In the world of Cinematography, shadow and light must blend together seamlessly to provide illusion. The visual elements of a scene are as responsible for setting the mood as the actors performing the characters. The light must not reveal the secrets of the illusion, just as the shadows must not confuse the eye. However, when the perfect balance of the two is obtained, a well shot scene allows the viewer's imagination a vast visual playground through which to interpret it's own emotions. Award winning scenes allow just enough to remain in the dark, as to allow the imagination to fill the rest in.
Studying these hallmark traits, Scott McCauley has tailored his style of cinematography to what professionals call "painting with light". The famous paintings of the Rennaissance greats were often complemented on their use of shadow. Small strokes of highlight across a poet's cheek were enough to convey thoughtfulness without revealing an unshaven face or a blemished nose. This style of photography is designed to bring back the classic elements of visual storytelling, without compromising the scene's clarity or the director's ultimate vision.
Scott specializes in the classic style of Film Noir, the style made famous by Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Huston. Films of the post-WWII genre emphasized an ambiance of anxiety, pessimism, and suspicion, and used the power of darkness and shadows to reveal a moody perspective and a general feeling of coldness or unsettling tension. It is a style not often requested by modern directors but remains an effective tool in creative filmmaking.
While not shooting features and short films, Scott regularly works on documentaries, music videos, and the occasional commercial or industrial piece. Please see his Demo Reel for work samples and review his Resume for a brief work history.