cinematography
sin-uh-muh-TOG-ruh-fee
/ˌsɪn.ə.məˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/
The art and technique of motion-picture photography, including camera angles, lighting, lens choices, and movement.
Focuses strictly on visual capture and lighting design, distinctly controlled by the director of photography (DP).
The story behind the word. Coined in French in the 1890s as 'cinématographie'—literally meaning 'writing or recording movement'. It combines the Greek 'kinein' (to move) with 'graphein' (to write or draw).
Word relationships
- camerawork: Camerawork refers simply to how the camera is operated, while cinematography encompasses full lighting, exposure, lens craft, and composition.
- filming: Filming is the act of shooting, whereas cinematography is the artistic discipline behind the visuals.
Commonly confused with
- photography: Photography deals with still images, whereas cinematography deals with motion picture camera work and lighting.
Word family
- cinematographer (noun): The chief camera operator and lighting chief on a film.
- cinematographic (adjective): Pertaining to cinematography.
Collocations
- stunning cinematography
- director of cinematography
- principal cinematography
- expressive cinematography
Example sentences
- "The lush cinematography captured the misty mountain sunrise in breathtaking detail." Film Review
- "He received the award for best cinematography thanks to his innovative use of natural candlelight." Awards Category
Memory hook
CINEMA + PHOTOGRAPHY = Cinematography, the photography of cinema. Drawing with motion and light.
When not to use
Do not use to describe post-production editing or audio recording.
Fun facts
- Roger Deakins, one of cinema's most famous cinematographers, was nominated for 13 Academy Awards before finally winning his first for 'Blade Runner 2049'.
Related words
Explore more words
choreography, stagecraft, scenic, artifice, perspective, syntax
Also appears in
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