Decisive Moments?

[Steven Li]

Hello Mr. Deakins,

Thank you very much for answering my question on color!

I have two other question about the mindset you have been taking for both photography and cinematography.

Since I am a photographer and have very little involvement in cinematography (even though I do appreciate cinematography), these questions may seem a little bit of shortsighted in a cinematographer’s perspective: does the concept of “the decisive moment” play a significant role in your approach towards cinematography and photography? While shooting a film, do you tend to create a “decisive moment” on purpose, for the sake of visual impact primarily?

Again, thank you very much!

Steven Li

Topic

[Roger Deakins]

A film crew works towards creating a moment on set that is similarly “decisive”. Of course, it is different from street photography but, while that moment on a film set might seem repeatable it is not. A single take is the product of so many complicated elements coming together at the same time.

[Author]

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