Ryan Patrick O'Hara
Veteran
The art of "film-making" is just but slightly over 100 years old, one of our youngest art forms.
The documentation of cinematic photography (in regards to technical information), did not effectively begin until the formation of the American Society of Cinematographers.
It was after which, that the technical trade publication American Cinematographer, began to compile information. We also see the development of the American Cinematographer Handbook/Manual. How it was basically written and re-written as cinematographers learned the craft and invented new tools. They would create, share, combine and challenge each others charts, diagrams, formulas, etc. It became, and has remained the camera man's bible for almost 80 years. To this day, the book is edited and corrected constantly, attaining more knowledge and accuracy, proving that cinematography is indeed a life long learning process.
Here is a bit of history regarding the beginnings of documented cinematography craft:
I was also given a 1925 & 1929 American Cinematography magazines. I also received my birthday edition, AC November 1985, which is truly mind boggling if I think about it. These magazines (exception of the '85) have been around since before the great depression, through World War II and every conflict since. History has always been a favorite subject as a kid, and this stuff can't get any better.
I received the two texts which started it all. The 1930 Cinematographic Annual Volumes One & Two by Hal Hall (Editor)
If you read the history from above, those led to the The American Cinematographer Hand Book and Reference Guide by Jackson J. Rose. I received the 1956, 9th edition, which was the last print of the series.
Finally, I am now the proud owner of a 1960 1st Edition, American Cinematographer Manual... the beginning of what we all know as the standard AC manual. I have owned the 9th and most recent edition since I entered film school.
It is simply amazing to see how Cinematography has grown and developed over the years! These books truly instill a sense of past, pride and purpose into what can sometimes feel as a superficial business.
So all and all, I'm not trying to brag, but am very excited about owning pieces of the great and short history of our art form. Sometimes I just remember how young film really is, and how awesome it is to be a part of it.
Take care,
-RPO
The documentation of cinematic photography (in regards to technical information), did not effectively begin until the formation of the American Society of Cinematographers.
It was after which, that the technical trade publication American Cinematographer, began to compile information. We also see the development of the American Cinematographer Handbook/Manual. How it was basically written and re-written as cinematographers learned the craft and invented new tools. They would create, share, combine and challenge each others charts, diagrams, formulas, etc. It became, and has remained the camera man's bible for almost 80 years. To this day, the book is edited and corrected constantly, attaining more knowledge and accuracy, proving that cinematography is indeed a life long learning process.
Here is a bit of history regarding the beginnings of documented cinematography craft:
I received a July 1922 American Cinematography Magazine, which the cover features the famous Cinematographer standing on a cloud shooting the earth. The magazine text says "Give Us A Place to Stand and We Will Film the Universe". The below is the same covered November 1922 magazine. (back then I guess they changed cover art periodically and not every edition.)
I was also given a 1925 & 1929 American Cinematography magazines. I also received my birthday edition, AC November 1985, which is truly mind boggling if I think about it. These magazines (exception of the '85) have been around since before the great depression, through World War II and every conflict since. History has always been a favorite subject as a kid, and this stuff can't get any better.
This Christmas, I was lucky enough to have been gifted what is relatively priceless in my eyes: An assortment of milestone publications from the relative birth of modern cinematography knowledge.
I received the two texts which started it all. The 1930 Cinematographic Annual Volumes One & Two by Hal Hall (Editor)
If you read the history from above, those led to the The American Cinematographer Hand Book and Reference Guide by Jackson J. Rose. I received the 1956, 9th edition, which was the last print of the series.
Finally, I am now the proud owner of a 1960 1st Edition, American Cinematographer Manual... the beginning of what we all know as the standard AC manual. I have owned the 9th and most recent edition since I entered film school.
It is simply amazing to see how Cinematography has grown and developed over the years! These books truly instill a sense of past, pride and purpose into what can sometimes feel as a superficial business.
So all and all, I'm not trying to brag, but am very excited about owning pieces of the great and short history of our art form. Sometimes I just remember how young film really is, and how awesome it is to be a part of it.
Take care,
-RPO
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