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The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video

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Description

Over 200,000 sold! Adopted for use by over 700 college courses! Written by a working professional, here is the most user-friendly book available on the subject of film and video production; it reduces the shooting experience to its essence, making complicated concepts easy to grasp. Using simple clear language and more than 150 illustrations, the book explains: ExposureLensesCompositionBasic sequenceCrossing the lineLightingMontagesSoundEditingAnd much more! When you finish this book, you will know and understand how to shoot good pictures that will edit together seamlessly in post-production. With added chapters on sound and editing, this new edition of The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video rounds out the education of any filmmaker. Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Allworth


Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 4, 2015


Edition ‏ : ‎ 3rd Edition, Third


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 176 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 3


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 63


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Saturday, Jul 4

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • GREAT
Format: Paperback
I recently had the pleasure of diving into "The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video," and I must say, it's an absolute gem for anyone interested in learning the ins and outs of cinematography! First and foremost, let's talk about the content. This book covers everything you need to know about camera operation, from the basics of exposure and composition to more advanced techniques like lighting and camera movement. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned filmmaker looking to brush up on your skills, there's something for everyone in this comprehensive guide. What sets this book apart is its clear and concise explanations. Author Tom Schroeppel has a knack for breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to readers of all skill levels. The step-by-step instructions and practical exercises ensure that you not only understand the theory but also know how to apply it in real-world situations. I also appreciate the hands-on approach of this book. Instead of just bombarding you with technical jargon, Schroeppel encourages you to get out there and start shooting. The exercises are designed to help you hone your skills and develop your creative eye, whether you're shooting with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone. Another highlight of this book is its emphasis on storytelling. Schroeppel understands that great cinematography is about more than just technical prowess – it's about using the camera as a tool to tell compelling stories. Whether you're shooting a narrative film, a documentary, or a corporate video, the principles outlined in this book will help you craft visually engaging and emotionally resonant imagery. Overall, "The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video" is a must-have resource for anyone serious about mastering the art of cinematography. It's informative, engaging, and packed with practical advice that will take your filmmaking skills to the next level. If you're passionate about telling stories through moving images, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book – you won't be disappointed! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2024 by Sarah

  • Perfect for Beginner Filmmakers!
Format: Paperback
I recently picked up The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video by Tom Schroeppel, and it has been an absolute game-changer for me as I start my journey into filmmaking. As someone with no prior experience in video production, I was looking for a straightforward guide that would break down the basics in an easy-to-understand way, and this book delivered exactly that. Clear and Simple Explanations: The language used in this book is super clear and simple, which made it easy for me to grasp key concepts like exposure, composition, and lighting. I didn’t feel overwhelmed, and each chapter builds on the previous one, so I was able to make steady progress. I really appreciated how the author explains things without unnecessary jargon – it’s very beginner-friendly! Great Visuals and Examples: The book is packed with over 150 illustrations that help visualize concepts, making it much easier to understand things like framing and camera movement. It also includes real-world examples that I found incredibly helpful when applying what I learned to my own work. Well-Rounded Content: I was impressed with how the book covers everything from the basics of camera operation to the fundamentals of editing. It gave me a solid foundation in both filming and post-production, which was exactly what I needed to get started. Conclusion: Overall, The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video is an excellent choice for anyone new to filmmaking. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or someone who just wants to dip their toes into video production, this book is a must-have. It’s practical, easy to follow, and gives you the essential knowledge to start shooting your own projects. I highly recommend it! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2025 by Keicy Rafael Beltre Feliz

  • Good quick introduction
Format: Kindle
Short and to the point. Good quick read. Covers all the main points and is a good introduction to filmmaking.
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2022 by Jimbonz

  • Interested in film-making? 5 years as a short film-maker, this book is spectacular.
Format: Paperback
If you're like me and trying to get into the Film Industry and learn Cinematography, this book is definitely a start and was helpful during my 2nd semester in general. The last 5 years have been an emotional roller coaster but this has helped me significantly, when I first started reading it, I started encapturing and focusing more on the environment and people I've worked with. I love carrying this around even after it was a requirement to purchase. 10/10 recommending it to my fellow film makers. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026 by MalevolaGibb_

  • Buy this book if you want to learn about photography.
Format: Paperback
A very interesting book. Rather than having photos to explain how to use a camera, both video and still it is loaded with pen and pencil drawings explaining all facets of camera workings and how to use both still and video cameras in detail. In my opinion a very helpful tool in all aspects of photography. I am a beginning photographer but if I use this book as intended I may possibly be an expert in a matter of weeks. The only other book or manual you need to consider is the actual instruction manual for the camera you are using. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2025 by KenBee

  • A great place to start for photographers and cinematographers
Format: Paperback
Had this book nearly 25 years ago in film school and it's still great. The very basics of photography are all covered here. This is a great place to start
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2025 by themblues

  • Concise, with drawings. Cuts to the heart of the subject matter
Format: Paperback
I haven't finished it yet, but this book has been *great*. Concise, with drawings. Cuts to the heart of the subject matter. If you want more in-depth knowledge, you can certainly find out other places. But as a 1st read -- an overview and general education on video, I think it's *great*.
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025 by ArtDeco

  • Very informative about positioning to take better pictures
Format: Paperback
It had some useful information but I expected more information about how to adjust the settings on the camera to take the perfect shot without doing a lot of editing on the photo. It gave information about lighting and positioning but I was expecting more about the camera itself.
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2019 by Jimmysue

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