Conrad Hall

I think one of the reasons people quit is because they're afraid they won't be able to get better and better; that they have to come to a zenith of some kind.

I don't think of myself as a director or writer. I think of myself as a filmmaker.

I suppose I would still be a communicator, maybe a musician.

The sun is the most parallel light source because it is so far away.

With today's fast films, you can light the way your eye sees the scene. You can abuse the film and create subtleties in contrast with light and exposure, diffusion and filters. That's what makes it an art.

Photography is a very important part of my life.

My peers say I have made a difference. That means more to me than winning an Oscar.

But you know you haven't done it all because you know everything keeps evolving and changing; and you know you can evolve with it if you grow and develop as a human being.

In aptitude tests, I scored highest in music.

I realize that every picture isn't a work of art.

There are a lot of directors who are knowledgeable about images, and others who aren't.

That's why I like fast film. It gives you more freedom to light more naturally.

The audience has to understand that if the film is going to have any meaning for them. If they are going to empathize with the characters, they have to visualize the process of concentration involved in making every move.

Manipulating shadows and tonality is like writing music or a poem.

It's important to know that if you are dealing with shadows.

You have to understand the nature of light.

But at heart, I am more than a cinematographer.

I was very happy sitting alone at a dining room table, writing a script.

Every cinematographer I worked with had his own way of solving problems.

I can still recall the thrill of shooting my first film.