Effectively Balance the Brightness of Different Scene Elements
By Ira Tiffen Balance matters in images too. Ira Tiffen explains how to balance the brightness of different scene elements
Lenses
Lens articles for filmmakers: focal length, primes and zooms, anamorphic lenses, depth of field, focus and choosing lenses for the story you want to tell. Learn how cinematographers use lenses to shape every image.
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Lensing Your Futuristic, Other-World Story with a Tilt-Shift Lens
By Saro Varjabedian Saro Varjabedian explains how he used a tilt-shift lens on the short film LoveBug to put several
IR Pollution and Hot Mirrors
By Jon Firestone Infrared light can taint digital images under the right conditions. Jon Firestone explains IR pollution, why ND
The Close-Up Lens with a Split Personality
By Ira Tiffen Ira Tiffen explains the split-field diopter, a close-up lens with a split personality that keeps near and
How Are Filters Made?
By Ira Tiffen No trade secrets, just practical facts. Ira Tiffen explains how camera filters are made and why those
Polarizers: The Truth Behind the Imaging Magic
By Ira Tiffen Polarizers can create real imaging magic if you know how they work. Ira Tiffen explains polarizing filters,
The Importance of Maintaining Continuity of Effects
By Ira Tiffen Telling a story visually means keeping the audience in it. Ira Tiffen explains continuity of effects such
What Are Filters Good for Anyway?
By Ira Tiffen If everything in front of the camera is perfect, you need no filter. Ira Tiffen explains what
Reflecting On Reflections: How to Handle Lens Reflections
By Ira Tiffen Ira Tiffen explains where lens reflections and flare come from, how lens coatings were discovered and how
Star Effects: Enliven Points of Light
By Ira Tiffen Light is the lifeblood of imagery. Ira Tiffen explains how star filters turn points of light into
Putting Digital Intelligence into Focus: Cooke /i Lenses
By Jody Michelle Solis Cooke Optics’ /i technology records focus, iris and zoom data from the lens. Here is how
Exploring Lens Adapters for HD and HDV Video Cameras
By Dana Weidman Dorrity Lens adapters from Redrock Micro and Letus put 35mm still lenses on HD and HDV cameras