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Film Theory

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Turning Your GoPro Hero 3 into a Cinematic Movie Making Machine

We tested the GoPro Hero 3 and figured out what it would do best, which was immerse an audience like never before.
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The Power of a Stuntman in Need for Speed: No CGI Required

Need for Speed photography was done practically without the existence of CGI cars, planes, helicopters or virtual worlds and done with an elite group of professional drivers and extreme risk takers that put you in the driver seat at 180mph.
The Perfect Storm novel by Sebastian Junger

7 Books That Will Enhance Your Creativity As a Cinematographer

These seven books take you on my creative inspirational journey. The written word was added to my tool box and this is when my creativity expanded exponentially.
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Creating a Level of Intensity with Internal Camera Settings

Shutter angle is an important story-telling tool. As a Director of Photography, I love this technique and wanted to show you how I have used it to assist in the character’s emotional arc.
Large Sensor Video Cameras DSLR Cinema
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DSLR Cinema: Crafting the Film Look with Large Sensor Video Cameras

This week's post will focus on the subject of DSLR cinema and a fantastic resource known by the same name - DSLR Cinema: Crafting the Film Look with Large Sensor Video Cameras.
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Essential Knots for Filmmaking: Clove Hitch

A useful knot to know for filmmaking is the clove hitch knot. The clove hitch can grip anything, from round objects, to square objects, to rectangles, it can wrap around pretty much any shape.
Shane Hurlbut lighting hallway
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Shane Hurlbut Returns to NeedCreative podcast

I joined the NeedCreative Podcast again this week. We talked about the art and science of cinematography and then did a mini-workshop. I go into story scenarios and how I would light and lens them.
Three large camera rigs outside urban
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Digital Cinematography vs Film: Tides are Turning

As I embark on a long creative, exciting journey on Need for Speed with DreamWorks, I wanted to share some of my most recent findings from a five day camera test that pushed every camera to its breaking point.
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“Deadfall” DP on American Cinematographer Podcast

American Cinematographer recently produced a podcast about shooting Deadfall -- “going inside the visual landscape of a suspense filled winter wonderland.”
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Hurlbut Visuals Podcast

The NeedCreative Podcast is an online radio show that covers topics related to creativity. I had the privilege of being the guest of co-hosts Paul Antico and Jason Sidelinger from Anticipate Media to discuss my history and experiences in the film industry.
Master Shots Volume 2: 100 Ways to Shoot Great Dialogue Scenes
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Educational Resource Books for Cinematography

Many people have approached me with questions about books that have inspired me as a filmmaker. We have compiled a list of valuable resources for you to use to expand your scope and vision.
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Cinematographer: The Importance of Camera Tests

We have so many new digital tools at our disposal that you cannot just pick them up and start shooting with them. Treat your new digital camera like a new film emulsion that needs testing.
Herb Ritts Exhibit at the J. Paul Getty Museum
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Herb Ritts Exhibit at the J. Paul Getty Museum

From 1991-1996, I had the unique opportunity to work with one of the most talented still photographers of the 20th Century. Not only was Herb Ritts a great artist, he was also an amazing human being.
Lighting Theory with Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut
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Lighting with Canon 1DC DSLR 4K Capture Project “The Ticket”

On The Ticket, the lighting was a challenge because we used natural, available light and shaped it. I turned lights off, then added accent lights to bring out the depth of a location.
Work, Work, Work.
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Meet the Cinematography Intern DREAM TEAM

The Cinematography Internship Program was an educational labor of love for Hurlbut Visuals for the 2010-2011 year. It has been our way of educating and inspiring young filmmakers. The goal was to create a variety of hands-on immersive experiences: shooting, lighting, theory, and storytelling, Let’s…
50 Cent driving in car with Patrick in back seat
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Cinematographers: The Importance of Being Mobile

"Have a safe flight. Someone from production will pick you up." How many strange [...]
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Capturing the Sunrise Across America with Canon 5D

We employed Technicolor’s Cinestyle on its maiden voyage. This picture style seemed to work well in [...]
Film slate on wooden table
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What Makes a Great Cinematography Reel?

A reel is your creative expression and a very powerful tool to showcase unique talent.
Lighting Deadfall and the Stag Horn Saloon
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Behind-the-Scenes Lighting of Deadfall Movie

It is so sad saying goodbye to Montreal. I love this amazing city. The crew was the [...]
Cinematographer wearing mask
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What’s Your Go-To Camera Format? The World is Your Filmmaking Canvas

You are going to Dubai to shoot a motorcycle race that will require mobility and high speed.

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