Cinematography : New to cinematography by Kandice Wolf

Welcome to the community, Kandice! I recommend listening to On Stage with RB (They're FREE!) as he gives advice on exactly what you're looking for. If you go into EDUCATION on the top menu bar, then go to On Stage with RB, there are a dozen videos for you to watch. Cheers and welcome to the community!

thanks you guys. The advice is great. I cannot wait to start my career. Do you have any tips on better networking? it's been slacking lately because I just had a baby 4 weeks ago. Any tips on getting back out there?

-First learn a proper cinema camera id suggest a Bmpcc its simple and the image is great! -Learn composition -Watch films learn the important of "editing before the shoot"/learn how to plan out shots that let the audience know whats going on -learn the 180 degree rule -learn lenses and pulling focus -dont be afraid to take ideas from your favorite films!, remember your work is only as good as your reference -Audio -lighting -Watch film riot and Dslr guide my personal favorites -learn camera movement and how they can add emotion and make your audience feel a certain way (film riot has episodes on all of this) -Hurlblog & NofilmSchool are great! -I hope that helps thats what on the top of my head, Glad to help! :)

Thanks for all the information you guys. I am finally back at school, which helps, and I am also using lynda.com to learn a few things. I have got some books to learn about a few things and and I am starting to work on turning one of my stories in to a script. William I would love to go to both of those places since I have only been to California once and it was just passing thorough on a bus. However, Atlanta actually has many outlets for networking, but networking other places most definitely will help. thanks again you guys, Kandy

All though emphasis is often on shooting with 1 camera - learn how to use 2 or more cameras to smooth action and motion cuts and learn how to compose and light for multiple cameras and still get the best SOUND - because sound is 70% of the picture.

Check out meetup.com. I haven't spent much time in Atlanta yet, but in Nashville we have several film groups, so I'd imagine there are a lot there, too. Women in Film & Television may be a good resource as well, we have a good group here in Nashville. There are also several Facebook groups dedicated to finding PA work in Atlanta. Getting on set is always the best way to learn. If you can't find work as crew consider getting a job doing background/extra work. A lot of the time you're sitting around all day, but it's a good way to get a feel for what it's like to be on set without the pressure of having to do a job while you learn. Plus, it's an amazing place to network, since many people who do background work also want to be in the industry. You can find a great pool of actors for when you start doing your own projects. And on days when you spend a lot of time waiting, you can usually talk to the PA or casting person in charge of background and learn from them.

Hi Candice. Did you just start the program? I actually just graduated from the DCBS program four days ago. Absorb everything, learn as much as you can about all the software and as soon as the camera arrives, play with it, learn about it and make it an extension of your arm. And John is correct; sound is 70% of the picture, so make sure you always check your levels and in post, learn early on how to normalize the audio. The newest update to FCPX (if you choose to use it over Premiere) now has built in color correction software that, while not the best out there, is free and has a tremendous impact on the overall look, so familiarize yourself with it. The more you know about composition, the better, but the more you know about post production, the better you'll understand the overall impact of visual storytelling as a whole.

how are you liking full sale? thats where i want to go after i get out of the marines!

I attended Full Sail and graduated from the Digital Cinematography BS program. My advice is to plan to heavily supplement your education with advanced programs in digital camera technology and hands on lighting and composition. I am currently in LA taking my level 2 courses in Expanded Cinematography at the Global Cinematography Institute and honestly, in the 4 combined weeks of training I have received here, I have learned more than I did at Full Sail. The advanced camera technology, lighting techniques, image control and pipeline management of the DPs role is truly absent in the Full Sail curriculum. I don't mean to be harsh, the program has its strengths, but it's weaknesses are glaring. Understanding essential concepts at a deep level such as color space, RAW format vs RGB, lens technology, how to test a cameras dynamic range are all critical and therefore you have to supplement. As a DP you have to be 50% artist/50% mad scientist. These topics are the tip of the iceberg. You won't receive the in depth exposure to these topics at Full Sail. But you will have fun and you can make it work if you go in knowing its shortcomings.

Get the most out of your education. Take the classes you need, then take a few that relate to your discipline. Check books out on filmmaking and cinematography from the library. Read journals and websites about filmmaking. Always be learning and growing in your craft, and you'll surpass your fellows. Eventually you'll find your particular style, and see what you might want to specialize in. Maybe you just want to be a camera operator or camera assistant, or perhaps you'll be a great DP or colorist. You'll never know where this might take you, and that's part of the excitement!