issadmin, Author at Luminar

Why should you learn photography course in Kerala?

In this era of technological boom, where photographers are evolving from the nook and corner of the world, it is not easy to survive with just skills but you should also need professional knowledge. We have seen many photographers becoming famous or more like viral via Instagram or any other social media in Kerala. If you want to catch up with the competition, it is time for you to search for the photography institutes in Kerala. But why do you need a photography course certification? What are the benefits of learning photography courses in Kochi, Kerala?

Access to the latest technology and equipment -Creativity and skill that resides in you can make you exceptional or unique but it is also important to capture it with the right equipment. To be aware of the latest technology and equipment, it is always preferred to learn it.
Professional assistance- Professional assistance and feedback help you to improvise and polish your skills and be a better photographer. In the era of skill and creativity, with professionals guiding the future generation is both beneficial for the students and the industry.
Inform you about the wide prospects of Photography– Photography courses in Kerala are structured in such a way as to inform the students about the wide prospects of the photography and to provide with them such exposure that they are aware of the different kinds of photography and excel in it under the guidance of professional photographers.
Better techniques– Photography courses help you in learning photography related techniques like lighting, editing, etc. which would help you to bring out the best in you. It would help you capture the best pictures and present them in the best form. These techniques would make your pictures better and beautiful.
Helps you in choosing the right path – In this profession which has wide prospects like wildlife photography, journalism, fashion photography, wedding photography, etc., a professional course can help you choose the right path within the profession. With exposure to the wide prospects of photography, one can easily figure out his path. You can save the years that you have to spend on experience.
Accelerate your creativity and skills- Your creativity and skill make you unique. With a professional course, you can accelerate your creativity and skill so that the photographs that you capture can fulfill the industrial standards and compete with them. Every photographer has a unique style and to make your style a trendsetter, one’s style must be the perfect blend of creativity, skill, knowledge and professional experience.
Job offers- Professional photography courses can help you in getting excellent job offers from reputed firms. A course certificate will help you in establishing your commitment and dedication towards the profession and no firm would reject a trained photographer.

Photography is a profession which requires a creative intelligence and an industry where you can experiment and innovate. A good photograph is a memoir. Photography courses in Kochi, Kerala prepare you for the happiness of capturing something that beautifully brings you the memories of the past which is the biggest salary for a photographer. Do not spend time thinking. Join the best institute nearby as soon as possible.

6 Greatest film directors of 21st Century

21st century has seen the birth of numerous talented directors and the decline of many have beens. Thankfully those belonging to the former category have showered us with a number of movies that look destined to stand the test of time. Of course, picking the top 6 is always a daunting task considering the number of directors and their movies that have left indelible mark in our mind. But there are a handful of filmmakers without whose contribution, the cinematic landscape would not have looked quite as rich. We have tried our best to be objective in our evaluation while picking up the following list of directors. One thing is undeniably true, that each of these directors has certainly given us some of the most unforgettable movies of this century. There are pioneers and innovators; Creators and Revolutionaries, learn more about how these characters changed the course of 21st century cinema.

Pedro Almodovar

Notable for his powerful movies with strong female protagonists, Pedro Almodovar has clearly etched his name in the landscape of 21st century movies. Each of these characters has come to be viewed as symbol of compassionate and passionate women in contemporary society. Such is well-layered character development in Almodovar’s movies that each character will stay in your mind long after watching the film. Pedro is also known for deploying vibrant but delicately balanced storytelling technique that strikes at the heart of viewers. This is especially true of his movie Talk to her (2003) which won academy award for best foreign language film. Almodovar has succeeded in capturing the idiosyncrasy of Spanish cultural in a fashion unheard of in the country. Although Almodovar allows the plot to veer off into excessive dramatization every now and then, his attention to detail and character development elevate the movie.

Terrence Malick

Terrence Malick has cut a mystic entity of sorts in the ever evolving landscape of Hollywood. Having earned a cult following through a string of remarkably well photographed movies, 21st century saw Malick capturing the mainstream imagination a with movies like Tree of life. Malick’s movies are rich in spiritual and philosophical content. Although Malick made just three movies in his first spell spanning over two decades, in his second coming during 21st century his movie received not just critical acclaim but public recognition. In 2005 Malick brought “The New world” which was based on the story of John Smith and Pocahontas. The historical drama was deftly told a compelling screenplay and was complemented by the awe-inspiring camera work of Emmanuel Lubezki. Malick’s favorite cinematographer cum collaborator received Academy award nomination for his work in The New World. Following the success of “The New World”, Malick caused a sensation with Tree of Life (2011). The movie earned nominations for various awards, and and was notably nominated for the best cinematography academy award.

