Moving Images, Understanding Media

Chapter 4 Storytelling with Light 125

Achieving the Right Look

There are many factors that affect the visual qualities and feel of the

photographed image, and the control of fi lm grain or pixel quality is one of

the primary considerations of a cinematographer. As you study various motion

pictures and shoot your own movies, consider the visual qualities of diff erent

kinds of photography and of the work of various cinematographers. Digital

and fi lm-based cinematography off er a variety of diff erent opportunities

and challenges to fi lmmakers. Th us, when considering the needs and

intentions for a particular motion picture project, it is vital to evaluate the

visual attributes and qualities of the fi nished product that are possible with

a chosen set of tools and materials. For Internet streaming video, broadcast

media, and gaming platforms, digital image capture and generation have

led to an explosion of new content and have established fresh modes of

motion picture usage.

Th e diff erent “looks” of fi lm seen in feature movies have been an important

part of the artistry and aesthetic experience of theatrical movies and some

television shows. Achieving the proper look is a major consideration of

fi lmmakers, and this includes eff ects of texture, depth, and luminosity in

cinematography. With some digital cinematography, a properly exposed image

can look so clean that it appears fl at and lacks the feel to which moviegoers

are accustomed, while low light situations can create signifi cant amounts

of noise that make the image look muddy or snowy. Th e top objective of

manufacturers of professional digital cameras (such as Sony, RED, Th omson,

and Panavision) has been to develop sensors that compete with the image

quality of fi lm stock.

Figure 4-5 Paris at sunset

in 35mm fi lm. (Courtesy of

Carl Casinghino)

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