DSLR Camera's

The first advantage of DSLR photography is the price. The camera's are relatively inexpensive and are capable of capturing equal or in some cases better images than much more expensive video cameras. The variety of lenses allows for a great deal of versatility. The Zeiss Primes are very nice and can produce beautiful images. DSLRs are very good at crushing depth of field, are relatively light in weight, easy to move and can take single shots and still film in 1080p when in video mode. Some limitations to the DSLR's are they are not very good at moving shots. The image gives a "wiggle" effect when panning to fast. Also, video takes can only be in 12 min per take. Not a terrible problem for me but could be for others. Files must also be converted in order to edit in Final Cut. The cameras also are notorious for over-heating, which isn't a huge deal but can be annoying if it over-heats right before you can get that magic shot.

Cinematographer's Style

I had mixed feelings about this movie, just one thing that bothered me in particular. I wish they would have put the names of each person being interviewed next to them throughout the whole film, rather than just them telling the audience their name at the beginning. For me, it was very hard to keep track of who was who when it would cut from them later. Aside from that, I thought the movie was very useful in discussing cinematography as an art and giving me a greater appreciation of the trade.


I really liked how each different artist was lit in a unique way. It made me wonder if they chose to light each artist based on their own personal style of lighting. I thought that would have been a cool concept. I really liked the guy that compared lighting to jazz music. You learn everything you can about the art, but everyday it changes and things can change rapidly. I thought that was a very cool comparison to make. I also didn't realize the importance of DP's in the production of commercials, being able to grab an audience in such short periods of time. I liked the idea of "happy accidents", that even pro's can stumble upon the unexpected and make them work to their advantage. Also how every person can have the same technology available to them but the images must come from them. They are able to create different images and tones with the same types of technology. I really liked the guy who worked with the Coen brothers and the guy who did Gangs of New York that was inspired by Rembrandt. Overall I enjoyed the movie.

Scene Assignment Reflection

First of all I'm not proud of the look, style or outcome of my scene assignment. I rushed the production and wasn't able to get the proper coverage. I also had to use two different cameras with two different light kits which caused a different look and feel to the different shots in the piece, which I believe really took away from the scene in general. The first part I shot on the JVC, which was ok.... but not perfect. The second part was shot on the FS100, which to me is a better camera but I failed to secure the Arri light kit and was forced to use the Keno's, which gave it a different color temperature then the shots I filmed previously. I blame only myself.


  I learned that producing narrative scenes take time, especially in pre-production. Also, what can go wrong while shooting, will go wrong. I needed to be more familiar with lighting techniques and also the strengths and weaknesses of each camera. Instead I tried to wing it and the results definitely show this. I was embarrassed to screen it in class and the embarrassment I felt has pushed me to prepare myself more. In the future I will know my equipment, rehearse with my actors, use multiple takes when needed and not rush my framing/lighting.

Scene Assignment

Taken from a scene from RDogs.

Scene Assignment

Taken from a scene from RDogs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r15A__g5p-k