Visual Reference

[Awesome Box]

So I've recently started to DP various low budget projects, after having spent some time camera and lighting assisting for established DP's. The first thing I have noticed is that reference material is really important when going in for those first few meetings with a Director. I have been so far fortunate in that I don't own an Ipad or similar device that I know most DP's use to keep reference material on to show Director's what they mean. Instead I have been able to get by with referencing certain scenes in films that the Director has seen. This usually works with, but the other day I was talking with a first time Director who isn't a film buff and rarely watches other peoples films. So I was a little caught off guard with no way to reinforce the ideas I was describing.

So I guess this is leading to my question. What sort of reference material do fellow DP's take with them to these initial meetings? Why have you chosen those references and can you give examples?

I would like for this thread to be a place to share any materials that convey strong emotions through lighting and a meaning full discussion on how taking the right materials into those first few meetings can help firmly establish a relationship with the Director through the means of a visual style that both DP and Director can agree upon. In my few experiences in these scenarios, I have found that with the right references to begin with, it can really help the DP understand where the Director is going with the story. I've had many length discussions with Director's about films that we are both fans of and what parts we thought made sense to take inspiration from when crafting our own visual style.

I'm sure there are many more experienced DP's on this forum who have collected years of visual reference material that they take with them almost religiously to each meeting with a new Director. And what I'm hoping is that some of you will willingly share that material with us or at least point us in a good direction as to where we can find useful materials. I am aware that not just films can be used as reference. I have heard of paintings, music and life in general being described to create a visual style. I personally find it easier to derive a style from something in the same format that I am working in, but I wonder if there are examples of painted works that do that just as effectively or even more so.

 

[Andrew Luczenczyn]

I usually ask directors to send me photgraphs or collections my photographers, and briefly explain why they like the photographs. I usually tell them it doesnt have to look like the look you want, but send it because you like it.

The last director I asked to do this did really great. I got a range of photographs "because I just like the way it works", but more importantly "because I like the way this photograph captures the emotion".

I used to ask for reference films, but kept getting pulled into the "I want my film to look like this". I discourage directors from using other films for visual reference unless they really know why they like it (because I mostly work with new directors). Keeping the visual discussion in other mediums keeps them from associating their favorite films. But I've gotten musical references and paintings too.

I guess it really depends on how well your director is willing to explore.

 

[Awesome Box]

Thanks Andrew. Can you recommend any stills photographer's or images that show strong emotions? I also try to avoid Director's bringing up their favourite films as they tend to try and make their films match those they like. I try to coax them into describing the emotions they felt in a particular scene and then reference a different film that had the same emotions but showed it in a different way. That way they aren't pigeonholing themselves into a set way of doing things.