The best cinematography books can teach you everything you need to know about operating a camera. So what titles should you read?
cinematography is the backbone of cinema. in a visual medium, you need the best person to control the camera, working collaboratively with the writer and director to translate the words on the page into images on the screen.
so how can you learn to be that person?
You are reading: Best books on cinematography
Through meticulous study, trial and error, of course!
Whether you’re learning the basics or trying to take an advanced course, this list of books will fit everything you want to know.
The 25 Best Cinematography Books
1. cinematography: theory and practice by blaine brown
Cinematography is in a state of constant change, especially with the rise of digital. This book helps you keep track.
2. john alton light painting
The first draft was written in 1949, so a lot has changed, but you’d be surprised what has stayed the same.
3. film lighting by kris mankiewicz
This is an extensively researched book ideal for beginners in search of knowledge.
4. the filmmaker’s eye: learning (and breaking) the rules of film composition by gustavo mercado
Packed with practical examples, this book is a practical guide for people who want to apply themselves in the real world.
5. reflections of benjamin bergery
one of the new books on the list, another practical guide.
6. Masters of Light: Conversations with Contemporary Cinematographers by Dennis Schaefer and Larry Salvato
a series of interviews full of lessons and obstacles for typical situations in the world.
7. Writing with Light by Vittorio Storaro
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Learn from a teacher who is considered one of the greatest cinematographers of all time.
8. filmcraft by mike goodridge and tim grierson
16 professionals share stories of collaboration, problems and successes throughout their careers.
9. every frame is a rembrandt: art and practice of cinematography by andrew laszlo and andrew quicke
staging and framing can get complicated. this details how to get the most out of your settings.
10. behind the lens: dispatches from the cinematographic trenches of jay holben
a collection of the work and ideas of someone who has spent several decades working on practical production scenarios.
11. making images: a century of european cinematography by bernardo bertolucci, marcello mastoianni and sven nykvist
another practical guide full of interviews from europe’s most prominent men behind the camera.
12. cinematography, a guide for filmmakers and film educators by bob rogers and kris malkiewicz
More of a textbook than a book, this is a great place to start for students and teachers who want to bring beginners up to speed.
13. A Man with a Camera by Néstor Almendros
almendros is one of the best cinematographers of all time. gain wisdom from someone who has done it at every level.
14. lighting for cinematography: a practical guide to the art and craft of lighting for the moving image by david landau
as if your information is delivered in spaced snippets like a “how to do it?” this is a step by step guide for you to put the information into action.
15. the camera assistant’s manual by david e. elkins
We all know you don’t start at the top, you work your way up. This book tells you how.
16. film and video lighting, second edition by blain brown
an updated edition of how to manipulate light and how it looks on screen.
17. robert bresson cinematographer notes
Similar to others on this list, it’s a first-hand account of what the job is like and strategies for improvement.
18. the filmmaker’s manual by ed pincus
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all practical advice in the palm of your hand. What more could you want?
19. American Cinematographer Manual
published by the asc, this is a book written by the union, with information available to all members.
20. the five c’s of cinematography: filmmaking techniques by joseph v. mascelli
despite the nice title, this allows you to reflect on what matters when you start shooting.
21. cinematography for directors: a guide to creative collaboration by jacqueline b. frost
Working on set is a collaborative effort, but this book allows directors to better communicate with their eyes on set.
22. a hidden history of film style: cinematographers, directors, and the collaborative process by christopher beach
Cameras keep changing, but the principles remain the same. see what eternal lessons you can learn.
23. conversations with cinematographers by david a. elis
This collection features famous dps and some you may never have heard of, talking about how they broke through and their careers.
24. cinematography in the weimar republic: lola lola, the dirty bachelors and the men who shot them by paul matthew st. peter
We have so little understanding of who is filming what in the world and throughout history that this gives us adequate depth.
25. understanding cinematography by brian hall
the title says it all. takes you through the theory and practical advice and lays out common practices and exercises.
What’s next? The Best Books on Filmmaking!
The best way to learn to make movies is by doing it. there is nothing else that can teach you so much. but between projects, it’s also okay to read.
click to see them.