Learn to LOVE IT

The artistic life takes some unexpected turns sometimes.  A few days ago I was conducting a camera test on a camera I hadn't worked with before - the Black Magic Cinema Camera.  Present were my 1st AC, Adam and my Camera Op, Ray.  The process was fairly relaxed, we've all worked together before, the conversation and jokes totally Camera Dept. bravado.  I shot interiors and exteriors, in daylight and tungsten balance, using the recommended 800 ISO as well as different ISOs to judge how the noise increased with a "more light starved" sensor.  While viewing the log image through the camera I casually remarked to those present that I wasn't a big fan of low contrast images, yet have seen national commercial campaigns that were basically the uncorrected log image.  My cohorts all agreed that they were not fans of low con images as well.  I've actually had passionate discussions with some of my younger DP peers who think that low con is cool.  To each his own, I always say.

I uploaded screen grabs out of the color grading system to dropbox for the Director to view as he couldn't be present for the camera test.  I  included uncorrected log images to show the difference for several reasons - the first and primary was so he wouldn't be uncomfortable the first day on set when he saw the flattened log image on the monitor.  Secondly, I wanted to show him the flexibility of shooting in log by including several different looks.  We talked that evening via phone and discussed the different shots.  The project has a fair number of flash back scenes.  The Director and I had kicked around some ideas of a muted look, but hadn't locked any look in yet.  Another reason to shoot log, that flexibility again.  Much to my chagrin, the Director said that he liked the uncorrected log images for the flash back sequences.  There was a short, stunned silence while I gathered my composure before my response -  "That's great, I'm glad you like the uncorrected log for the flash backs.  That's a happy accident.  But let's discuss how low con you want the image to be when we get to the grading phase." I needed to at least plant the seed, but from previous experiences, I know that the Director after staring at the uncorrected log clips in editing will want to use them as they come out of the camera.  It's his project, not mine.  While I'm there to create a look and drive the story through my photography, ultimately, it's his project, his look.  I'm going to learn to love it......it's a look!

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