American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1926)

Pour A M K H I C A N CINEMA T OGRAPHER March, 1926 Amateur Cinematography -S9 ^ ^ (]J ( Questions on amateur cinematography will be gladly answered in this department. Inquirers should sign all queries with correct name and address. Only legitimate questions will be considered. None ivhich tend to jeopardize general motion picture production by divulging trade secrets will receive attention.) The extremely portable motion picture cameras which make it possible for the amateur to indulge in cinematography open an entirely new era of "picture taking." As fascinating as it has been, still photography of the past has been necessarily limited, and, at the best, could offer only a fragmentary record of any given occasion. Complete Record With the newly created cameras and projectors at the disposal of the amateur, a practically complete record, of that which the still camera could make only partially permanent, is possible. Action pictures are feasible at last. The fastest of the amateur still cameras could present only one phase of a given "scene," whereas the new motion picture cameras perpetuate the entire happening. "Natural" pictures are to be had for the asking. The posing incident to the average still shot is not conductive of naturalness. Amateur "Stills However, the amateur still cameras that have served so faithfully in the past need not be put in the discard because the owner has a new motion picture outfit. As in the professional motion picture studios, the still outfit should prove as indispensible as the cinematographic equipment itself. No production company would think of photographing a picture without ample provisions for "stills." The same should apply to the amateur. Freedom of Motion The new cinematographic creations make it possible for the amateur photographer not to be "tied to the ground" any more. Too many owners, in the habit of keeping their subjects stationary for still pictures, pursue the same method once they begin filming with their cinema outfits. This is positively not necessary. They are as free, photographically, as the Welcomes Idea A merican Cinematographer , Hollywood, California. Gentlemen : Enclosed please find check for $3.40 for "clubbing offer" of A merican Cinematographer and Camera Craft. I am pleased to note the new department on amateur cinematography as I have always felt your magazine could fill a great need along this line. I am sure both the professional and amateur will gain by this department. Wishing your magazine success, I am, Very truly yours, (Signed H.W. GEORG. Herbert Georg Studio, 514y2 East Capitol Ave., Springfield, 111. winds. Put the subjects of the film through as much action as they would naturally go through. They do not have to hold still until the shutter clicks. Keep them away from posing as much as possible. Wealth of Angels In amateur still photography, virtually all pictures have been habitually shot "head on" from the front. That has been the sole shooting angle. The cinema camera releases the amateur photographer from such stereotyped perspectives. He may shoot from the level of the ground, from overhead, side, back, etc., and his action will always be on the film. He may invade places heretofore thought to be inaccessible, photographically, and get results. Don't be afraid to take the amateur set to the edge of a cliff, to an upstairs window or to a house or tree-top to photograph. Portability is the keynote of the manufacturers' plan, and their equipment is designed to work from every conceivable angle. Study Perspectives Study camera angles. Give thought to the position from which the subjects of the picture can be photographed to the best advantage. The results will be surprising. Original and effective angles are a great factor in the success of professional cinematography. In visiting motion picture theatres, give attention to the various angles from which the different scenes are shot. The amateur cinematographer will soon pick up many mute suggestions as to how his own efforts may be made more forceful. The individual will well find amateur cinematography as interesting as professional film productions themselves ! E. I. E. S. Chooses New Officers At the regular monthly meeting of the Electrical Illuminating Engineers on Thursday evening, February 1 1, at the Hollywood Athletic Club, the annual election of officers took place, naming Frank Arrousez as the new president succeeding William Whisler. Harry D. Brown, acting as chairman of the nominating committee, submitted Arrousez for president, Herbert Alden for vice president, Ray E. Delaney for secretary, and Duke Daggy for treasurer, which was unanimously adopted by the members present. The two latter are reelections having held these offices during the past term.