American Cinematographer Magazine ( August 2025 )

The August 2025 issue presents a special focus on cinema cameras and lenses and optics, with coverage of F1: The Movie, Chef’s Table and Chief of War, as well as a look at a pair of optical tools: the Freelensing Cine and the Raptor Scope. Also featured are our annual announcement of AC’s Rising Stars of Cinematography and a primer on shooting plate photography.

·       President’s Desk: In her inaugural column, ASC President Mandy Walker reflects on the Society’s impact and priorities.

·       Claudio Miranda, ASC, ACC and director Joseph Kosinski break down their approach to F1: The Movie and detail the custom camera solutions that made it possible.

·       Adam Bricker, ASC shares his recipe for capturing the popular documentary series Chef’s Table, including a discussion of how lens choice is “a good example of where we’ve strategically chosen to break our own rules.”

·       Matthew Chuang, ACS discusses shooting the ambitious period series Chief of War on location in Hawaii and New Zealand, which called for lens modifications to create increased spherical aberrations and a painterly look.

·       AC presents 2025 Rising Stars of Cinematography Mia Cioffi Henry, Olan Collardy, Tehillah De Castro, Shady Hanna, James Rhodes, John Rosario, Sarah Whelden and Joshua Zucker-Pluda.

·       Shot Craft: Understanding the basics of plate capture is key to creating seamless illusions on the screen.

·       Tools of the Trade: The Freelensing Cine and the Raptor Scope offer optical solutions for specialized cinematography.

·       Clubhouse News: The latest bulletins from the Society feature new members Michael Liu, Gyula Pados and Ken Seng; ASC participation at Cine Gear Expo L.A.; the Society’s annual “Summer Splash”; the ASC summit “Visual Artistry in the Age of AI”; an exclusive preview of the Fujifilm GFX Eterna at the ASC Clubhouse; Education & Outreach panels at J.L. Fisher and for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts; a Sony-sponsored Master Class for content creators; 2025 Pierre Angénieux Tribute honoree Dion Beebe, ASC, ACS; and Telly Awards for ASC Clubhouse Conversations. 

·       Wrap Shot: Grand Prix (1966), shot by Lionel Lindon, ASC and directed by John Frankenheimer.