About

Welcome to The Grip Geek.  My name is Jameson.

The Grip Geek started because there seemed to be a disconnect between the lighting techniques used by Hollywood and the techniques taught to portrait photographers, indie filmmakers, and videographers.  Even the tools were drastically different.  Portrait photographers learn about umbrellas and softboxes, but very rarely know the value of C-stands and flags.

And I didn’t know why.

I had to attend a Grip and Lighting workshop before really seeing the value of Hollywood style grip tools.  They seem to be trade secrets, shared only among film school students and working grip crews and cinematographers.  But the tools are so valuable to shape light – why didn’t they spread to other visual creatives?  It became my mission to spread the word.

I’m not a full time grip.  My wife and I are fashion photographers.  So, the perspective of this blog is skewed in that direction.  I’m here to help show you how to use C-stands and other grip tools to shape light for ANY project:  photo or video; constant light or flash; dslr, film camera, or iPhone; huge crew or solo creative – it doesn’t matter.  We’re stripping the veil of secrecy off of grip tools.  The real secret is that light is light, and anyone can use these tools to shape it!

If you do work on a full time grip crew, or if you’re a working cinematographer – I would love to interview you and gain your perspective.  I’m sure you know many things about this world that I have yet to discover.

If you’re a photographer, or indie filmmaker, or blogger, or corporate videographer, or lover of light – welcome.  I hope you find some inspiration on these pages.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write.

If you want to see my work, check out our fashion work at Heather and Jameson and my personal work on black and white film at 1camera1year.

 

Photo by Morgan Jade Photography