Cinematography Salon — News

Newsletter No. 001: It's been a while.

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Too long, honestly. But we've had a lot happening behind the scenes.

We rebuilt basically everything. The Salon has a new home at cinematographysalon.com, the full podcast archive is back up and free, and there are a couple of tools we've wanted to exist for years (also free, right below). None of it sits behind a login or a paywall, and it never will. Most of us learned this from a stack of American Cinematographer and whoever on set was generous enough to explain a setup. Learning how to be a cinematographer shouldn't come down to what you can afford.

One more thing, and we'll have more soon: the podcast comes back in August.

David

Two free tools, still in beta

A lens database. More than 3,400 cinema lenses, searchable by coverage, mount, focal length, and speed. Built for the part of prep where you are trying to remember what actually covers the sensor. Open the database

Fixture Match. 295 fixtures compared on verified photometrics, not the numbers printed on the box. Both are still being built, so if something looks off or you want something added, the feedback button goes straight to us. Open Fixture Match

From the Salon

A couple of years of Salon nights: the sold-out CineGear kickoff in Los Angeles, the New York holiday party, color sessions, panels. We've already started planning the next one, the holiday party in December.

Cinematography Salon Kicks Off Cinegear LA 2026

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The night before Cinegear, the lot behind Freestyle Cinema Rentals in Silverlake filled the way it does every June, with the friends, cinematographers, and vendors who make this community what it is.

Watch the recap

The annual Cinegear LA Kickoff is less an event than a reunion. On Thursday, June 4, people found each other between the lens cases and the light stands. Drinks came courtesy of Mad Mikey B behind the bar, DJ Smiles worked the turntables, and the conversations ran long enough that a few people seemed to forget the show floor opened in the morning.

Most of the night, though, the gear did the talking.

An impromptu lens bar ran the length of one table:

Illuvision brought their dream lenses.
Nisi showed the Aureus primes.
Freestyle set out their Minolta Rokkors.
V35 Project had their Canon Flex Zooms.

Sony had their Rialto 65 out for hands-on time, the hot item of the evening.

Nanlux was showing off their new Matrix 2500c. And at the photo booth, our friends at TCP Insurance and Atlas Lens Co. kept a steady line going all night.

None of this happens without the generosity of our sponsors, some of whom, like Sony, have shown up for the better part of a decade. The night was presented by Sony and Nanlux, with TCP Insurance, Ascentium Capital, Atlas Lens Co., V35 Project, Illuvision, Nisi, Tilta, and New Life Cine, and hosted by Freestyle Cinema Rentals, who opened their yard and made it home for the night.

A special thanks to Topher Hammond, who oversaw the organization of the whole night, and to everyone who lent gear and a hand during setup: Lightforce Rentals, Justin Usami, Zach Morrison, Gabrielle Milman, Kyle Thor, and the Freestyle crew of Michael Barnett, Seth Gregory, and Jesse Germann.

These nights run on community. If you want to help us keep putting them on, join us on Patreon.

Thanks to everyone who came out. See you on the floor, and next June.

Finding Community, Cultivating Resilience, and Embracing Creativity in Uncertain Times

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Nov 7th, Los Angeles - a group of filmmakers gathered at Emmy-winning director Michael Barnett’s creative space Superfilms! for an evening that felt more like a heart-to-heart than a formal event. Titled “Cultivating Resilience in Life and Film,” the night wasn’t about showcasing accolades or networking in the usual sense. Instead, it was a chance to talk about the tough stuff: how to keep going in a freelance, unpredictable industry and what it means to stay grounded when everything feels uncertain.

Hosted by Jon Bregel and Ien Chi from The Nourish Community, the event brought together filmmakers of all kinds, from seasoned pros to those just starting out. The panel included Jessica Sanders, an Academy Award-nominated director; Izzy Rael, a 25-year-old cinematographer and director; and Greg Karpinski, a filmmaker and breathwork instructor. Each of them shared personal stories about what resilience looks like for them. Jessica spoke about how the people she’s filmed over the years, many of whom have survived immense hardships, have influenced her perspective. “When I’m struggling,” she said, “I think about their strength, and it helps me keep going.”

Izzy brought a refreshing honesty about being at the start of her career and how self-doubt can creep in. “Resilience, for me, is allowing myself to be imperfect and still knowing I’m enough,” she shared. Having mentors who believed in her has made a huge difference, especially in moments when she felt like giving up. Mikey B, who hosted the night at his SuperFilms! studio, chimed in to echo that sentiment. He spoke candidly about imposter syndrome and the pressures of succeeding in such a demanding field. “Even after my most successful projects, I’ve still felt like I didn’t deserve it,” he admitted.

