Cinematography

Mukesh Khugsal | Cinematographer | Various Creative Assignments

What is Cinematography?

Cinematography is a great Career option. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find information about What Cinematography actually is. Most pages on the internet just talk about How to get into Cinematography. Just like you would normally not trust a non Doctor with names of medicines, you should also not trust opinions about Cinematography from non professionals.

With 17 years of professional experience, Cinematographer Mukesh Khugsal understands Cinematography. Cinematographer Mukesh Khugsal outlines Cinematography as:

Cinematography is the science or art of motion-picture photography by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as film stock.

How Cinematographer Mukesh Khugsal got into Cinematography?

I was always interested in Photography and Cinema. After completing my graduation from Delhi University, I started working with Inframe Creations, Delhi.

Cinematographer Mukesh Khugsal's Talk on Cinematography

The Journey of a Cinematographer: Mukesh Khuksal's Insights and Experiences Cinematography is not just about capturing images; it tells stories, evokes emotions, and captures the essence of moments. In this article, we explore the life and career of Mukesh Khuksal, a passionate cinematographer who has spent years honing his craft while navigating the ups and downs of the film industry. With a background rooted in Delhi and Uttarakhand, Mukesh's journey into cinematography began in his school days, driven by an innate love for storytelling through visuals. This piece delves into what it takes to be a cinematographer, touching on essential education, skills, challenges, and the everyday realities of this dynamic career. What Is Cinematography? Cinematography is the art of capturing moving images on film or digital media, serving as the visual foundation of storytelling in cinema. It extends beyond merely recording actions; it's about creating a visual language that complements the narrative. Mukesh explains that while technology has significantly advanced, the core principles of cinematography, particularly lighting techniques, remain crucial for any cinematographer. Mastery of lighting can greatly enhance the quality of footage, whether shooting in outdoor or indoor environments, illustrating the importance of understanding both natural and artificial light sources. Education Lighting A strong grasp of lighting is paramount for any aspiring cinematographer. Mukesh emphasizes that lighting can make or break a shot, setting the mood and conveying emotions. Understanding how to manipulate both natural and artificial lights is fundamental. For instance, learning how to use reflectors or filters can drastically improve the quality of images, and the knowledge gained here can give an aspiring cinematographer a significant advantage in their career. Camera & Equipments Familiarity with various camera types and equipment is vital for success in cinematography. Mukesh points out that the transition to digital has changed the landscape dramatically, with DSLRs and mobile cameras now commonplace. He mentions the significance of knowing the variety of lenses available for different shooting situations, including specialized lenses for wildlife photography. Equipped with a sound technical knowledge of cameras and their accessories, cinematographers can elevate the storytelling aspect of their work. Photography Basics Understanding the fundamentals of photography is indispensable for every cinematographer. Key concepts such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO are not just technical terms but tools that can be employed to create captivating visuals. Mukesh illustrates these concepts using relatable analogies, showing that grasping these basics is crucial for achieving desired results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Skills Creativity Creativity is the backbone of successful cinematography. Mukesh asserts that viewing subjects from unique angles and developing an artistic perspective can distinguish a good cinematographer from a great one. He encourages budding professionals to embrace their imagination and cultivate their creative vision, which involves thinking differently about what is seen. Learn from Internet In today's digital age, utilizing the internet is a powerful tool in continuously improving as a cinematographer. Mukesh advocates for leveraging online resources, including tutorials and forums, to learn new techniques and discover innovative ideas. Self-education is essential, and the versatility of online platforms can aid in staying current with industry trends. Composition The skill of composition is essential for framing a shot effectively. Mukesh emphasizes that knowing how to compose a frame, including camera angles and the rules of composition, can significantly influence the visual storytelling process. A well-composed shot is vital to ensure that the story flows visually and captures the viewer's attention. Communication As a cinematographer, strong