Masters of Light: Conversations with Contemporary Cinematographers

by Dennis Schaefer, Larry Salvato

Through conversations held with fifteen of the most accomplished contemporary cinematographers, the authors explore the working world of the person who controls the visual look and style of a film. This reissue includes a new foreword by cinematographer John Bailey and a new preface by the authors, which bring this classic guide to cinematography, in print for more than twenty-five years, into the twenty-first century.

Genres: Film, Photography, Nonfiction, Collections, Media Tie In

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Natalie]

Although this book is dated, it is still very useful with interviews about cinematography from the best DPs of the 70s and early 80s.

[Raf Linmans]

A bit outdated, and maybe a bit technical at points, this volume of interviews still gives a good insight in what it takes to be a good/great cinematographer. Almendros, Alonzo, Kovacs, Wexler, Willis, Zsigmond, ... All the great old masters and more are in attendance. Hugely insightfull.

[Francesco Rimmaudo]

Interessante, da considerare soltanto che si tratta di un libro datato

[Robb Gardner]

The best book written about the best cinematographers in the world and their philosophy on how and why they make images.

[HéctorSubi]

100% recomendado si te interesa la dirección de fotografía, 0% si no es así

[Chiara Graziani]

Ho imparato tanto... Porterò questo libro nel cuore

[Dylan Kiewel]

i read this a billion years ago

[Mark Moehle]

Great book full of good insight into some of great minds of cinematography. It is dated in it's technical information but I felt like that made it so much more valuable.

[Andy]

Pretty hit or miss depending on the interview. Almendros and Butler stand out as the best to me.

[Charles Power]

It’s taken me three years to get around to finishing this book, but it’s been worth taking it slow to properly mull over these peoples words.

The way that this book is formatted means that if you read to much in one go, you may hear the same questions again, and again.

Since it was written around 40 years ago, you’d think that the discourse within cinematography would have changed as drastically as the technology has. But, fundamentally, we’re facing the same logistical and philosophical problems. Funnily enough, you can take the advice about film, lighting, or other filmmaking challenges and apply it to the present. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, onto the next one in the pile.

- C

[emilie]

I didn't realize this book was published in 1984. As such it is a conversation with contemporary cinematograpers in a historical sense, but not in actuality. The interviewee's are all men and the discussion doesn't contextualize many of the director's or other cinematographers that are referrenced. Also, obviously so much has changed in the field in the past 23 years that in an overall sense the book has relevance, but not practically.

[Brian Pera]

One of the best, most helpful books on film I've ever read. I return to it again and again, picking up things I missed before. If there were a daily meditation book for filmmakers it would look something like this.