The Art of Light and Shadow. How a Cinematographer Creates a Film

A book that every cinematographer and simply anyone in love with cinema should read.

"Cinema is light, and it is pointless to compete with the sun. Rather, cinema is light and shadows, a play between them. Shadows are life." — Aki Kaurismäki, Finnish filmmaker

"The Art of Light and Shadow. How a Cinematographer Creates a Film" is one of the key books on cinematography, written by one of Hollywood's recognized masters, John Elton.

In simple, non-technical language, Elton explains the work of a cinematographer and explores how lighting, shooting techniques, and location choices define the visual mood of a film. In the foreword by Todd McCarthy (chief film critic of Variety magazine), an overview of Elton's biography and career is provided, as well as an exploration of the influence of his works on modern cinematography. Additionally, especially for this edition, popular American director John Bailey ("Groundhog Day") wrote a short foreword, examining the often contentious relationship between Elton and his colleagues from the American Society of Cinematographers, cinematographers, and the film industry itself.

John Elton is an American director, a recognized master of cinematography, and an Oscar winner for the film "An American in Paris" (1952).