Alfonso Cuaron

Alfonso Cuaron has emerged as one of the most stunning storytellers of 21st Century. He is however mostly renowned for his technical ingenuity and eye for the detail. All Cuaron movies have got one thing in common, namely mesmerizing cinematography. From Y tu Mama Tambien (2001) to Gravity (2013), you can see Curaon’s varying strands of distinctive storytelling process. Sandra Bullock starrer Gravity won him seven Oscars. The Mexican director has never shied away from experimenting with diverse range of themes in his movie. Y tu Mama Tambien (2001) for instance follows two teenagers on a road trip accompanied by an older woman. The film received universal acclaim for capturing the idealism of adolescence against the backdrop of a vibrant Mexico. Cuaron’s directed Children of Men (2006) which went on to break new grounds in the realm of cinematography of the day.

Asghar Farhadi

Asghar Farhadi is perhaps most notable for taking up the most complex social problems unique to the growingly secularized Iranian society. All his movies, including About Elly (2009), A Separation (2009) and The Past (2013) have received widespread attention. Presumably, Farhadi was catapulted to the global film arena when his “A Separation” won the Oscar for best Foreign Language Film. The film has come to be regarded by critics in the list of best films of 21st century. The most noteworthy thing about Farhadi’s filmography is that he has succeeded in building on the efficiency level of each movie. Movies such as “About Elly” and “The Past” have not only diversified his oeuvre but broadened his movies’ appeal to a larger audience. Farhadi’s movies tend to offer understated but layered commentaries on simmering conflicts in the Iran’s society. Because of how deeply entrenched these themes are in the general psyche of the country, they seem to have deep cultural resonance among people.

Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese is hands down the most creatively wired director to come out of Hollywood. Having been active in the film industry for over 50 years, Scorsese has presented us with an astonishing array of movies. Movies such as Taxi Driver (1976) and Raging Bull (1980) have continued to deemed culturally and aesthetically significant to cinema. The 21st century saw Scorsese directing many classics including, Gang of New York, The Departed, Shutter Island and Silence. While presenting an analysis of all movies produced by Scorsese in 21st century is beyond the scope of this article, it’s absolutely vital to pick one up. Silence is one such movie that really speaks volumes about the art Scorsese produces for our consumption. It follows the missionary journey of a group of Jesuits priests across villages in Japan. Scorsese’s recent work has become perhaps more notable for its association with the famous actor Leonardo Dicaprio. Scorsese bagged Best picture academy award for Departed.

Denis Villeneuve

Denis Villeneuve career has been characterized by three distinct features, namely, subject, breadth and budget. Ever since the release of mystery family drama, Incendies, Director has witnessed tremendous growth with his subsequent movies receiving widespread acclaim. The film earned him academy award nomination. Denis is today recognized as one of the most original storytellers of 21st Century. After his foray into mystery genre, Denis tried his hand crime thriller Prisoners (2013) which won him worldwide fanbase. Soon Denis became renowned for his unconventional but gripping filmmaking. Denis followed it up with US/Mexico border thriller, Sicario (2015) which still remains unmatched in its powerful use of background music, and panoramic landscape shots. The action packed thriller was succeeded by Philosophical Sci-fi drama called “Arrival” where aliens visit earth, and a group of scientists attempt to communicate with them. Denis’s sequel to Blade runner was met with glowing reviews and, was well received by the fans of the original dystopian movie.

As a leading Film Institute in Kerala, Luminar Academy strives towards identifying and nurturing the film directors for future.

Top 5 cinematographically beautiful movies

Cinematographers have given movie lovers many reasons to feel happy about. More importantly they have presented us with many gloriously beautiful cinemas. Difficult as it is to prepare a short list of movies from what has been centuries-long filmmaking, it is always a worthwhile practice to pick some up. At first we made 10 movies list, from which 5 were eventually selected for various reasons. Whether or not most agree with the list is not the point. What’s important is that it triggers a renewed dialogue on these movies, and continues to affect world cinema and lives of film enthusiasts.

