cinematography
sin-uh-muh-TOG-ruh-fee
/ˌsɪn.ə.məˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/
The art, craft, and science of motion-picture photography, including camera choice, focus, lighting, and composition.
Encompasses the entire visual language of a film, not just the act of operating the camera.
The story behind the word. Coined in the late 19th century from the Greek roots 'kinema' (meaning movement) and 'graphein' (meaning to write or record). Literally, cinematography is the beautiful act of 'writing with movement'.
Word relationships
- motion picture photography: The literal definition, but 'cinematography' is the preferred artistic and professional term.
Commonly confused with
- videography: Videography typically refers to recording events (like weddings or conferences) on video, while cinematography implies artistic narrative filmmaking.
Word family
- cinematographic (adjective): Relating to the art or technique of motion-picture photography.
- cinematographer (noun): A person who oversees the camera and lighting crews on a film.
Collocations
- director of cinematography
- stunning cinematography
- digital cinematography
Example sentences
- "The film's cinematography was praised for its use of natural light and sweeping, panoramic shots of the desert landscape." A review of a visually stunning historical drama.
Memory hook
Think of 'cinema' + 'photography'—it is the photography of the cinema. Cinematography: Writing a story with moving pictures.
When not to use
Do not use to describe still photography or simple home videos; it refers to professional, artistic motion-picture creation.
Fun facts
- The first public demonstration of a 'Cinématographe' (a camera, projector, and printer in one) was held by the Lumière brothers in Paris in 1895.
Related words
Explore more words
choreography, stagecraft, scenic, artifice, perspective, syntax
Also appears in
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