you posses that creative gene and looking for the best photo editing software that fits you particular needs then, there are a few things to seriously consider. With all the photo editors on the market today to choose from you can very quickly become overwhelmed unless you know precisely what your looking for.
The first objective in selecting the best photo editing software is to access your requirements correctly. What you will discover regarding photo editors of today, is that most of them emphasize certain functions and features over others. This is where you need to listen very closely. Never make a rash decision when it comes to purchasing any electronic devices….and especially when selecting a photo editor. Take your time and find a photo editor that focuses on the same functions that you will be using the most.
For those who don’t want to commit themselves to a lot of time learning and perfecting the many functions and features of a good photo editing software, there are some good photo enhancers that are easy to use. Photo enhancers do not require much effort and are very good at touching up good photos. However, for the more enthusiastic photographer, this level of photo editing will be somewhat lacking. Photo enhancers are very effective in improving good photos however, not very effective at improving bad ones.
Your first and foremost consideration is to clearly identify how you plan to use the photo editing software. By taking this initial step can save you a great deal of time and effort in achieving your creative objectives. You will discover, that most photo editing software packages differ widely in functions and features. By choosing a photo editor that emphasizes your particular requirements will prove very helpful in perfecting the software package at a much quicker rate.
A very important consideration is in how effective are the wizards provided by the program. The proper use of a wizard can save a great deal of time by allowing just a click of a mouse to manipulate the photo right where you want it. Wizards can be very effective in quickly removing red-eye, bad lighting, blurry images and more. Providing more time to take the photo to the next level and perfecting it with more advanced functions and special effects.
What you need to be looking for is a personal blend of sophistication and ease of use. With the vast number of photo editors out there today, you should allow your personal requirements drive your search by filtering out what you don’t need. You can find a great non-professional editing software package that allows you to simply blend digital photos onto one another, or special effects that only require a few clicks of the mouse. It’s no longer necessary to seek out very expensive professional help to provide you with studio quality results.
Now, if you’re like most and have built up a large data base of photos then, you may want to seriously test out the wizards that come with the program. You will discover that some wizards are much more effective than others. Wizards can be very effective in initially improving the photo by removing red-eye, blurriness and poor lighting. By allowing the wizard to quickly improve the photo provides the photographer more time in perfecting the photo with good enhancements and special effects.
By allowing your personal preference drive your search, you can effectively find the best photo editing software that fits your particular needs. Try to avoid getting one that is too complex preventing you from fully realizing the potential of the program. On the other hand, also try to avoid finding a digital editor that is lacking in functionality that could easily prevent you from realizing your own personal creativity.
Being like everyone, with the tendency to build a very large library of photos on your laptop, you should look into this incredibly personalized and valuable on finding the best photo editing software.
In The Market For An Inspiring Source To Better Your Digital Camera Photography
October 24, 2010 by Guest Author · Leave a Comment
If you have a passion for digital camera photography then there’s a whole arsenal of high tech camera’s and techniques at your disposal. In today’s world of digital photography, there is unlimited possibilities with what you can do with your imagination and creative potential.
Many photography enthusiasts still struggle with getting that perfect picture. This can be somewhat frustrating when taking those once in a lifetime shots or at special events where the picture didn’t turn out as you had hope. Photos are a very special way of keeping memories and you want them to be as perfect as possible.
There a countless of professional photographers more than willing to share their passion for digital photography. You can find many books and tutorials that offer a great deal of insight and inspiration on how to take great photos. However, before you buy a book, make sure you look up on the internet regarding people’s reviews and how the book has helped them. There are various levels of instruction so, try to find one that suites your level of expertise.
How many people go out and buy a camera without reading the operations manual. When it comes to any electronic devices, you will discover that to take the initial time to read over the instructions will not only save you time and effort but, also allow you to enjoy your camera so much more.
When it comes to camera’s, you really need to learn the different functions that it comes with. Don’t just flick through the camera manual and then put it somewhere you will never look at it again. If you want to take great pictures and take full advantage of today’s high tech options, you owe it to yourself to really understand the ins and outs. Learn how to use the different camera modes, how to control the exposure and especially where is the flash option. You will not only save time in the long run but, also enjoy your camera so much more by taking some great photos.
The foremost consideration when taking those important photos, is to learn how to hold the camera level and steady. Try to take advantage of the LCD screen which is specially designed to help you accurately frame your shots. Look for the horizontal lines which are a great guide. Don’t discount the value of using a tripod which can ensure that the camera is steady for those shots under low light conditions or when taking photos of objects that are fast moving.
To take those phenomenal shots for digital photography, it is extremely important to learn when and when not to use the flash. I strongly recommend that you don’t rely on the automatic functions with the flash. Depending on the circumstances, you should get in the habit of learning when to switch on and switch off the flash. You will discover, that when taking outdoor photos, it is sometimes good to turn it on to illuminate the subject, especially if they are in the shade. However, you will learn that turning off the flash while indoors can save you from photos resulting in unnatural skin color or harsh glares in your photos.
These are some very basic tips on what to consider with your digital camera photography. Always remember, there are many professional photographers who are skilled at not only great photography but, also able to share their great passion in books and tutorials. The question is, how do you begin to take those great photos. The first and foremost thing to remember…is that it’s the photographer who takes great photos….not the camera. There are those who take great photos with the simple “point-and- shoot” camera’s while, some take really bad ones with the very expense SLR’s.
As you continue with with your online search, you should really check out this extremely enlightening article on enhancing your digital camera photography.
One Should Take A Photography Class
September 21, 2010 by Guest Author · Leave a Comment
If a person is interested in photography as a hobby, as a future profession or simply because it is a requirement in their art studies then attending a photography class would be a good idea for a number of reasons. There are many aspects of photography to consider as it is not just about getting lucky with a random snap. Good photos are usually foreseen by the artist before they even take a picture, they should know what the outcome will be. Many people that attend photography class as a hobby use their skills to enter competitions because during the classes, they realize that they have the talent that real photography requires.
A photography program is designed to teach everything about photography to the student, from the use of the camera to developing the film. Thought must be put into pictures whether they are planned or spontaneous as the photographer must comprehend issues like lighting and shadow. Many people who attend one photography class will go on to attend more advanced classes. There are some professional photography programs that train students for a number of years in order to prepare them to work as photographers, freelance or otherwise. Both theory and practice are essential in a photography class and professional programs offer specialized subjects such as photojournalism and fashion photography.
Taking a Photography Class Online
Many people do not have the time to take a regular photography class due to work and family commitments. In this case, they may try to learn photography alone or in order to gain guidance from an experienced photographer; they may instead enroll in an online photography class. These classes can be designed for use by students who do not have a photography program in their school, or for people who have an interest in photography and do not really know where to begin. Some of these classes offer certificates of completion and the submitted projects of the students are judged by normal photography standards.
An online photography class is generally self-paced and allows enrolment at any time. Because of these methods, the classes generally allow people of various talents and levels to work together at the same time. This can be helpful if the complete novices can learn some tips and skills from the more advanced students. People can use the skills garnered from these classes to progress to more advanced classes, possibly getting enough confidence and enthusiasm to enroll in regular classes. Photography can be a hobby or a profession depending on the individual. Most online photography classes provide the same standard skills needed to start anyone off in this area.
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