2001 A Space odyssey

Stanley Kubrick has been widely credited with setting a new ground for aesthetics in cinema. The Movie has come to be regarded by critics and fans alike as a cinematically and historically significant film. Meticulously photographed by Geoffrey Unsworth, with “A space odyssey, Kubrick explored the relationship between cosmos and human civilization. Viewed by many as the west’s equivalent of Solaris, the space drama is minimalistic to the bone and is deeply interested in exploring the uncharted territories. Despite the lack of CGI, the movie looks remarkably well choreographed with shots that would go on to inspire the imagination of sci fi and cinema enthusiasts of all ages. What was also special was Kubrick’s attention to detail, and Unsworth’s knack of capturing the frightening loneliness of space.

Lawrence of Arabia

It’s a film that is breathtakingly poetic in its treatment of visuals. Directed by David lean at the peak of his career, Lawrence of Arabia is blessed with slick camerawork of Freddie Young. Even after these many years since its release, this English/middle eastern classic continues to influence filmmakers of all hues and colors. Capturing the langor of desolate desert and sandy landscapes, with over three and half hour long running time movie mostly develops at a relaxed if not plodding. It also contains one of the most iconic match shots where a blown out matchstick opens into spectacular break of dawn at the desert. One can only imagine the awe in the faces of those who could watch this classic at the cinemas.

In the Mood For Love

Kar-Wai Wong and Christopher Doyle combined to give us “In the Mood For Love”, and the rest was history. The Hong kong based director who had set up a new brand of aesthetics with the likes of “Chungking Express”, and “Happy Together”, clearly surpassed himself with “In the Mood for Love”. It is greatly stylized movie that is at once emotional and life-affirming. Movie tells the quaint story of a man and a woman who coincidentally move into neighboring rooms in an apartment building in Hong Kong. Story follows the couple as they develop a strange liking for each other. On the surface it’s a tale of two disenchanted lovers, but underneath its vibrant setting is layered acting and production capable of making you empathize with them.

Apocalypse Now

Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” was never short of controversy when it first came out in 1979. It was initially accused of indiscriminately promulgating the imagery of USA as war-hungry, psychopathic interventionist during Vietnam war. It is also one of the many classics that have easily withstood the test of time. Among the many admirable features of “Apocalypse Now” Cinematography from Vittorio Storaro deserve the most respect. It delves right into the dehumanizing war crimes and the psyche of the culprits. Then there is the famous explosion scene across long fields of jungle. At the time of release, the film came under fire for its destructive effects on the environment. It even went on to raise valid questions about the virtue in abusing nature to achieve a desired effect in cinema.

Pan’s Labyrinth

The best part about watching Pan’s Labyrinth is getting lost in its mesmerising visuals and forgetting about the cultural boundaries. Such is the power of visuals and storytelling that the film easily surmount all kinds of barriers. The film begins In medias res as Guillermo Navarro’s camera captures the adolescence of Ofelia, a young girl living an emotionally turbulent life in the wake of Spanish Civil War. As the plot develops young girl finds herself mired in the fantasies involving mythical creatures. The movie uses CGI to perfection and, as is always the case with Guillermo films, is admirably well choreographed. Ingenious camerawork weaves together an imaginary world that is grounded in the grittiest of reality. Movie lovers are unlikely to see another classic fairytale along the lines of Pan’s Labyrinth in many years to come. Pan’s Labyrinth went on to win many accolades including three academy awards and four BAFTA awards.

Read more about our cinematography courses in kerala here.

6 Greatest Cinematographers in the History of World Cinema

Cinematographer is someone who is responsible for translating all the nonverbal elements of a narrative into a visual vocabulary. As the greek etymological origins of the word suggest, cinematographer is someone capable of writing in motion. Cinematographers deal with the lighting, camera movement, coloring and above all, the life of cinema. They weave together these varied elements into a coherent whole, allowing the audience to comprehend the story unfolding in a specific environment. In essence, it is the job of a Cinematographer to create mood and tone conducive to development of a story. Hence the process of filmmaking will involve a director, scriptwriter and cinematographer collaborating closely in efforts to realize a shared goal.

