Best Cinematography Books...

[brock2621]

I have searched a little but haven't found a good compiled list of books to read for great cinematoraphy and lighting. We should compile a list and sticky it.

Maybe even break it down into categories. ie. "film" "video" "lighting" etc.

Or maybe styles of film ie. "for this style of film, ______ book or author best describes or is known for how to set up dramatic film noir" while "______ book or author is best known for good bright lighting for basic love stories" etc.

Just some thoughts... i would love to see something like that. I think that would help the more and more peolple showing up here that are starting to realize that snapping on a zeiss lense won't automatically make it look like "Amélie."

Everybody chip in!

[Drew Ott]

For learning the technical aspects:

http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-T.../dp/0240804953

http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Book-Thir..._bxgy_b_text_b


For creative aspects:

http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Light.../dp/0520089499

although I haven't read it yet, I hear that's a good one.

I haven't found a book that I like yet that covers lighting setups and that sort of thing.


edit -- these all deal with lighting and grip.

[Wilshireblvd]

Set Lighting Technician's Handbook by Harry C. Box

http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-T..._tit_8_rsrssi0

I NEVER do a complicated shoot without it. Just a fantastic reference...and a great reminder of those little things you always forget to utilize!

[RJS]

Ditto the Alton book AND the handbook by Box...

I also liked Film Lighting by Kris Malkiewicz...lots of comments by DPs and gaffers.

[Russell Moore]

I agree, I found Alton's Painting with Light and Box's Set Lighting Technicians books very good. I also really like Mascelli's The 5 C's of Cinematography.

[karapetkov]

http://distribution.4filmmaking.com/...resources.html

[mjdorris]

i found this book to be helpful, but i knew *nothing* about lighting when i read it:
http://www.amazon.com/Lighting-Digit...JDFE44VCG4880V

[griffin86]

Check out http://www.cinematography.net/Books.htm there's a list here of nice books varying in different topics (mainly cinematography and operating I believe). I own a few by Blain Brown and David Mullen. Also browse that website as some of the authors actually do post there regularly; CML is loaded with seasoned pros always giving their tips and insights...

Also check out Michael Rabiger's Directing Techniques and Aesthetics- that book summed up almost two whole semesters of coursework near halfway through thru the book... find it on amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles

[AwakenedFilms]

Here are a few of my favorites (in no order, just looking through my book shelf) - j

American Cinematographer Video Manual - ASC

Film Directing Shot by Shot - steven katz

Professional Cinematography - Charles Clarke

A director's method to film and Television - Ron Richards

MAtters of LIght and Depth - Ross Lowell

Reflections - Benjamin Bergery

ASC magazine!

[Vincent Pascoe]

really like the reflections book....


VP