One of the most memorable parts of the evening came toward the end, when Greg led a 20-minute breathwork session. For a room full of filmmakers constantly juggling deadlines, pitches, and creative projects, the chance to just breathe was a welcome reset. “Your breath is always there,” Greg said, “even when everything else feels chaotic.”

Throughout the night, the theme of community kept coming up. Jon talked about how, for years, he felt like he had to have everything figured out on his own. But over time, he realized that resilience isn’t about toughing it out solo. It’s about having people around you who get it. “Having a support system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” he said.

The conversations weren’t just about staying afloat in the industry. They touched on life as a whole. Jessica emphasized the importance of taking care of yourself, from sleep and exercise to surrounding yourself with people who genuinely lift you up. “Being an artist is a marathon, not a sprint,” she said, a sentiment that seemed to resonate with everyone in the room.

The night also tied in with a new episode of The Nourish Podcast, which explores how filmmakers can find purpose in the quieter, in-between moments when work slows down. It’s a reminder that those times aren’t wasted. They’re opportunities to reset, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters.

By the end of the evening, as people lingered to chat and share stories, it was clear that this wasn’t just another industry event. It was a reminder of why so many of us got into filmmaking in the first place: to tell stories, to connect, and to make sense of the world. Sometimes, the most important thing isn’t the work itself. It’s the people you’re working with and the community that keeps you going.

About Our Panelists and Hosts

In case you’d like to connect or learn more, here’s a quick rundown of the incredible contributors from the evening:

• Jessica Sanders: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker renowned for her powerful storytelling and focus on stories of resilience: https://www.jessicasandersfilm.com/

• Izzy Rael: A talented young director and cinematographer, sharing a refreshing perspective on navigating the early stages of a filmmaking career: https://izzyrael.com/

• Mikey B (Michael Barnett): Emmy-winning filmmaker whose honesty and insights remind us of the value of embracing imperfection: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm30SnPgADI/?hl=en

• Greg Karpinski: Filmmaker and certified breathwork instructor who helps creatives find balance through mindful practices: https://www.instagram.com/greg.karpinski/?hl=en

• Ien Chi: Award-winning filmmaker and community builder committed to fostering connection and creativity among filmmakers: https://www.ienchi.com/

• Jon Bregel: Filmmaker, coach for filmmakers, and founder of The Nourish Community: https://jonathanbregel.com/coaching

Recap: Austin Cinematography Group x Cinematography Salon SXSW Party

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Last night was a blast! If you missed it, you definitely missed one of the biggest gatherings the Austin Cinematography Group (ACG) has seen so far. The party, hosted at High Noon, kicked off SXSW 2024 in style, bringing together an eclectic mix of DPs, directors, producers, reps, and a sprinkling of ASC cinematographers as well. Whether local or from out of town, everyone was there to geek out over filmmaking, share stories, and grab some drinks. What was supposed to be a quick meetup turned into a night where many stayed far longer than planned, simply because the energy and conversations were too good to leave.

The ACG and Cinematography Salon collaboration was a hit, and it was the perfect warmup for the festival. It felt like the whole industry showed up to chat about what’s going on this week at SXSW. High Noon, located on East Cesar Chavez, was the ideal spot to hang, with a cool atmosphere and a perfect blend of fun and professional energy.

The Sponsors That Made It Happen

Of course, a huge shoutout to our sponsors:SmallHD, Teradek, Wooden Camera, and Zeiss. These brands didn’t just provide support; they’re staples of the cinematography community and have helped make meetups like this feel like home for all of us camera nerds.

The coolest part of events like these? It’s not just about rubbing shoulders with pros or collecting business cards. It’s about the real, unforced friendships and collaborations that come out of it. ACG has grown into a 1,500+ strong community, and we at Cinematography Salon love supporting budding communities of like-minded individuals.

So if you were there, thanks for making it unforgettable. If you missed it, don’t worry. We’ve got plenty more on the horizon. And next time, we’ll make sure you’re right in the middle of it all.

Stay tuned for more!

Recap: 2023 Cinematography Salon Holiday Party

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

As evening descended over Brooklyn on a crisp December day, a gathering of film industry professionals, sponsored by Fujifilm, Sony and Aputure, in collaboration with Brooklyn Lighting & Grip, Atlas Lens Co, TCS, New Life Cine and others, transformed a holiday party into a celebration of community.

