Book review of Smartphone Videography: Beginner to Advanced

by Mr Simon Horrocks (Author)

Updated at: 21/01/2025

Unlock your inner filmmaker with "Smartphone Videography: Beginner to Advanced" by Simon Horrocks. This comprehensive guide transforms you from novice to confident mobile videographer, progressing steadily from fundamental concepts to advanced techniques. Learn to select the perfect smartphone, master stunning footage capture, and edit like a pro. Explore essential topics including lighting (natural and artificial), video quality settings, popular apps, and achieving a cinematic "film look" using filters, LUTs, and Log formats. Discover helpful accessories and unlock your creative vision with practical guidance and real-world examples. Prepare to create compelling mobile films that showcase your unique artistic style.

5 / 8 ratings

Review Smartphone Videography

I absolutely loved "Smartphone Videography: Beginner to Advanced" by Simon Horrocks! It's not just a book; it's a comprehensive filmmaking education perfectly packaged for the mobile age. From the very first page, Simon's friendly and approachable style makes even complex topics like Log formats and LUTs feel manageable. He doesn't talk down to you, even if you're a complete beginner, but instead guides you along with clear explanations and real-world examples that make the information stick.

The book's structure is fantastic. It’s thoughtfully progressive, building a solid foundation in the basics before gradually introducing more advanced techniques. I particularly appreciated the detailed section on choosing the right smartphone for videography – something often overlooked in other resources. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the latest model, but Simon provides the knowledge to make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

The chapters on lighting and editing were equally impressive. Lighting, often considered the most crucial aspect of filmmaking, is demystified through practical advice and easy-to-understand explanations. The editing section, far from being a mere overview, provides a genuine introduction to the craft, covering everything from fundamental cuts to advanced techniques like AI music generation. This breadth of coverage truly sets it apart.

But what elevates this book beyond a simple how-to guide is Simon's emphasis on the creative process. He doesn't just teach you how to shoot and edit; he inspires you to create. The section on achieving a "film look" isn't just about technical tricks; it's about understanding the visual language of cinema and developing your own unique style. His personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of filmmaking, shared throughout the book, are genuinely inspiring and relatable. He emphasizes the importance of practice and a structured approach, offering a comforting reassurance that even seasoned filmmakers grapple with the creative process.

The inclusion of practical advice on accessories, from tripods to external microphones, is also a valuable asset. It helps you understand how to gradually expand your equipment based on your evolving needs and budget, rather than being overwhelmed by the prospect of acquiring everything at once.

Overall, "Smartphone Videography: Beginner to Advanced" is more than just a technical manual; it's a journey of discovery, empowerment, and creative expression. Whether you're a complete novice picking up a smartphone for the first time or a seasoned videographer looking to refine your skills, this book offers something invaluable. Simon's expertise shines through on every page, creating a learning experience that is both informative and genuinely inspiring. It’s a book I’ll be returning to again and again, not just for the technical knowledge, but for the constant encouragement to keep creating and pushing my creative boundaries. Highly recommended!

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