What is "Cinematography on Stills"?
Cinematic photography or cinematography on stills is a photographic technique inspired by the visual storytelling language of films. It involves composing and capturing images in such a way that they evoke the same emotions, themes, and narratives one would expect from a motion picture. This approach often entails dramatic lighting (I always prefer neon), composition, and colour grading that contribute to a "film" look and feel.
cinematic neon portrait photography
The Neon-Lit Streets of Soho and the Underground Mystique of London Underground Stations
The radiant streets of Soho provide a tableau vivant of colours and characters, reminiscent of a film set waiting for action. As night falls, its neon signs spill a spectrum of colours onto the pavement, each hue telling its own story. Meanwhile, the subterranean world of London Underground Stations whispers secrets in the dimly lit corridors. The light here is subtle, creating pockets of mystery and intrigue, perfect for a cinematic capture.
cinematic neon portrait photography
The Sony Alpha II - Perfecct gear for cinematic neon portrait photography
The Sony Alpha II stands as the photographer's nocturnal ally. With its renowned low-light prowess, the camera's full-frame sensor becomes an eye that sees beyond the twilight. It allows for higher ISO settings with minimal noise, offering a clear view even in the murky shadows of night. Its dynamic range assures that the details in the darks are as crisp as those in the light, ensuring every shot has the depth required for cinematic storytelling.
The Sony 35mm f/1.8 Lens: An Ode to the Night
The choice of a 35mm lens is no coincidence; it's a classic focal length beloved in cinematic history for its versatility and natural perspective. The Sony 35mm f/1.8 lens, with its wide aperture, acts as a beacon in the dark. It allows ample light to touch the sensor, providing the ability to shoot with a shallow depth of field. This isolates subjects from their surroundings, creating a focus-pull effect that's quintessential in movies.
Composing the Cinematic Image
To compose a cinematic image, one must think like a director and cinematographer combined. Consider the rule of thirds to balance your elements, but don't shy away from centring your subject when the moment calls for it. Look for leading lines and frames within frames to guide the viewer's eye. Pay attention to the interplay of light and shadow, letting them carve the scene and add depth.
Adobe Lightroom Processing and Editing: The Digital Darkroom
In Adobe Lightroom, the transformation continues. Begin with colour correction to ensure natural skin tones amidst the vibrant neon lights. Manipulate the tone curve to mimic the high contrast of film, deepening shadows and preserving highlights. Saturate colours selectively, and consider split toning to add a stylistic hue to the shadows or highlights, reinforcing the mood. Finally, a touch of grain can lend a texture reminiscent of classic cinema.
The Art of the Still Frame
Photography is an art of observation and expression, and when infused with the essence of cinematography, it elevates to narrative poetry. Cinematic photography isn't just about capturing a moment; it's about capturing a story within one single frame. It's about creating a mood and vibe of a movie. With the right location, equipment, and processing, you can turn the streets of London (or any city) into a storyboard of stills that resonate with the magic of the movies.
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