Professional Cinematography, 2nd Edition is a 1968 textbook that provides an overview of the technical craft and artistic philosophy of cinematography from a professional's perspective. Originally written in 1964, the book was based on lessons that Clarke, a veteran cinematographer for major Hollywood films, developed for his students at UCLA. 
 
The timeless lessons in the book reflect the "thinking and philosophy" of a pioneer in the field, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced filmmakers, despite advancements in film technology since its publication. 
 
The book focuses on the core, timeless techniques of cinematography, rather than on then-current technology.
 
- Film technique: Includes terms such as "cinematography," "camera angle," "composition," "exposure," "focal length," "focus," and "grain".
 
- Lighting: Covers concepts like "backlight," "fill light," "key light," and "shadow".
 
- Film stocks and color: Explores topics related to "black and white" and "color films," as well as "color temperature".
 
- Camera equipment: Mentions various pieces of gear, including "dolly shots," "lenses," "matte box," and "tripod".
 
- Production considerations: Discusses different production scenarios, such as "day-for-night" filming and "night scene