Filmmaking Essentials for Photographers: The Fundamental Principles of Transitioning from Stills to Motion

To remain relevant and in demand in today’s visually driven world, image makers must learn to craft both still photographs and motion in order to attract clients. While there are many similarities between photography and cinematography, there are key aspects of shooting motion—such as sound and camera movement, to name just two—that are uncharted territory for most photographers. In Filmmaking Essentials for Photographers: The Fundamental Principles of Transitioning from Stills to Motion, Emmy Award–winning photographer and filmmaker Eduardo Angel helps you begin your journey to becoming as capable and confident with creating works of motion as you are with photographing still images.

Filmmaking Essentials for Photographers covers a wide range of tools, techniques, resources, and tips that offer practical input on how to transition to motion. This is not an in-depth book on editing, directing, or even lighting. Instead, the goal of this book is to cover the fundamental aspects of filmmaking from a straightforward nuts-and-bolts perspective. You will learn all about:

• How to switch to a “filmmaker’s brain”: engage with a crew, understand the director’s and director of photography’s roles, and work with a script, shot lists, and storyboards

• The basics of composition for motion: framing continuous shots, establishing a scene, and creating perspective and movement

• The role of lighting, including how it is used to tell a story and how it directs the viewer’s attention

• The crucial part that sound plays in motion, including music and soundscapes

• How to use the right gear for the job: from cameras and lighting gear to microphones, rigs, and key accessories

• The art and craft of editing: the post-production workflow, how to organize your assets, and how to deconstruct the editing process

• Color theory and how you can use it to enhance the story you are telling

• How to do more with less—no matter the budget


Increasingly, opportunities come to those who can create content for clients that need both stills and motion. To that end, the final chapter of the book covers those business opportunities that will open up to you with your newfound skills in motion: from multimedia projects, educational content, and interviews, to independent short films, stock video footage, and commercials.




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