communication skills are invaluable. Mukesh notes that often working in diverse locations requires interaction with various individuals, making it beneficial to communicate in different languages. Being adept at networking and conveying ideas can enhance collaborations and lead to successful outcomes in projects. Experimentation An effective cinematographer continually experiments with different techniques and styles. Mukesh believes that pushing boundaries and exploring new approaches can lead to significant breakthroughs in artistic expression. This willingness to try new things plays a crucial role in a cinematographer's growth and evolution. Patience Mukesh highlights that patience is perhaps one of the most important traits for a cinematographer, particularly in wildlife shooting or during lengthy shoots. Long hours spent waiting for the right moment to capture the perfect shot can test one's resolve, but developing this patience ultimately leads to rewarding outcomes. Positives Work is Fun Enjoying one's work is essential, and Mukesh finds great joy in his role as a cinematographer. He believes that if one loves what they do, it transcends mundane aspects of professional life and brings fulfillment. The joy of capturing stunning visuals and creating impactful stories drives his passion day after day. Interaction with People Cinematography offers unique opportunities to meet and engage with people from various backgrounds. Mukesh values these interactions, as they enable him to learn about different traditions and cultures, enriching his artistic viewpoint. Each encounter adds depth to his understanding and craft. Flexible Working Hours Freelancing as a cinematographer provides a level of flexibility that many professions do not. Mukesh relishes the autonomy to choose his projects and manage his schedule according to personal preferences. This flexibility not only allows for a better work-life balance but also fosters creativity by giving him the freedom to explore new opportunities. Challenges Climate Conditions Cinematographers are often required to work in unpredictable weather conditions, from scorching heat to relentless rain. Mukesh highlights the physical demands associated with tackling outdoor shoots regardless of the climate, complicating the job and necessitating a physically resilient mindset. Disturbed Family Life One significant challenge Mukesh faces is the impact of his profession on family time. Lengthy assignments often mean being away from family for extended periods, which can lead to feelings of disconnect. Balancing work and family life while pursuing a passion can be particularly challenging. Work Life Balance Striking a balance between professional commitments and personal life can be a daunting task, especially for freelancers. Mukesh acknowledges that while the freedom of freelance work is appealing, it often comes with the burden of fluctuating workloads and the necessity to adapt one’s lifestyle accordingly. Struggle Period The journey to becoming a cinematographer is often met with a ‘struggle period’. Mukesh recalls his own experiences starting from assisting established professionals, where humility, patience, and dedication were vital. This phase is critical to developing proficiency and understanding the industry. Commercial Work While pursuing creative projects is ideal, Mukesh recognizes the necessity of accepting commercial work to sustain his career. Balancing artistic aspirations with the demands of client-driven projects can sometimes lead to compromises that challenge a cinematographer's personal vision and artistry. A Day Of Cinematography A typical day for Mukesh can vary greatly depending on whether he is on assignment. When working, he might juggle multiple shoots, often at different times of the day or night. His recent experiences, including capturing wildlife in Uttarakhand, highlight the unpredictable nature of his daily routine. He shares a gripping incident involving elephants charging his vehicle, a testament to the unique challenges that come with his profession. When not on a shoot, Mukesh enjoys spending time with his family and indulging in personal projects, emphasizing that every day brings new opportunities and experiences that shape his artistic journey. In closing, Mukesh Khuksal’s journey as a cinematographer reflects the profound interplay of passion, creativity, and determination. As he continues to capture the world through his lens, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of the beauty and challenges inherent in the art of cinematography, revealing its vital role in storytelling and artistic expression.

Install the LifePage App to:

(for Free) Watch Cinematographer Mukesh Khugsal’s full Cinematography Career Talk

₹ Do a Self Assessment on Cinematography to calculate your Dream Index, which is defined as:

According to Mukesh Khugsal your chances of success in Cinematography is __%

Access your personalized Dream Index Report which will have all your Dream Indices sorted in descending order.

How to get into

Cinematography?

