One of the best ways to learn a craft is to study other people’s processes and results. This principle applies to every skill or craft, including cinematography.
As an aspiring cinematographer, watching the secrets of successful movies and films is one of the best ways to learn them. When we say you should watch movies to understand how they are created, we don’t mean you should watch to enjoy them like every other typical viewer. It would be best if you watched those movies in ways others do not.
This allows you to learn from great actors and filmmakers if done well and keenly. However, your ability to pick up the fine and hidden details from the films you watch will determine what you get in the end.
This article will teach useful tips on how to develop your cinematography skills by watching movies. These tips will also be helpful to film students who often wonder or ask, “who will do my homework?” Or seek a cheap assignment writing service.
1. Begin with Favorites
Cinematography can be learned from numerous movie types – interesting or not. However, don’t be deceived. That a movie is boring doesn’t guarantee that it has something valuable to teach you. You don’t need to subject yourself to that torture, you can always choose or begin with interesting movies – don’t get carried away, though.
You can begin with any movie that gets you excited or evokes some bawling or deep emotions. This helps you gain a good start for your learning.
If you watch a movie you are not interested in for a start, you might lose interest in the learning process. In such a case, learning becomes more of a chore for you rather than something that should be enjoyed.
So, before you wear your cinematography garb, enjoy yourself first.
2. Know the cinematography icons
Another way you can learn cinematography is by researching great and popular filmmakers extensively. You will know a thing or two that can be useful for a new cinematography journey.
You could be wondering, as a novice, how do I even do my homework as regards this? It is simple; get your phone or laptop and Google “best cinematographers of all times.” Now that’s a great start. Study these individuals and identify those that resonate with your style and aspirations. Then, identify the movies they have directed and start studying and imitating their great movies.
As you do this, you can adjust and add a new spice to your work. This way, you can gradually build a niche for yourself.
Note: As necessary as it is to watch great movies, you should also watch bad ones. Remember, you are not watching just for the fun of it, you want to learn. Watching terrible movies will help you learn what you should not do when making your movies. Heads up: these movies can kill your love for movies, so don’t begin with them.
3. Watch Multiple Times
If you intend to learn cinematography skills from a film, you know that you cannot just watch that film once. You have to watch it over and over again for you to be able to get what you want. As you watch, you need to take on different personalities. You could watch first as a regular person just enjoying a timeout and, subsequently, s a growing cinematographer.
This allows you to analyze the different scenes from different perspectives.
4. Watch in Slow Motion
You might need to watch in slow motion when you watch any movie for cinematography skill-building. This allows you better take note of details that might be missed in the average playback speed. You will also be able to study very interesting parts of the film better. You can take note of details such as framing when you watch in slow motion.
5. Pay Attention to the Flow
As a newbie in cinematography, you need to pay attention to movie flows of the actions and scenes when watching to learn. It would be best to note how the movie translates from one scene to another.
You also need to pay attention to how scenes are cut and how dialogue takes place in connection with visuals. Good film production will ensure no gap in the scenes, even when different environments are used.
Conclusion
To learn cinematography, you may need to combine strategies. Watching movies alone may not be a very effective way of learning. You can learn more about cinematography from online courses or cinematography schools. After doing all that is needed, you should set a target for creating your first film. It does not have to be perfect at first, but you need to give it your best shot.
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