What do you do if you want to enhance your cinematography skills?

As important as learning new skills and techniques is important to growth, perfecting the fundamentals is absolutely crucial. The color grading could be vibrant, the sound mix phenomenal but, if the composition and lighting is bad, it's a bad shot. At the end of the day, all content needs to have the basics - a properly composed intro sequence, well lit subjects in the b-roll and clean audio. Without those elements, the best subjects will lack in appeal.

Mastering the artistry of cinematography begins with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental technical and compositional principles. Immerse yourself in the study of exposure triangles, depth of field, lighting keys, and lens properties - the essential building blocks for sculpting visuals with intent. Analyze celebrated works, deconstructing how masters have leveraged focus, angles, camera movement and negative space to accentuate narrative beats. Experiment relentlessly, embracing the hands-on experience as the ultimate teacher. Shoot simple scenes repeatedly, tweaking variables methodically until their impacts on mood, emotion and storytelling are ingrained instinctively.

The path to cinematographic mastery is paved with a devotion to daily practice. Treat every waking moment as an opportunity to further refine your eye for compelling visuals. Experiment relentlessly, even if just capturing spontaneous pocket shots on your smartphone. Analyze how natural lighting scenarios inform mood and narrative. Test camera movements, embracing the challenges of executing intricate techniques handheld. Review your own footage critically, studying what compositional or technical choices resonated versus what fell flat. Identify areas demanding improvement then implement those learnings during your next impromptu practice session.

In my experience practice makes perfect. You should always practice the more you do the better you get. Experiment with lighting and different ways to shoot. It’s easier to get creative when you’re practicing so you know what works and what don’t.

To cultivate an instinctive mastery of the cinematic craft, one must devote themselves to the studious analysis of exemplary works. Become a profound observer, meticulously dissecting how composition, camera choreography, and lighting interplay to visually articulate narrative arcs and thematic motifs. Examine how lens choices and blocking techniques infuse scenes with subconscious psychological resonance. Identify recurring auteur signatures - the distinct stylistic choices that define their inimitable aesthetic vernaculars. Critically assess what evocative tools could be extracted and adapted to enrich your own developing voice.

Cultivating an astute cinematic eye demands the invaluable insights that only come through an embracement of external critique. Actively seek out communities of seasoned practitioners and peers, humbly presenting your work to solicit their candid assessments. Approach this feedback not just with an open mind, but an eagerness to integrate diverse perspectives. Analyze how their observations realign your own blind spots, unveiling areas for refinement or creative techniques you previously overlooked. This recursive loop of showcase and evaluation propels an accelerated evolution, as you synthesize manifold viewpoints into an expanded, kaleidoscopic understanding of your craft.

When people ask me what camera they should buy, they're surprised when I suggest a camera well below their budget. Over the years I've bought plenty of equipment that has become quickly obsolete - primarily cameras. The equipment that has not fallen behind is glass. So, when I suggest first purchases, I suggest to spend money on lenses with an "OK" camera, as long as it fits the need. I personally used an EOS R paired with my lineup of Canon L lenses and it has been a workhorse. It has been important to know its strengths and it's limitations. It is more important to know your tools than it is to accumulate tools that don't have an immediate need. On the other hand, it's important to learn your systems before using them on a job.

While technical mastery transcends mere equipment, selectively upgrading gear can catalyze creative growth for the sagacious cinematographer. Approach each new tool acquisition as an opportunity to expand your narrative toolkit's bandwidth for expressing singular visions. Intimately study the inherent qualities defining each lens, camera, and accessory - their advantages alchemizing fresh avenues for compositional ingenuity. Monumental works have emerged from modest means, but embracing professional-grade equipment eliminates artificial constraints, liberating your artistic voice to soar unencumbered. However, focus investments on implementing organically extending your storytelling capabilities.

The quickest way to stunt your growth as a cinematographer is to stop learning. As exciting as it is to open new boxes, slowing down and taking your equipment and skills to their limit is essential. Early in my career, equipment and upgrades were few and far between so I had to learn new ways to use what I had to stay competitive. Even now, in order to move to the next level, it's important to learn new software and new workflows which has been a humbling experience. The good news is that there are so many ways for creatives to connect and learn. Whether it's from in-person work shops on free tutorials on the internet, there is something for every style of learning.