Practical Cinematography, Second Edition [Paperback]

Paul Wheeler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 24, 2005

Filmmaking is an art, but, like so many art forms, there are basic underlying tools and techniques and a body theoretical knowledge that must be understood and mastered before artistic expression can flourish. This book is an invaluable resource for all aspiring DoPs.

Practical Cinematography can be dipped into for quick reference - perhaps to answer a specific question or deal with practical problems relating to a shoot - or read from cover to cover. It discusses the principles of cinematography and the expertise which is unique to the Director of Photography (DoP). It deals with all the basic theory such as color temperature and sensitometry, and all the practical things a DoP needs to know, from the make-up of the crew to how to prepare an equipment list.

* An accessible introduction to the principles of cinematography written by an award winning cinematographer
* Illustrated with 150+ images
* Includes a new section on DV

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a very practical and easily accessible explanation of the cinematographer's craft...It is a lucid reference book and readable guide and achieves its aim of supplying the foundation knowledge an aspiring DoP needs." - Zerb

"...there is absolutely no doubt that all the technical knowledge that a DoP needs can be found within these covers." - Image Technology magazine

"In his definitive tome Wheeler takes us through every aspect of the DOP's job from discussing the finer points of which film stock to use to film grading. This is a well-presented, copiously illustrated and definitive guide to practical cinematography. Although much of the information contained in the book is concerned with 35mm and 16mm film making, Wheeler's expert knowledge of the craft of lighting, use of filters, and creative use of lenses to create stunning cinemagraphic images will help any videographer improve their technical understanding of camera operation...This book is not a quick and easy read; it is a detailed and comprehensive masterclass in practical cinematography." - Focus magazine

"This book is very clearly illustrated with useful diagrams." - Stills Audio Motion

"The author covers in great detail the many aspects of the production of a motion picture from the director of photography's point of view and responsibility. He does this in a very understandable and interesting style...Paul Wheeler details the creating of an image as a top DP would desire. The book is very comprehensive and makes informative reading in a very enjoyable manner."
-John Leak, ACS, Australian Cinematographer magazine,

About the Author

Paul Wheeler BSC FBKS was trained at the BBC rising to become a Senior Drama Film Cameraman. Paul Shot one of the first BBC Drama Series to be photographed using the then new Digi Beta cameras, by which time he was freelance. He is a renowned cinematographer/director of photography and trainer, he has been Head of Cinematography at National Film & Television School and still runs courses on Digital Cinematography there. He has also been Head of Cinematography on the Royal College of Arts MA course. Paul was invited to become an associate of Panavision in order to help them introduce the Panavised version of Sony's HDW 900f camera which meant he joined the HD movement 3 days before the first Panavision camera arrived in Europe. Despite all this he is still very much a working cinematographer. He has been twice nominated by BAFTA for a Best Cinematography award and also twice been the winner of the INDIE award for Best Digital Cinematography. His previous books, "Practical Cinematography" and "Digital cinematography", are both published by the Focal Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (February 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240519620
• ISBN-13: 978-0240519623
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #605,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 2nd Edition, October 11, 2005

By 

Yousef Linjawi "ylinjawi" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Cinematography, Second Edition (Paperback)

I have bought and read almost every cinematography book out there, I found Practical Cinematography to be very informative. I like the updates that were added for the 2nd edition, as Paul Wheeler (the author) explains some opinions have changed over the course of time. I believe it is essential to read this book if you are a cinematographer and waiting for your time to get out there in the real world!

The most pleasing chapter I read was about the film lab, it explains visually the grain structure and the layers on the film side for the base and emulsion. (Recommended).