Filmmaker Jay Holben has been battling in the production trenches for most of his life. For the past 17 years, he’s chronicled his adventures in the pages of
American Cinematographer
,
Digital Video
Videography
, and
TV Technology
. Now, in
Behind the Lens: Dispatches from the Cinematic Trenches
, he’s compiled nearly 100 of his best articles on everything from camera technology and lenses to tips and techniques for better lighting. Whether you’re making independent films, commercials, music videos, documentaries, television shows, event videos, or industrials, this full color collection provides the tools you need to take your work to the next level and succeed in the world of digital motion imaging.
Featured topics include:
*
Tech
, including the fundamentals of how digital images are formed and how they evolved to match the look of a film, as well as image compression and control
Optics
, providing a thorough examination of lenses and lens interchangeability, depth of field, filters, flare, quality, MTF, and more
Cameras
, instructing you in using exposure tools, ISO, white balance, infrared, and stabilizers
Lighting
, featuring advice on using lighting sources and fixtures and how to tackle common lighting problems
Additional tips and tricks cover improving audio, celestial photography, deciding if film school is right for you, and much more.
For over a decade
Jay Holben
has worked as a director of photography in Los Angeles on features, commercials, television shows, and music videos. He is a former technical editor and frequent contributing writer for
, the current technical editor and columnist for
, and the lighting columnist for
. The author of
A Shot in the Dark: A Creative DIY Guide to Digital Video Lighting on (Almost) No Budget
, Holben is also on faculty for the Global Cinematography Institute. He is now an independent producer and director.