Movies + Photography = Film Stills They are photos taken on, or off, a movie set (or series) during the filming of it. The photographer has to capture that one shot will tell the story, or that expression on a character's face that reveals who they are or that moment that will get people intrigued to want to watch it. We all know it’s wrong to judge a book by its cover, but cast the first stone who never made a decision on what to stream next on netflix while zapping the photos? Festivals and distribuitors also use those photos for promotion. That’s quite something. So I had some fun comparing and analysing some of my favorites stills and some of my own photos. - The Queen's Gambit Here we take the point of view of the opponent. The intensity of her eyes as she gets her end game is powerful. The series focus on that, that intensity to win. My photo doesn't compare, of course, but it's a moment the make up artist was retouching the bride's lipstick just before the groom was about to walk in. Her breath was heavy as she was nervous and I still feel it through the photo, by not focusing in much else besides her mouth. - Before Sunrise The Sun has risen in Vienna. Their special one night only is about to be over, you can almost see the struggle on their eyes, the temptation on her lips to say she wants to stay and his hopelessness knowing she will leave. Luckily my photo shows the opposite. After years together, a postponed wedding due to the pandemic, they said yes to each other. The Sun sets behind them in Amsterdam, where they chose to share their lives together. He just wants to be near her and she is blissfully happy by being loved by him. - Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind A different perspective is always interesting. We can observe them from a far, she seems to open conversation while he seems to be tense. Of course while the ground under them cracks. This was taken during the pandemic. The older sister had the sniffles and was a bit far because she is afraid to touch her baby sis. Even though not intentional the baby tries to reach out to her sibling 😍 #cinephile #filmstills #filmstillsphotographer #filmstillslaunchpad #unitstills