In order to become a great cinematographer, understanding the fundamentals is key, like knowing how to light a scene and how to pull off motivated camera movement. However, sometimes it's important (and really fun) to learn a few little tricks that you can use to add a little flavor to your shots. In this video, Jordy Vandeput of Cinecom goes over five quick and easy hacks that might come in handy when you're working on your next film project...and he does it all in less than three minutes! Check it out below:

The video is kind of a grab bag of different effects and tools, from how to make cookies to how to create a little bit of atmosphere with a napkin and an old cheese grater or zester. You might've heard of a couple of these before, but hopefully, some of them will inspire you and come in handy the next time you're on set.

Here are the tricks Vandeput mentions in the video:

  • Use cookies to replicate the shadow of a window frame
  • Create dust particles by grating a napkin
  • Use a mirror to create a more powerful reflector
  • Want to make your subject look like they're looking through a keyhole? Cut a keyhole shape into a piece of paper and shoot through it.
  • Put some pantyhose between your camera body and lens to soften up your shot.

If you want to learn more clever cinematography hacks, we've covered quite a few over the years. Check them out here.

What are some other little tricks for cinematographers? Let us know down in the comments.

Source: Cinecom

tips and trickshackscookies
Cinematography & Cameras