GRIDLINE UNIVERSITY

The Core Values of Journalism: Lessons in Life and Integrity As a journalism student, I’ve come to understand that the values which shape a good journalist are the same ones that define a person of character. Journalism isn’t just about crafting stories or uncovering facts; it’s about pursuing truth, staying grounded, and reflecting on what it means to live with integrity. In many ways, journalism holds up a mirror to the values we ought to embody as human beings. Journalism, as I see it, is less of a career and more of a guide to life. It teaches you to look deeply into situations, understand perspectives beyond your own, and remain grounded despite challenges. To survive in this world and the world of journalism, three qualities seem essential: common sense, flexibility, and being a good judge. These principles don’t just help you excel as a journalist; they build the foundation of a meaningful life. Common Sense: The Quiet Strength We All Need Common sense may sound like something s...

 The Art of Perspective: Mastering the "Three Eyes" of Cinematography Cinematography, often described as the art of visual storytelling, is more than just framing shots or selecting the right equipment. It is an exploration of how we perceive the world and translate that perception into frames that evoke emotions, communicate ideas, and immerse the audience in a narrative. At its core, cinematography is about perspective—the ability to see and show the world in three fundamental ways: through the subject's eyes, the object's eyes, and the audience's eyes. In this article, we will delve deeply into these three perspectives, explore their significance in storytelling, and examine their applications across various film genres. Understanding these "three eyes" will not only enhance your knowledge of cinematography but also provide you with a framework to analyze and create impactful visuals. Read also: The Art of Perspective in Cinema: Seeing Through New Eye...

Subject and Object in Cinematography: Understanding the Dynamic Relationship Cinematography is the art of guiding the viewer’s eyes and emotions through carefully designed visual elements. Two essential components in this visual storytelling are the subject and the object. These terms go beyond simply describing people within a frame; they encompass any element, living or non-living, that occupies space and contributes to the story. What makes cinematography so fascinating is the dynamic nature of these roles. Who—or what—is the subject or object in a given frame is never fixed. The roles change depending on the composition, narrative focus, and the intentions of the director. Read also: Composition and Composition Fundamentals: Rule of third, Leading lines, Framing and depth What is a Subject in Cinematography? The subject is the main focus of the frame. It leads the audience’s attention and often carries the emotional or narrative weight of the scene. While it’s easy to assume that t...

Mastering Lighting Techniques: Understanding Color Temperature and White Balance Lighting plays a pivotal role in photography, filmmaking, and visual storytelling. It determines the mood, tone, and accuracy of the image or footage. Two critical aspects of lighting that professionals must master are Color Temperature and White Balance. This article dives deep into these concepts, unraveling their science, practical applications, and how to optimize them for your creative projects. What is Color Temperature? Color temperature refers to the color characteristics of light, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). It determines whether a light source appears warm (yellow/red) or cool (blue). Understanding color temperature is essential to achieving accurate color reproduction in images or videos. The Kelvin Scale: Measuring Light Warm Light (Below 3,500K): Emits a reddish or yellowish glow, typically associated with candlelight, tungsten bulbs, and sunrise/sunset lighting. It creates a cozy, intimat...

Lighting Techniques: Lighting for Mood and Atmosphere Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in visual storytelling. It shapes not only what the audience sees but also how they feel about what they see. Whether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, or stage designer, understanding how lighting creates mood and atmosphere is critical for effectively conveying your vision. This article delves deep into the principles, techniques, and nuances of lighting for mood and atmosphere, ensuring a logical flow of ideas and a factual basis to inspire creativity. Why Lighting Matters in Mood and Atmosphere Lighting does more than illuminate a scene; it evokes emotions, sets a tone, and communicates context. A dimly lit room with soft shadows can feel mysterious or melancholic, while bright, even lighting creates a sense of clarity or joy. Psychology of Light Humans have an innate reaction to light and darkness, shaped by biology and culture. Bright light often symbolizes safety, while shadows can e...

Lighting Techniques: Mastering the Three-Point Lighting Setup in Cinematography Introduction to Lighting in Cinematography Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of cinematography, as it defines the visual mood, tone, and depth of a scene. Among the various lighting techniques, the Three-Point Lighting Setup is foundational. This setup is essential for filmmakers, videographers, and photographers because it’s versatile, adaptable, and effective for both natural and studio environments. Understanding this setup helps filmmakers control the visual dynamics of their scenes, bringing out desired emotions and highlighting subjects effectively. Read also: Lighting techniques in film making:Key light, fill light, and back light What is Three-Point Lighting? The Three-Point Lighting technique consists of three main light sources: 1. Key Light – the primary and most intense light source. 2. Fill Light – a softer light to reduce shadows created by the key light. 3. Back Light (or Rim Lig...