The Shadow Catchers

A History of Cinematography in Australia

This stylish and beautifully produced 288-page coffee table book (340 x 245 mm) contains over 380 photographs of working cinematographers taken on film sets from 1901 to the present, along with a ground-breaking historical text, biographies of significant Australian cinematographers, and fascinating personal anecdotes from some of the great characters of our industry.

Selected from private sources and from a range of institutional holdings, the images display the artistry of leading stills photographers, past and present. The result is an insiders’ view of what happens behind the camera: the highs and the lows, the changing culture and technology, the dangers, the commitment, the hard yakka, the relationships with directors, cast and crew, the incredible places cinematographers travel to and what it takes to get the shot.

Of course, as well as cinematographers, you’ll spot other technicians in the photos from more recent decades — perhaps even you!

Published by the Australian Cinematographers Society, The Shadowcatchers was written by film scholar and former cinematographer Martha Ansara, under the guidance of veteran members of the ACS. The book is produced to the highest possible standards and printed through Sydney’s specialist art book printer, Ligare, on 150gsm art paper with a sewn binding. SAMPLE PAGES CAN BE SEEN ON THE SHADOWCATCHER’S WEBSITE.

It is available in two formats:

  • Soft-cover standard edition retailing for $66 (GST inclusive). These books are selling fast, so take a look at the sample pages on the website, and if you want to be sure of getting a copy, order online now – don’t miss out.
  • The hardbound Limited Edition is SOLD OUT.

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