Over 550 attendees from various filmmaking disciplines enjoyed food, drinks and laughter, with music curated by DJ Alonzo Marks. A highlight was the glambot from Rambow Studio, capturing moments of joy and goofiness among the participants.

The night featured a raffle, not just for prizes but as an affirmation of the community's dedication to artistry. Prizes included over $20,000 in post-production services from Nice Shoes, equipment from Zeiss and Core SWX, and Jay Holben’s “Shot Craft” book, highlighting the industry's push towards excellence.

Adding a whimsical touch, the Ugly Sweater Contest invited filmmakers to showcase their humorous side, with 5 attendees rewarded with a subscription to American Cinematographer Magazine.

Our collaboration with Born Rival resulted in specially designed apparel, symbolizing the shared passion for visual storytelling. This partnership extended beyond merchandise, representing a deeper connection within the cinematography community.

The event was more than a holiday celebration; it represented the film community's resilient spirit. Despite the challenges of 2023, the camaraderie and support of our industry were on full display.

Special thanks to Leitz, Surella, Core SWX, Freestyle Cinema Rentals, and all partners and participants for making the event a memorable celebration. As we move into 2024, the gathering remains a cherished memory, emblematic of the strength and unity of the visual storytelling community, and we look forward to the opportunities of the new year.

Our Sponsors

Born Rival - Channel for Expression Volume 38 with David Kruta, founder of Cinematography Salon

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever felt like an island? When I left the position of DIT for good and became a full-time cinematographer, I very quickly began to feel alone. Having spent years aspiring to be a DP, I finally had achieved my goal - yet all of a sudden, I found myself on the mountaintop, lonely and yearning for community. Being a DIT was like my film school, a place where I could collaborate with and learn from some of the most incredible people in the business. Every job was an educational experience and the camaraderie with the crew made each day on set a joy, even if I would come home exhausted from 14+ hours of work.

On the set of Concussion (2013)

So in 2015 I started a small group called Cinematography Salon, a nod to the art salons of the past that rebelled against the insular and judgmental art world. It’s how movements like Impressionism got their start, and I wanted to have a safe space where my peers and I could share our experiences as DPs privately - somewhere we could discuss our feelings, tricks of the trade and mundane things like rates without the prying eyes of those that would use it against us. I learned what I know as a DP through the generosity of those willing to share their knowledge and experiences, so cutting through the minefield of paid courses and useless how-to content by providing genuine and free education and experiences was paramount.

Fast forward 8 years and we have expanded our mission to lift up the next generation of filmmakers and cinematographers. From what I’ve seen, once you leave film school and before you reach a level of success consistent with organizations like the ASC, there exists a major gap in education and community. In the past, there was a much stronger system of apprenticeship and mentorship but that has largely been relegated to television, and most of us don’t work on those productions. So the Salon, along with partners and friends across the industry, has taken it upon itself to provide networking events, education in the form of classes, panels and mentorship, insight into our field via the official podcast, and a host more activities. It’s a group I wished I had when I was getting my start, but I am proud to say that now something like that exists for the next me, trying to find their way in this crazy career.

[David]

@dkruta

davidkruta.com

PERSPECTIVE

“Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives.

The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there-on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.”

Carl Sagan, “Pale Blue Dot”

Cinematography Salon Kicks Off Cinegear LA 2023

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

As the dust settles on what was an electrifying evening at the 2023 Cinematography Salon CineGear LA Kickoff Party, we're still buzzing from the energy and excitement that filled the air at Freestyle Cinema Rentals. It was a night where industry innovation, culinary delights, and spirited camaraderie came together to create an unforgettable experience.

First and foremost, a massive shoutout to Freestyle Cinema Rentals, whose team not only provided the perfect backdrop for our gathering but also went above and beyond in every aspect to ensure a seamless and vibrant event. Their dedication to the craft and community was evident, making them the unsung heroes of the night.

The evening was a tech enthusiast's dream. Fujifilm and Frame.io teamed up to run a step and repeat, showcasing their cutting-edge Camera 2 Cloud technology. This live demonstration was not just impressive but also a glimpse into the future of filmmaking.

Atlas Lens Co. set up a lens testing area, turning the venue into a cinematographer's playground. Guests had the unique opportunity to get hands-on experience with some of the finest lenses in the industry, testing and comparing them in a real-world setting.

The highlight of the night was Aputure's grand reveal of their new lighting game-changer, the Electro Storm XT26. This 2600W high-output point-source LED fixture is a marvel of engineering, boasting features like dynamic white CCT and tint control, advanced liquid-cooling technology, and an IP65 dust & water-resistant construction. Witnessing its power, which rivals 12,000W tungsten Fresnels and 4,000W HMIs, left us all in awe of its capabilities.

