What Is Cinematography?

Cinematography is a filmmaking craft that uses the camera to shape the viewer’s emotional journey and guide their understanding of the story. From the earliest moving pictures to modern day high-resolution digital cameras, advances in technology have expanded the creative possibilities of cinematographers. Masterful cinematographers like Roger Deakins, Emmanuel Lubezki and Hoyte van Hoytema have embraced this new freedom and continued to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Cinematographers work collaboratively with directors, production designers and art department heads to establish the film’s visual style, often through mood boards and storyboards. They also select specific camera equipment, such as lenses, filters and film stock. They are also responsible for creating and managing lighting plans, and they may use specialized cameras to shoot close-ups or employ special effects.

Aside from these more obvious duties, cinematographers must decide what is important to capture for each shot and how to achieve that desired look. They must consider depth of field, focus and how a scene will be lit, and they must ask with every shot: does this tell the story in the best possible way?

In addition, cinematographers must carefully consider the physical limitations of each location they shoot in. For example, if they choose to shoot in a house that is small with low ceilings, they will need to think about how the lighting will be positioned around the actors and the size of each room. If the set is outdoors, they must consider weather conditions and other environmental factors that could impact the filming process.

When a film is being scouted for locations, cinematographers play an essential role in the previsualization process, working closely with production designers and art departments to plan and test each potential shot. They can also perform practical tests to assess lighting conditions and to determine the best camera positioning. Once filming begins, a cinematographer’s responsibilities include collaborating with the director to ensure that each shot is being captured as they envision it. They also keep the director and other crew members apprised of any technical issues that may arise, such as a lens or filter malfunction or weather problems that could affect the quality of a shot.

During post-production, cinematographers are responsible for executing any visual effects that were not created in-camera. This can include a wide range of techniques, such as adding grain to the film, using color correction and other color grading methods, and using optical or digital special effects. They also collaborate with editors and visual effects artists to make sure that the finished product looks as intended.

Cinematographers have been at the forefront of motion picture innovation since the very beginnings of the medium, and they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on-screen. As technology continues to evolve, it is important for cinematographers to stay on the forefront of new developments so that they can continue to push the envelope and create new styles of visual storytelling.