Cinema, as you may know, has been a constant source of change, both in its form of aesthetics and style. The advent of new technologies has not only lifted standards but helped cinematographers to experiment with styles that were previously deemed impossible. This article sheds light on 6 masters of instruments credited with gifting us some of the most beautiful visuals in movie history.

Kazuo Miyagawal

Any list of best cinematographers in world cinema will be incomplete without Kazuo Miyagawal. World famous for his historic collaboration with iconic Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, Kazuo was a true artist in the traditional sense. With specialization in Ink painting, Kazuo used his in-depth knowledge of art as a springboard for visualizing cinematic sequences. He was heavily influenced by german movies of expressionist era, traces of which are evident in his black and white films. He has come to be highly regarded for the use of long track shots, a case in point is Rashomon (1950). Drawing on deft moving camerawork, Kuzuo was able to dramatize and heighten the suspense in scenes. He is today known as the most influential Japanese cinematographer who has redefined the aesthetics of world cinema, and influenced many contemporary cinematographers.

Christopher Doyle

The sixty six year old Australia based cinematographer has bagged prestigious awards in various film festivals including cannes and venice. In his early twenties, Doyle left for china where he traveled extensively, learning the language and dabbling in different fields. It wasn’t until 1983 that he finally developed an interest in cinematography which he attributed to pure coincidence. While Doyle has held Camera for a host of directors, his most famous work came out of collaboration with Wong Kar Wai. The partnership that spanned over 15 years, produced the likes of Chungking Express (1994), and In the mood for Love (2000). Having left a mark of his own in the field, Doyle is today tipped by many to be a great for the future.

Tonino Delli Colli

Few cinematographers have shaped the Cinema of a particular era more than Tonino Delli Colli. With his distinguishable work, the Italian Cinematographer has figured prominently in watershed moments of italian cinema history. Tonino has worked with everyone from Fellini to Roman Polanski. The sheer diversity of his work at different junctures of career is a testimony to his credentials as a historic cinematographer. Renown for his path-breaking techniques and unconventional style, Tonino’s partnership with Fellini and Pasolini is today viewed as a prime catalyst for the revival of Italian cinema. As a purveyor of Italian Neorealism of the time, Tonino is perhaps most famous among the western audience for Sergio Leone’s western spaghetti movies. The Movie ‘Life is beautiful’ (1997) was his last contribution to the world cinematography.

Michael Chapman

Michael Chapman is one of the most iconic cinematographers in the history of cinema. Chapman had an uncompromising vision for Cinema and was at the vanguard of “American new wave” movement. Critics and viewers alike cite Godfather (1972), Jaws (1975), Taxi driver (1975), and Raging bull as the most remarkable movies that were immortalized through chapman’s Camera. Renowned for his groundbreaking shots, Chapman’s work for “Raging bull” is widely regarded by many as the most poetic camera work in the history of American cinema. Martin Scorsese, the director of “Taxi Driver” is reported to have defined Raging Bull as one of the best photographed films.

TaK Fujimoto

Tak Fujimoto is Japanese-American who went on to attend film school in England, and set out to pursue a career in cinematography. Among the eminent directors with whom Fujimoto has worked are John Hughes, Jonathan Demme and M. Night Shyamalan. Despite having reached the pinnacle of his career, Tak refuses to rest on his laurels. Therefore, you constantly see Fujimoto in the process of reinventing himself. He pushes the envelope while working towards realizing greater perfection. As if to further demonstrate his versatility quotient, as recently as 2011 Fujimoto worked for the Pilot of an American TV show “A Gifted Man”. In 1995 Tak won the National Society of Film Critics award for Cinematography.

Janusz Kaminski

The polish cinematographer, Janusz Kaminski rose to prominence with the history drama Schindler’s List (1993). The movie earned his seven awards including an oscar for cinematography. The film also the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Steven Spielberg, culminating in the War movie “Saving Private Ryan”. The Tom hanks starrer war movie is today regarded as one of the greatest war movies. The opening scene in the movie sees the masterful craftsmanship of Janusz Kaminski as viewers are cinematically transported to the gruesomest circumstances in Normandy invasion. Kaminski was lauded for using the then unheard of techniques to capture the scene.