When people hear the term “cinematic shot,” they often picture smooth slider or dolly movements. However, for me, it is quite the opposite. I find beauty in static tripod shots. They allow you to truly capture a moment, creating a calm atmosphere that encourages viewers to relax and observe what unfolds on screen. That’s why I was excited to write this blog, I knew I would enjoy sharing my approach to achieving a cinematic look with minimal equipment.
The main inspiration behind my shots was the urban life of Nicosia. I aimed to capture everyday moments in the city: people walking around, someone heading home after work, courier drivers making their deliveries, and buses repeatedly navigating their usual routes. My focus was on composing visually appealing shots using techniques like foreground elements, depth of field, and leading lines.
To enhance the mood, I chose to use a personal lens filter that adds a soft bloom effect. This subtle touch creates a dreamy, nostalgic vibe, almost like recalling a warm memory or experiencing a fairy tale. To further amplify this feeling, I added some color correction and grading during post-production. I felt warming up the shots would symbolize the arrival of spring, bringing comfort and pleasant weather after the chilly winter months, particularly February.
For an extra touch, I experimented with adding a vignette. Rather than the traditional dark vignette, I opted for a white one, which I felt complemented the dreamy atmosphere I aimed to achieve.
Overall, I am quite satisfied with how my shots turned out, I think they reflect what I envisioned. While there were some ideas I couldn not execute, like capturing a composed shot from an interesting perspective, these ideas posed a safety risk. Standing in the middle of the street, for instance, would have endangered both my equipment and myself. Despite these limitations, I am happy with the results and hope you enjoy my work as well!
– Daria Kozhukhar
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