Listen to the Cinematographer

What I love most about learning from other artists is that, no matter how specific their field, you can always take a lesson from their line of work.

Take renowned Cinematographer Roger Deakins. His list of films is too long to repeat here...but check out his IMDB page: you'll find more than a few academy-award winning films on that list. 

Excellence is always to be reached for and emulated when possible. That's why I loved reading this article which gets a delightful amount of wisdom from the amazing artist himself. 

Please go read the article to get the full experience...but in the meantime I picked out some quotes and ideas that I felt I could DIRECTLY learn from as a writer-director-musician....whatever I am :)

(Keep in mind, he was answering all of these questions as specifically applies to cinematography...I am taking artistic license in my own dissection and discerning of his answers!)

"My way is just one of an infinite number of ways to do the job.”
The problem I think many beginning artists, (like myself), may struggle with: am I original? I've always tried to find a balance between originality and always taking in the processes of those more experienced/successful than myself, (as is evidenced by this entire post!) The truth is, as Deakins points out regarding camerawork, there ARE an infinite number of ways to make art. So find your own. Be aware, yes. But do not get caught up in trying to emulate someone else's work. You'll probably give yourself a headache anyway.

"In the end a film can look lousy but work because of a great performance but not the other way round. That’s something always worth remembering.”
This is something that irks the small part of me, (VERY small part of me), that needs perfection. It's in every artist. We wouldn't be artists if we didn't have a small voice in our heads demanding perfection. Some voices are louder than others but it's always there. What I take from this particular Deakins-Thought, is that we need to be open to compromising our personal expectations as long as the final work is bettered by that choice. Art is collaboration; at least it is the way I want to make it. Collaboration produces the best work when we are actively trying to help tell the best story possible. Sometimes that means your aesthetic won't be the star. 

"To me it is a job, a creative job that I love to do but a job nonetheless."
I love this because most of the time we give up the "job" part of what we're doing. The truth is, Roger Deakins LIVES OFF OF HIS WORK. As do many artists. Don't lose sight of that! If you want to make a living off of your work, that's what you need to work on achieving. If you want to have a hobby, have a hobby. But make a decision either way. Maybe you have both. I know I do. I don't make my living off of my art...yet :) Right now, music is a hobby, and I am working towards theatre becoming income. It could change though...depending on what circumstances arise. 

"You pick the camera for the job based on cost and many other factors."
Deakins has a lot to say in this article about TOOLS. Which I adore. Because tools are awesome. My dad raised me right when it comes to thinking about tools. USE THEM. Do NOT put them to waste. And use them the way they are meant to be used. The important thing I take from Deakins is being aware of your circumstances. Adler taught me a lot about awareness-work. It's simple. BE AWARE. You'd be amazed how much you miss out on in a day by not simply being present, taking in what's happening as if it's for the first time, and then processing it.

“If you work your way up you might find it easier financially. Also, you will have time to learn your craft and become confident in what you do. On the other hand you may well find youself stuck for some time at one level and find it hard to make the jump from an assistant to an operator for instance. If you try to start shooting right away you may find yourself waiting a long time between pay days. Have you a showreel? Friends that might give you a break? A family that you need to support?"
This one is pretty self-explanatory. I thought it was just particularly helpful to new artists like myself :) 

Have a lovely Fall day :)
Gin