Let’s explore the definition of cinematography and uncover how this art form weaves visual tales that captivate us all.
After a film finishes and the credits roll (unless you skip them), it’s mind-blowing how many artists and crew members it takes to complete a film. From the Executive Producer to the crafty, each provides a pivotal role in the film’s completion.
One role, in particular, shapes how the film looks on a project-wide scale, and that is the Director of Photography, also known as the DP or Cinematographer. The cinematographer, as the name suggests, handles the cinematography. The question is, what is cinematography?
Well, in this article, we’ll explore the definition of cinematography and all of the magic surrounding this creative area.
The Definition of Cinematography
Cinematography is more than just capturing light on film or sensor; it’s akin to an artist choosing between watercolor and oil. The essence lies not in the technical details but in its role as a crucial element of storytelling, bringing a director’s vision to life and painting the narrative with light and shade.
Just as a painting is more than its medium, cinematography transcends its technical aspects to become a key part of visual storytelling, adding depth and color to the narrative canvas.
Cinematography, much like a painter’s palette, is a dance of light and shadow, a deliberate choice of colors, and the graceful movement of the camera. Each element, from the lens’s focus to the film stock, comes together to create a visual symphony.
This amalgamation crafts not just a film, but an immersive experience, etching its imagery in the viewer’s mind. It’s this visual storytelling, the cinematographic artistry, that embeds great films in our memories.
The Importance of Lighting in Cinematography
While many often assume that the camera is the primary element behind cinematography, one of the key factors of cinematography is actually lighting. There’s a famed book by cinematographer John Alton aptly named Painting With Light, and, for some, it’s the gateway into the creative area.
See, lighting in cinematography is not just about ensuring that the scene is well-lit; it’s about setting the mood, creating atmosphere, and, most importantly, directing the viewer’s attention.
Great cinematographers will use light to sculpt the scene. The interplay of light and shadow can convey a multitude of emotions—from the harsh, stark light that spells danger or despair to the soft, diffused light that suggests warmth and safety.
Check out our tutorial below on how to obtain great fill light. . . .
All of this helps explains why a film shot on a not-so-great camera can look stunning, while a feature film shot on an expensive camera can look amateurish.
Camera Placement and Focal Length in Cinematography
Another crucial characteristic of cinematography is the choice of focal length and camera movement. Regarding camera placement, the movement of the camera can conjure a variety of emotions.
From sweeping, epic pans across grand landscapes to intimate, handheld shots that capture the nuances of a character’s state of mind, camera movements are an integral part of visual storytelling. They can create a sense of dynamism and urgency or provide a calm, observational perspective.
Likewise, the placement and size of the camera shot play crucial roles in shaping the audience’s emotional journey and narrative understanding.
The camera’s position subtly shapes how a scene is perceived and felt, influencing the viewer’s emotions and hinting at characters’ underlying motivations. This subtle guidance alters the storytelling experience.
Similarly, the size of the shot can speak volumes, whether it’s a close-up that captures every nuanced shift in a character’s expression or an extreme close-up that draws the audience’s attention to a specific detail, like a piece of attire.
These choices in camera placement and shot size aren’t merely technical; they’re artistic decisions that contribute significantly to the storytelling process, guiding the audience through the visual narrative with purpose and intention.
However, when it comes to camera characteristics, the focal length can truly alter the dynamics of a scene. One of my favorite examples of this comes from an interview—at 4:19, below—with perhaps the most recognizable cinematographer of our time, Roger Deakins.
In essence, with the camera placement, movement, and focal length, it’s about making sure the audience is visually feeling the correct tone of the scene.
If you’re stuck on what lens to get started with, we have a great tutorial for you below. . . .
Directors and Cinematography
As previously noted, the cinematographer, often referred to as a Director of Photography (DP), will be at the helm of these visual choices. They collaborate closely with the director to decide the visual style of the film. This includes choices about camera angles, lens types, camera movements, and lighting design.
However, have you ever noticed a director creating a camera frame with their fingers or using a viewfinder to figure out a shot? Or, when watching behind-the-scenes content, have you ever heard a director ask for a certain type of shot? If so, then you may be asking yourself: Did we not just state that the cinematographer does this job?
Well, here’s where it can get tricky. Filmmaking is, of course, collaborative. However, at the end of the day, it is the director’s vision that the crew around them is bringing to life.
Directors vary in their strengths and areas of focus. Some directors prioritize working with actors, entrusting the DP with the creation and formulation of shots. Others are more preoccupied with the technical aspects, such as camera angles and the seamless transition of scenes during editing. There are also those who attempt to control every element of production, often overstepping into areas best left to their department heads, which can lead to suboptimal outcomes.
Directors oversee the broader vision of a project, managing elements like performances, editing, wardrobe, set design, costume design, music, and visual effects. Their role is to shoulder the ultimate responsibility for every aspect of the film, but this doesn’t mean they can micromanage each detail.
Becoming a skilled head in each department requires years upon years of dedicated work. This is why a director’s reliance on their team, especially the cinematographer, is crucial. However, there are some skilled directors, like Stanley Kubrick, who prefer a much more hands-on approach.
To effectively direct a film, it’s essential for a director to have a clear vision for covering a scene and how it will integrate into the overall narrative. However, this vision should be balanced with openness to the expertise of the cinematographer, who often possesses a deeper understanding of the visual storytelling process.
Although, it’s worth noting that some cinematographers are happy enough to allow the director to select the angles, while they make sure the lighting is perfect. It’s about balance.
Best Cinematography of the Last Decade
Let’s be frank, the list of outstanding cinematographers, as well as films and TV shows renowned for their beautiful cinematography, is endless. So, to simplify your research and offer a focused sample of excellence in this field, examine the last 10 films that won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
This selection provides insight into what the majority of the industry recognizes as sensational cinematography. Additionally, it’s always beneficial to explore the other nominees from each year to gain a broader perspective.
- 2022: DP James Friend for All Quiet on the Western Front
- 2021: DP Greig Fraser for Dune
- 2020/21: DP Erik Messerschmidt for Mank
- 2019: DP Roger Deakins for 1917
- 2018: DP Alfonso Cuarón for Roma
- 2017: DP Roger Deakins for Blade Runner 2049
- 2016: DP Linus Sandgren for La La Land
- 2015: DP Emmanuel Lubezki for The Revenant
- 2014: DP Emmanuel Lubezki for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- 2013: DP Emmanuel Lubezki for Gravity
The Meaning of Cinematography
Cinematography goes beyond technical skills. It’s an art that blends light, shadow, color, and camera dynamics to immerse viewers in the film. In tandem with the director, the cinematographer will shape scenes that resonate emotionally and visually.
This craft is about more than capturing images, it’s about expressing mood, tone, and emotion, transforming the director’s vision into a vivid on-screen reality. The true magic of cinematography is in its power to elevate the mundane to the magnificent, cementing its role as an essential thread in the tapestry of cinema.
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel, which features a variety of cinematography tutorials.
License this cover image via Supamotionstock.com.
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