My Summer Reading List for People Adding Video to their Workflow
[by Richard Harrington]
I am often asked by photographers which books I recommend to learn video. There are several, but I wanted to offer you my top choices that I think are most helpful. The links will take you to Amazon where you can read reviews and the publisher’s description as well.
The Visual Story, Second Edition: Creating the Visual Structure of Film, TV and Digital Media
by Bruce Block
I recommend this book to nearly every one. I used it in several college classes that I taught. This book does a great job of helping you understand composition, sequencing images, and more. It also has a series of recommended films to watch along with exercises.
How Video Works, Second Edition: From Analog to High Definition
by Marcus Weise and Diana Weynand
If you want to understand what all those pesky terms mean, this book is a great edition. Learn the intricacies of how video technology actually works, but in a simple writing style. This book is a helpful reference as you come across terms that aren’t familiar.
Color Correction Handbook: Professional Techniques for Video and Cinema
by Alexis Van Hurkman
This book offers a richly illustrated look at fixing color as well as creating a look. Just as photographer’s rely on Photoshop or Lightroom, so do video professionals use software as well. This is an excellent look at the complexities involved.
Producing Great Sound for Film and Video, Third Edition (DV Expert Series)
by Jay Rose
While this book gets a little geeky, it does help you make your productions 50% better. Talk to any pro video person and they’ll tell you audio is half the picture. This book helps you get better sound and fills in essential gaps in most people’s knowledge base.
From Still to Motion: A photographer’s guide to creating video with your DSLR
by James Ball, Robbie Carman, Matt Gottshalk, Richard Harrington
Yes, I am a little biased. This was the first book written on DSLR Video. It also was written specifically with photographer’s in mind. Several pro photographers consulted on the project and contributed. A team of four authors shows you how to plan, shoot, edit, and deliver professional video. It also includes six hours of video training on the DVD-ROM along with hands on project files.
Richard Harrington is the founder of RHED Pixel, a visual communications company in Washington, D.C. You can read Rich’s blog at www.RichardHarringtonBlog.com as well as follow him on Twitter @rhedpixel
