Introduction to Cinematography: Learning Through Practice

by Tania Hoser

Introduction to Cinematography offers a practical, stage-by-stage guide to the creative and technical foundations of cinematography. Building from a skills-based approach focused on professional practice, cinematographer and author Tania Hoser provides a step-by-step introduction for both cinematographers and camera assistants to the techniques, processes, and procedures of working with cameras, lenses, and light. She provides hands-on insight into negotiating with production constraints and understanding the essentials of the image workflow from shot to distribution, on projects of any scope and budget. Richly illustrated, the book incorporates exercises and sample scripts throughout, exploring light, color, movement, ‘blocking’, and pacing scenes. The principles and techniques of shaping and controlling light are applied to working with natural light, film lamps, and, as with all areas of cinematography, to low budget alternatives. This makes Introduction to Cinematography the perfect newcomer’s guide to learning the skills of cinematography that enables seamless progression from exercises through to full feature shoots. Assessment rubrics provide a framework to measure progress as the reader’s ability to visually interpret scripts and enhance the director’s vision develops. The book also teaches **Winner of 'Best new Textbook in Humanities and Media Arts' in the Taylor and Francis Editorial Awards 2018**

Genres: Film

416 pages, Paperback

Published December 28, 2018

Reviews

[Mike]

A great book suitable for both beginners and the more experienced. It is so practical and straight forward – a ‘how to’ guide – but not at the expense of engaging your creativity. It’s jam packed with focused, achievable exercises to really give you hands-on knowledge. Everything is clear, logically set out and explanations are thorough without being overly detailed. A perfectly balanced book – the best practical guide to cinematography I’ve discovered. This would be excellent as both an undergraduate and postgraduate course handbook.

[Alice]

A great book for a newbie or student, everybody says its more about your behaviour on set that helps you get a job but none of the other books tell you what to do in this area. It is very clear about the technical, creative and practical sides of all aspects of cinematography so although a long book it is a very worthwhile read.