2015 challenge - cinematography

I'd been working on film projects for a few years before I became a photographer. But the work I put in in trying to become a photographer as well had a rub-off effect on the filmmaking. Learning how to see, the technicalities of exposure, depth of field, focal lengths and how to use available light or light a scene artificially all apply to the moving image as well.

Then, in January, my agency bought a Sony PXW-FS7 Super 35mm sensor camera with an adapter to both fit and enhance my Canon EF photography lenses. I got more and more into grading using DaVinci Resolve and Red Giant Colorista, using 3D LUTs that mimic film stock allowing me to get the look I can achieve in my still photography, using a customised set of VSCO Film Adobe Camera Raw presets, in my film work. I’m learning about the theory behind grading and lighting for cinematography now as well and doing lots of experiments and mini projects.

This year I'll be working on becoming a cinematographer, a director of photography.

I’ll be combining the portrait, fashion and lifestyle photography shoots I’ve been doing for the last couple of years with personal film projects this year. There are a number of films I’m working on at the moment. They’re slightly more involved than still photography shoots (only just), so there will be less of those, but expect me to post about these on this blog as well this year.

So, here it goes, a first project.

Dave – the power of talking about cancer

Dave was diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer in June 2010, aged 44, and had a Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure) to remove the tumour in July that year. Married, with three young children (two of whom were only one and a half at the time), the diagnosis turned all their lives upside down. After three years, Dave was beginning to be seen as one of the lucky ones, but then in December 2013 a second small, but inoperable, tumour was discovered. During 2014 intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy reduced the size of this second tumour by a third, and was considered to be in a 'stable’ state in December 2014.

Talking openly about cancer with his wife, children, friends and other cancer patients has created a situation in which everybody can relax around him, not being afraid to touch on a difficult topic. And it has made him feel more relaxed too, which is important, as stress management is a crucial part of the treatment for a cancer patient.

With thanks to the Penny Brohn Cancer Centre, Tinto Lounge, The Gloucester Old Spot and our friends and family.

Filmed over two weeks on location in Bristol and Clevedon.

 Let me know what you think and please share the video to help spread its message.