If you are want to get into Cinematography, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Cinematography is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Cinematography, what education and skills you need to succeed in Cinematography, and what positives and challenges you will face in Cinematography.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Cinematography.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Cinematographer Mukesh Khugsal's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/mukeshkhugsal

LifePage Career Talk on Cinematography

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/cinematography-1

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20170615-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF4ZJVOOJdc

(Cinematography, Mukesh Khugsal, Various Creative Assignments, Cinema, Photography, Cinematographer, Camera, Director)

Similar Talks

Video Editing

Ajmer Singh
Video Editor Head | HNN 24*7

[ 4 years & 8 months Experience ]

Video editor is a person who manipulates and rearranges video shots to create a new work. It is the responsibility of the editor to make its videos attractive to the viewers.

"I started video editing in 2009. Since 2015, I have been working with HNN 24*7 as a video editor head."

Cinematography

Karm Chawla
Cinematographer | Kannada Film Industry

[ 5 years & 8 months Experience ]

Basically Cinematography is the art of photography and camerawork in film-making or art of motion-picture photography by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as film stock.

"After completing my schooling, I did BA (Hons) in English from Hansraj College (DU). After that I studied Film from LV Prasad and Academy, Chennai. I have working as a freelance cinematographer since 2013."

Scriptwriting

Prateeque Ojha
Scriptwriter | Various Storywriting Assignments

[ 8 years & 10 months Experience ]

Scriptwriting is an art and craft of writing scripts for mass media such as feature films, television productions or video games. It is frequently a freelance profession.

"I did my graduation from DU in 2002 and then I joined Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata, there I specialized in screenplay writing. Since 2008, I have been working as a freelance scriptwriter."

Technical Management

Bhupendra Chauhan
CTO | HNN 24*7

[ 27 years Experience ]

Technical management involves the duties a news channel must perform for the technical operations. This involves management related to crew management with related tasks, logistics related or equipment related to operations as well as operations, service and maintenance.

"I started my career with NDTV as a freelancer in the year 1990 and worked there for almost 10 years. After that I started working with News 24 in the year 2007. Then I started working as a freelancer and worked different-2 companies in Delhi. Later on I came back to Dehradun and started working with HNN 24*7. I have been working at HNN 24*7 as Chief Technical Officer since it started."

Direction

Ajay Govind
Filmmaker | Sisyphus Rocks Films

[ 13 years & 11 months Experience ]

A film director is a person who directs the making of a film. Generally, a film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects, and visualizes the script while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision.

"After completing Bachelors in English Literature from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, I did Media Studies Course from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University and here I was introduced to Film Theory and History and that was the time I discovered my interest in Direction. I have made over 40 documentaries, 5 music videos and Directed one feature film that released in 2014, "After the 3rd Bell"."

Wildlife Filmmaking

Sumanth Kuduvalli
Wildlife Fimmaker | Various Assignments

[ 6 years & 8 months Experience ]

Wildlife filmmaking is an exhilarating career nevertheless. If you are committed to wildlife conservation, are interested in filmmaking and have the patience to sit quietly for hours in the forest to get shots, then experiment with a short, low-budget film.

"After doing my Diploma in Wildlife Filmmaking and Photography from Craft, I joined Nikon as a Technical Associate in South India. I started Wildlife Filmmaking in 2012."

Direction

Abhishek Maindola
Director | Sambhav Theatre Group, Dehradun

[ 13 years Experience ]

A film director is a person who directs the making of a film. Generally, a film director controls a film’s artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the script while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision.

"I started my acting career in theatre in 2001. I experience a lot of things and I am satisfied with my roles. After acting, in 2004 I directed my first self written play “Female Feticide”, other than this I acted in Hindi cinema as well."

