Behind the Lens: Dispatches from the Cinematographic Trenches

As a cinematographer and an educator I find this book to be a great assets. I recommend it to all of my students who are interesting in film and video production. Jay Holben's vast experience in cinematography come through in this book. He ha a way of explaining complex concept in a straightforward way, making it easy to digest. There are plenty of pictures and diagrams to drive home the information.

One of the best books dealing with just about every possible aspect of cinematography - from the creative to the technical to the pyshchology of the filmmaker.

The best resource for anyone wanting to be a Cinematographer. Jay not only talks about the process he explains the why and how. If you want to learn more about being a DP and become a better and more technical film maker this is the best book on the market.

Great read.

Apart from Jay being an all around awesome guy, the book is fantastic. If you're just starting out it'll provide you with a greater foothold into the fundamentals that need to be on your radar as you become technically proficient, and if you're of the more experienced variety of cinematographer, photographer, or enthusiast, then at the very least it needs to be in your reference library.I'm grateful Jay took the time to curate a book that focuses on lighting, composition, and technical information that relates to the art of visual storytelling because he has achieved a deeper level of granularity and detail about a lot the stuff we've all read and heard a hundred times before.To summarize: The wisdom and education shared in this book has had an impact on my abilities as a cinematographer and that makes it worth the price.

Jay's book is a must read for any student of cinematography looking to deepen their understanding of the craft. Jay has the ability to take complex concepts and to break them into easily digestible examples and references written in a very easy to understand style. I use both of Jay's books as reference texts in courses I teach in cinematography for that very reason. The chapters he has written on Optics are an amazing resource on a topic seldom explored in cinematography text in great detail. I also love that the book touch on practical exercises like tying knots that every filmmaker can use. The book is littered with great illustrations, charts, and photos that really add value to the content. I highly recommend Behind the Lens!

Jay is the best teacher in these subjects I have had the pleasure to read and talk to!His extensive experience and research is absolutely incredible and the fact that he writes these books to share his knowledge in such a simplified way that can get through practically anyone is even more admirable. After reading his first book, he now unconditionally has me recommending his literature (including articles on several very recognized film magazines) to all cinematography students I have taught and worked with.I cant recommend this piece enough, I actually now carry it in my bag every time I go on set as a great resource for creative approaches as much as a technical guide.You wont regret buying this one and reading it over and over! Great investment!

Jay is a seasoned professional in the film industry. His experience and insight is clearly on display in this book, which provides tremendous resources, tips and lessons to veterans and students of the industry. The book is as much inspirational as technical and artistic, and it makes for a great reference for anyone looking to advance in a career or simply taking on photography and film as a hobby. Highly recommend.

Fascinating information, well presented.

A must have book for the serious filmmakers

Best all round book for practical camera work

Awesome read

Very interesting and well-made book! I think you gonna enjoy it if you like technical cinema stuff above all cinematography!