Best Cinematography Books...

brock2621

brock2621

Well-known member
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!
 
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Ditto the Alton book AND the handbook by Box...

I also liked Film Lighting by Kris Malkiewicz...lots of comments by DPs and gaffers.
 
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.
 
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
 
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!
 
From the front cover: "The Five C's of Cinematography is one of the three most important books on cinematic technique ever published". -American Cinematographer Does anybody know the other two??....
 
I also liked Film Lighting by Kris Malkiewicz...lots of comments by DPs and gaffers.
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Reading this now. It's the best for teaching how to light a scene, in my opinion.

At least from what I've read.
 
i found that "refelections: 21 cinematograhers" by benjimin bergery to be very inspiring because it allows you to see that the professionals around the world are doing the same things you do, only on a larger scale. also, "cinematography theory and practice" by blain brown was concise and to the point. very informative if you know your basics...
 
Although a bit dated and very film-centric, David Samuelson's "Hands On" Manual for Cinematographers is still very good to have, especially for effects work.

The sections on electricity, composite cinematography and especially the mathematics of cinematography make it a great reference, if a bit dry.
 
appy said:
From the front cover: "The Five C's of Cinematography is one of the three most important books on cinematic technique ever published". -American Cinematographer Does anybody know the other two??....
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I have this book and am reading it now. It's 40 years old but the concepts look like they are still the same. (I think it's excellent.) Also, 'm curious about the other two books.

Regards,

Dan.
 
I am new to filmmaking and have been reading most of the posts here regarding "How to Light". I have come across a great book on lighting that should be read before purchasing any lighting equipment. Its called "Lighting for Film and Digital Cinematography" by Dave Viera and Maria Viera. Second Edition. This will explain how to set up and use different lighting schemes to get the best filmming. There is even an appendix in the back of the book that lists lighting and grip gear and what to have in your kit when you are lighting in different situations (day and night exteriors and interiors, etc.) Check it out. Dcotor D.
 
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Could anyone please steer me in the direction of a good quality book for beginners? I am looking to learn about f-stop, shutter speed, etc., the basics of cinematography. I want to better understand the basics to get the best use of the equipment I have. Thank you for your time.

Chris
 
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