Filmmaking

Sarthak Chawla
Creative Head & Co-founder | Mahakaal Productions

[ 1 year & 3 months Experience ]

Filmmaking is the process of making a film, generally in the sense of films intended for extensive theatrical exhibition. Filmmaking involves a number of discrete stages including an initial story, idea, or commission, through screenwriting, casting, shooting, sound recording and reproduction, editing and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a film release and exhibition. Filmmaking takes place in many places around the world in a range of economic, social, and political contexts, and using a variety of technologies and cinematic techniques.

"After doing my schooling from Amity International School, Noida, I did my graduation in Journalism & Mass Communication from VIPS, IP University, Delhi and after that I did one year internship from NDTV, India. During my internship I realized that I have an inclination toward Filmmaking, so after that I did Post Graduate Diploma in Film Making from AAFT, Noida. In 2017, I started my own Production House named Mahakaal Productions. Our services range from Ad Films, Corporate Films and Documentaries to Coffee Table books, Industrial Photography, Hospitality Photography, etc. Mahakaal Productions is a one stop to end your quest for creativity. I am the Co-founder and Creative head of Mahakaal Productions."

Film Direction

Harsh Badheka
Assistant Director | Various Assignments

[ 5 years & 10 months Experience ]

A film director is a person who directs the making of a film. Generally, a film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision.

"I have completed my schooling from St Mary's School, Mumbai followed by Graduation & Post Graduation in Hindi from Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai University. I have done movies such as Happy Bhag Jayegi, Jia aur Jia as a part of Direction team."

Video Editing

Gaurav Bhatt
Founder & Editor | Octopus Films

[ 3 years Experience ]

Video Editing or Non-Linear Video Editing is the process of taking video that is raw, meaning untouched or newly recorded. It is the manipulation and arrangement of video shots. Video editing is used to structure and present all video information, including films and television shows, video advertisements and video essays.

"After doing my schooling from Ranchi, Jharkhand, I did BJMC from Indraprastha University, Delhi. After that, I did my M Sc in mass Communication from Punjab Technical University and then my post graduate diploma in Direction & Film Making from AAFT, Noida. I am working as a Senior Promo Producer for CNN- NEWS 18 since 20004. In 2015, I started my own Production House named Octopus Films."

Direction

Ayush Kohli
Director | Liberal Arts Productions

[ 2 years Experience ]

A film director is a person who directs the making of a film. Generally, a film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision.

"I have done B Sc in Airlines Tourism & Hospitality from Lovely Professional University. Taking my interest forward I did a Course in Acting & Direction from Asian Academy of Film & Television, Noida Film City. I also did Modeling for some time where I was a Selfie King in North India Modeling Show. I am a Director at Liberal Arts Productions."

Filmmaking

Omanshu Saini
Co- Founder | Doon Photowalk

[ 3 years & 8 months Experience ]

Filmmaking is the process of making a film. Filmmaking involves a number of discrete stages including an initial story, idea, or commission, through screenwriting, casting, shooting, sound recording and reproduction, editing, and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a film release and exhibition.

"I did my schooling from Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and BBA from Graphic Era, Dehradun. I did my masters in Mass Communication from Doon University. Then I decided to open a company called Doon Photowalk with some of my friends in 2015."

Filmmaking

Amaan Iqbal
Film Maker | Various Creative Assignments

[ 6 years & 6 months Experience ]

Filmmaking

Amber Sharma
Managing Director, Producer & Director | Mowgli Productions

[ 8 years Experience ]

Filmmaking is the process of making a film, generally in the sense of films intended for extensive theatrical exhibition.

"I started my career in 2002 at Keoladeo National Park as a naturalist and in 2003 went to Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh National Park to start my career in wildlife photography to showcase natural history. In 2007, I began film making and founded Mowgli Productions. My directorial debut was on snow leopards it took me 4 years to film snow leopards at an altitude of 15000 feet. In 2010, I began producing and presenting international movies. I have worked on films like The Man in Maze, Mumbai Connection and Series Life of Mafia, Game- Short Film Series."