Our Sponsors

Amidst the technological wonders, the tacos served were nothing short of amazing, turning into a topic of conversation in their own right. Complementing the feast, Dos Gabachos hosted a mezcal tasting that was both educational and delightfully intoxicating.

The atmosphere was kept lively and energetic, thanks to the thumping music that set the perfect tone for the night. And let's not forget Mad Mikey B of Freestyle, who ensured that the drinks flowed till the very end, keeping spirits high and conversations lively.

As we reflect on the night, it's clear that the 2023 Cinematography Salon CineGear LA Kickoff Party was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the passion, innovation, and community spirit that drives our industry. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, our incredible sponsors, and the teams that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a resounding success.

Stay tuned for more events and gatherings as we continue to explore, celebrate, and push the boundaries of cinematography together.

Mastering the EL Zone: Illuminating Insights with Ed Lachman and AbelCine

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Cinematography Salon joined forces with AbelCine to present a very special in-person Master Class on EL Zone, led by the creator himself, Ed Lachman, ASC. The day was charged with a blend of anticipation and curiosity as attendees gathered to delve into the nuances of the EL Zone exposure system, which has been making strides in the industry for its innovative approach in displaying exposure values using stops.

As Ed unfolded the layers of EL Zone, he shared the genesis of this system, stemming from his quest for a more precise exposure tool that harmonizes with Stop Values on lenses and light meters. The simplicity and effectiveness of EL Zone, which now finds its application in an array of production tools like Panasonic VariCam LT and 35, SmallHD PageOS 5, and Colourlab Ai, highlighted its growing significance in modern cinematography.

Through the course of the Master Class, Ed provided practical examples and illustrated the method’s essence for the contemporary filmmaker, also sharing his experience on exposing for monochromatic sensors through his upcoming Netflix feature, El Conde, filmed on ALEXA Mini LF Monochrome.

The demand for this Master Class was testament to the value it held, leading to the addition of a second session on the same day to accommodate the eager cinematographers on the waiting list. The day culminated in a lively happy hour event, graciously hosted by AbelCine, providing a perfect setting for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions, reflect on the learned insights, and foster connections within the cinematography community.

As we look back at the event, the collaboration between Cinematography Salon and AbelCine not only facilitated a rich learning experience but also fostered a spirit of community and shared passion for cinematography. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AbelCine for their generosity and collaboration, making this event a resounding success. The EL Zone Master Class left the attendees with a deeper understanding of exposure dynamics, and we are looking forward to more collaborative efforts to continue enriching the cinematographic community.

Recap of the 2022 Cinematography Salon Holiday Party

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The 2022 Cinematography Salon Holiday Party wasn't just an event; it was a spectacle in the world of cinematography. Imagine stepping into a realm where every moment was a celebration of innovation and passion. This wasn't your typical industry meet-up; it brought together individuals who share a passion for filmmaking, providing a space for networking, celebration, and engaging discussions.

Adding a playful twist to the evening was the “ugliest sweater” contest, where attendees showcased their garish holiday sweaters. The competition brought laughter and a colorful display of bad fashion choices, which made the atmosphere light and engaging. The worst sweaters were awarded prizes courtesy of our friends at Tribe7.

Our sponsors were the real stars of the night, their generous contributions amplified the event, making it both rewarding and memorable for everyone.

From the moment our guests arrived, they were part of something extraordinary. Each attendee received a raffle ticket, with the chance to win Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, a 12TB G-Raid hard drive, or even the incredible Aputure 1200d, among others. Guests were also able to play with the Sony Rialto Sensor Extension system as well as spend some time in Metro Camera Cars’ latest vehicle.

Our Sponsors

Fujifilm added a significant highlight to our event, even before the night kicked off. Prior to the party, two fortunate individuals were chosen to win a FUJIFILM X-H2S Digital Camera and accessories. Fujifilm not only provided these impressive prizes but went the extra mile by flying one out-of-state winner to New York City to join in the holiday revelry with us, making the giveaway a truly special and inclusive affair.

Let’s not forget the drinks, and be sure to check out our friends who so generously supported us as well.

The anticipation for the next gathering is already building. Stay tuned for more engaging events by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on our social media channels. The 2022 Cinematography Salon Holiday Party was not just a gathering, but a portrayal of the enthusiasm and collective spirit that drives our community, leaving us all with cherished memories and the promise of many more events to come.