Chapter 5
Literal meaning of "cinematography": The term "cinematography" literally means “writing in movement,” relying largely on photography, which means "writing in light".
Contrast: Contrast refers to the comparative difference between the darkest and lightest areas of the frame. It helps guide the viewer's eye and can give the shot a specific emotional quality.
Exposure and photographic tonality: Exposure controls how much light passes through the camera lens, affecting the image's brightness or darkness. It influences photographic tonality by determining the light and shadow balance in an image.
Under- and over-exposure as artistic choices: Instances of under- or over-exposure are not always mistakes. They can be deliberate choices by the cinematographer to achieve specific expressive effects.
Day-for-night shooting: This technique involves shooting scenes in daylight using blue filters to create the illusion of nighttime.
Saturated color: A color is described as "saturated" when it appears vivid and intense, without being diluted by white or gray.
Tinting and toning: Tinting involves dyeing the lighter areas of an image, while toning colors the darker areas during the developing process. Both techniques were historically used to add color to black-and-white films.
Standard rate of filming and projection: The standard rate for shooting and projecting film is 24 frames per second (fps).
Focal length: Focal length is the distance from the center of the lens to the point where light rays converge on the film. It affects the size, proportions, and depth perception of the image.
Perspective relations of focal lengths:
Short focal-length (wide-angle): Exaggerates depth, making objects appear farther apart.
Middle focal-length (normal): Avoids noticeable distortion, showing realistic depth.
Long focal-length (telephoto): Flattens space, making objects appear closer together.
Depth of field: Depth of field refers to the range of distances within which objects appear in sharp focus in an image.
Composing shots in "deep space": Composing shots in deep space means arranging elements on multiple planes to create a sense of depth, even if not all planes are in focus.
Deep-focus cinematography: Deep-focus cinematography involves keeping multiple planes in sharp focus, often combined with deep-space composition.
Selective focus (shallow focus): Selective focus means focusing on one plane while other planes remain blurred, directing the viewer's attention.
Rack focus: Rack focus is a technique that shifts focus between foreground and background within a shot, drawing attention to different elements.
Academy ratio (1.33:1): These numbers mean that the width of the frame is 1.33 times its height.
Hard matte: A hard matte involves masking parts of the film to achieve a specific aspect ratio, ensuring the frame's edges align properly during projection.
Off-screen space: Off-screen space refers to areas outside the visible frame that can be suggested or implied, playing a crucial role in directing attention and creating suspense.
Four general categories of camera positioning: These include angle, height, level, and distance of the camera relative to the subject.
Canted frame: A canted frame appears tilted, creating a skewed or off-balance look.
Camera distances:
Extreme long shot: Subject is tiny within the vast environment.
Long shot: Shows the entire subject with surrounding context.
Medium long shot: Frames the subject from about the knees up.
Medium shot: Shows the subject from the waist up.
Medium close-up: Frames the subject from the chest up.
Close-up: Focuses on the subject's face or an object.
Extreme close-up: Zooms in on a small detail.
Mobile framing: Mobile framing refers to the ability to move the frame within the scene, altering the viewer's perspective and focus.
Types of camera movement: Includes pan, tilt, tracking, and crane movements, each offering different expressive and narrative possibilities.
Steadicam vs. handheld camera work: Steadicam provides smooth, stable movement, while handheld cameras create a more dynamic, raw, or shaky effect.
Reframing: Reframing is the slight adjustment of the camera's position to keep the subject properly composed within the frame.
Long take vs. long shot: A long take is a single, uninterrupted shot lasting a significant duration, while a long shot refers to a specific camera distance framing