The Photographer's Career Guide to Shooting Production Stills for Film and Television

by Jace Downs

Overview

Based on the author's real-world experience, this book provides a comprehensive guide on how to develop a professional career and client base as a unit stills photographer in the entertainment industry.

Industry veteran Jace Downs takes readers behind the scenes as he explores production from the perspective of a unit stills photographer. Honest and entertaining, chapters cover the production environment, set etiquette, equipment, dealing with difficult talent, shooting on set, developing a client base, joining the union and much more.

Accessible to those within and outside of the entertainment industry, this book is ideal for intermediate level photographers looking to expand their skillset and client base, as well as for aspiring photographers who would like more insight into photography work in entertainment production.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032023779
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/15/2022
Pages:	216
Sales rank:	685,799
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jace Downs is an internationally published photographer and award-winning cinematographer. He has shot for networks and studios including CBS, AMC, Century Fox, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Entertainment and many more. His numerous credits include hit shows like The Walking Dead and NCIS.

Table of Contents

Part I: Introduction to Unit Photography

1. What Is Unit Photography?

2. How Production Stills Are Used

3. Why Unit Photography Is a Great Job

4. So What's the Catch?

5. A Final Word About the Pros and Cons

6. A Day in the Life of a Unit Photographer

Part II: A Brief Introduction to Production

7. Production vs. Distribution

8. Production Roles and Departments

9. Key On-Set Phrases

10. Set Etiquette, Priorities and Politics

11. Working with "Sensitive" Talent

Part III: The Unit Photographer's Kit

12. Equipment Overview

13. Selecting a Camera System

14. Selecting Lenses

15. Computer Hardware and Software

16. Travel Lighting Kit

17. Protecting, Acclimating and Carrying Your Cameras

18. Weather Gear

19. Insurance and Pro-Gear Organizations

Part IV: The Art of Unit Photography

20. Looking Back and Ahead

21. How to Read a Call Sheet

22. The Lay of the Land

23. Who and What to Shoot

24. Getting Complete Coverage

25. Shooting Positions on Set

26. Camera Settings for Unit Photography

27. Editing and Image Delivery

28. Beyond Publicity Stills

Part V: The Business of Unit Photography

29. Tips for Starting Your Career

30. Who Hires Unit Photographers?

31. Developing a Client Base

32. The Camera Union

33. Image Rights

34. In Conclusion