The Road to Light: Principles of Cinematography (2023)

While debates over who invented the camera or took the first photograph remain open to interpretation, one truth is beyond dispute: photography has existed since the dawn of humanity. It is intimately connected to us — an essential part of our evolution. The camera, in essence, is a refined attempt to mimic the human eye, and its mechanics are inspired by how we see. Vision itself is a cornerstone of human development. In today’s world, it’s rare to go a day without taking a photo. Sometimes, we write with light instead of letters. For instance, sitting in a popular café, a friend might ask, “Where are you?”—and you reply with a photo of your coffee cup. That image alone conveys your location and mood. Even if you’re not someone who takes photos daily, you certainly see them everywhere—at home, at work, on phones, and in public spaces. Our eyes have grown more attuned to image quality, learning to distinguish the good from the poor.

This book is an attempt to distill the meanings and concepts the author wished he had grasped at the start of his cinematography journey. It’s a guide not to hand you a fish, but to teach you how to craft the fishing rod. It’s about placing the horse before the cart. A little science, and a great deal of feeling.