Film Production

Pratibha Kotak
Production Supervisor | Octopus Film

[ 1 year & 7 months Experience ]

Production refers to the tasks that must be completed or executed during the filming or shooting. This includes tasks such as setting up scenes, the capture of raw footage and usage of set designs, to name a few of the many preproduction tasks and evolves into the postproduction stage.

"After doing my BA in Arts from Vikram University, I did my masters from IGNOU in Organizational Psychology and thereafter I did my post graduate diploma in TV Journalism & Communication from Asian Academy of Film & Television, Noida. I worked with Octopus Films as a Production Supervisor."

Video Production

Pankaj Sati
Video Director | Studio 6 Productions

[ 8 years Experience ]

Video production is the process of creating video by capturing moving images (videography), and creating combinations and reductions of parts of this video in live production and post-production.

"I have done animation , VFX and Special effects course from Maya Academy, Chandigarh and was working as Video Director with Studio 6 Productions."

Cinematography

Tarminder Singh Tuneja
Cinematographer | The Wedding Container

[ 5 years & 5 months Experience ]

The art of photography and camera work in film-making

"I did my Schooling from Meerut. I then did my Graduation from Delhi University Open University. I worked with CMC for about 5 years. I am the CEO of The Wedding Container since 2013."

Film Making

Dhairya Arora
Director & Writer | Various Film Assignments

[ 10 years & 3 months Experience ]

Filmmaking is the process of making a film, generally in the sense of films intended for extensive theatrical exhibition.

"I was 15 when Ocean Sonic Pictures London took me for an India Tour. I served as Master of ceremony for the preview of Little Box of Sweets. I worked in Noida Film Industry and then in Mumbai Film Industry. I have made advertisements for Kotak Mahindra, SBI. I have worked for Bollywood movies like Tamanchay, Maximus. I now make short films for Youtube and Award ceremonies."

Filmmaking

Pradeep Sharma
Director & Writer | Siddhartha Cine Arts

[ 3 years Experience ]

Filmmaking is the process of making a film, generally in the sense of films intended for extensive theatrical exhibition. Filmmaking involves a number of discrete stages including an initial story, idea, or commission, through screenwriting, casting, shooting, sound recording and reproduction, editing and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a film release and exhibition. Filmmaking takes place in many places around the world in a range of economic, social, and political contexts, and using a variety of technologies and cinematic techniques.

"After completing my schooling from Govt Boys School Mandsaur, I did my BA from Vikram University, Ujjain. Thereafter, I did my D Ed from Govt District Education Institute of Mandsaur, MP. After which I started teaching, while teaching I also wrote articles for newspapers and local Magazine. Then, I joined the distance learning PGD Course in Journalism from Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University, Bhopal. I worked for various organizations named NDTV India, Sahara Samay, Voice of India, Times Today channel and others as a Stinger, Reporter, Anchor, Special Correspondent and Desk Editor for about 16 years. I am working on few movie projects, one of them named Yashodharman, The Great Warrior which is written and directed by me would soon release in Movie Theaters."

Cinematography

Sunny Rajput
Cinematographer | Various Creative Assignments

[ 6 years & 1 month Experience ]

Cinematography is the science or art of motion-picture photography by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as film stock.

"I did a bachelors in mass communication from Jamia Millia Islamia University. After that I worked with T-series, Zee TV, Scoopwhoop, Royal Frames, Poster Filters. I am an independent cinematographer."

Audio Video Production

Kapil Khankriyal
Executive Producer | Studio Underground

[ 3 years & 3 months Experience ]

The terms audio and video commonly refers to the time-based media storage format for sound/music and moving pictures information. Video production is the process of producing video content. It is the equivalent of filmmaking, but with images recorded digitally instead of on film stock.

"After completing my education, I started my own IT Company and worked there for several years and later in 2015, I started a studio company by the name of Studio Underground. Studio Underground is an audio video production house."