What is Cinematography? Defining the Art and Craft

Cinematography Meaning

Let’s define cinematography

Cinematography is derived from Greek for "writing with movement;" and it is essentially the art of creating images we see on screen. Cinematography is a practice that can be done digitally or on physical film stock.

Understanding cinematography goes way beyond its definition. In simplest terms, cinematography is the art of making motion pictures. But what else is there to the cinematography definition?

For a general idea of the range in film cinematography, we've collected shots from some of our favorite films and DPs using StudioBinder's shot list creator. Click the image below to explore the collection – and you can even download a PDF for future reference and inspiration.

Cinematography Elements

What Does a Cinematographer Do?

A cinematographer or director of photography (shortened to DP or DoP) is the crew chief that presides over the camera and light crews on a film or video production. They are involved throughout the entire production and liaise closely with the director to create the images you see.

What elements do they consider? We'll cover the basic considerations here but there is a lot more to explain about a cinematographer's duties. 

Let's look to iconic director of photography, Roger Deakins, to see how he shot 1917 to look like a single shot "oner." As he explains, choosing a camera, and knowing the different types of camera lenses and lighting techniques are all part of the cinematographer job description. 

In particular, these choices in 1917 were designed to give us as much of a first-person POV on the battlefield.

Camera placement

Camera placement is a cinematography technique that determines where the camera is positioned in relation to the subject and the scene.

It directly influences how the audience perceives characters, emotions, and relationships within a moment.

Where a cinematographer places the camera greatly affects how the audience reacts to the shot, and therefore the rest of the scene. It can have significant emotional impact can convey character behavior.

For example, a cinematographer may place the camera close to the subject's mouth while chewing if the story calls for a character to be seen as rude, or ill mannered while out on a date.

That's just a simple example – here's a guide to camera framing and shot composition to give you an idea of what choices a director and cinematographer have and how those choices contribute to visual storytelling.

Camera movement

Camera movement is a cinematography technique that changes perspective, rhythm, and emotion by moving the camera during a shot. It can heighten suspense, reveal information, or bring the audience closer to a character’s experience. Watch our camera movement video below.

Shot Composition

Shot composition is a cinematography technique that refers to how visual elements are arranged within the camera frame.

It guides the viewer’s attention and helps communicate meaning, balance, and emotion in a shot.

Composition includes the placement of subjects, use of space, symmetry, lines, and visual weight. Thoughtful shot composition ensures that each frame reinforces the story rather than distracting from it.

One visual element that must be arranged particularly is your actors. Where will they be in the frame? Watch our video below on blocking actors. It's also a part of our Filmmaking Techniques masterclass series. 

Shot Size

Shot size is a cinematography technique that defines how much of a subject or scene is visible within the frame.

Different shot sizes control intimacy, emphasis, and the information revealed to the audience.

A  close-up  may focus on a character’s facial expression, while an extreme close-up might draw attention to a specific detail, such as clothing or an object that carries story significance. Here’s a video breakdown of  every type of shot size. and how each one affects storytelling.

Focus

Focus is a cinematography technique used to emphasize specific elements within a frame by controlling sharpness and depth of field.

It helps direct the audience’s attention and communicate psychological or emotional states.

A basic example is shifting focus in and out to suggest a character’s intoxication or disorientation. There are many  types of camera focus, each with its own storytelling value. Here’s a breakdown of focus and depth of field and how they’re used in film.

Lighting

Lighting is a cinematography technique that shapes mood, depth, and visual clarity through the use of light and shadow.

It plays a central role in how scenes feel emotionally and how subjects are perceived on screen.

While lighting often involves a dedicated crew member, cinematographers must understand lighting principles because lighting defines what the audience ultimately sees. 

3-point lighting is a very common lighting setup but there are many styles and approaches to lighting. For example, Rembrandt lighting brings a lot of dimension to lighting a subject's face and chiaroscuro lighting is ideal to convey dark and dangerous situations. Lighting in real time can be a challenge; that's why it's so important to game plan in advance.

Lighting in real time can be challenging, which is why planning ahead is essential. Check out part two of our Cinematography Techniques series with one of the best cinematographers, Roger Deakins for deeper insight into lighting choices.

Camera Gear

Camera gear is a cinematography technique category that includes the tools used to capture and control an image.

Different pieces of gear influence how a shot feels, moves, and interacts with the environment. 

Obviously, you need a camera but what other camera gear should you consider? A Steadicam gives the camera operator tremendous freedom but a dolly shot also gives the shot a distinct look and feel. Here's our ultimate guide to camera gear and how each piece of equipment can be used to tell a different story.

That's a lot to consider! How can you plan all of these decisions, and execute on your vision?

FILM CINEMATOGRAPHY TOOLS

Putting theory into practice with shot lists and storyboards

So, we just laid out what a cinematographer considers. And it's a lot. All of these components — shot choice, camera movement, lighting, etc. need to be laid out somewhere.

One tool that’s helpful for DP’s (and directors), are shot lists and storyboards. Usually the cinematographer and director work together to lay out their masterplan for the project. 

You can learn more about how to make storyboards, but first check out our example below to get a general idea!

With software it's easier to collaborate with department heads on all of these decisions. As long as they're invited to the project, you can leave comments in real-time, and adjust shots accordingly. 

And keep in mind, as far as other cinematography tools, you can use any kind of camera to shoot a film. If you can’t afford Hollywood’s resources, you can be like Sean Baker and Radium Cheung, who shot Tangerine – and make a movie on an iPhone.

Cinematography vs Photography

Cinematography and photography both involve capturing images with a camera, but they differ in purpose and execution.

Photography focuses on creating a single, standalone image. The photographer controls composition, lighting, and exposure to capture a moment in time.

Cinematography, on the other hand, is about creating a sequence of moving images that work together to tell a story. A cinematographer must consider how shots flow from one to the next, how lighting and camera movement evolve over time, and how visual choices support narrative and emotion across an entire scene or film.

In short, photography captures moments, while cinematography shapes visual storytelling over time.

Cinematography vs Filmmaking

Cinematography is a core part of filmmaking, but the two are not the same.

Filmmaking is the entire process of creating a film, including writing, directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, production management, and distribution.

Cinematography specifically focuses on the visual language of a film — how the story is told through camera placement, lighting, movement, composition, and exposure. The cinematographer (or director of photography) collaborates closely with the director to translate the story into visual form.

Filmmaking is the whole machine; cinematography is the visual engine that drives how the audience experiences the story.

What Makes Good Cinematography?

Good cinematography serves the story first.

Strong cinematography uses visual choices — such as lighting, framing, camera movement, and lens selection — to support character, mood, and narrative rather than drawing attention to the technique itself.

What makes cinematography effective is not how expensive the gear is, but how intentionally it is used. Consistency, clarity, emotional impact, and visual coherence across scenes are hallmarks of good cinematography.

In many great films, the cinematography feels almost invisible, guiding the viewer’s attention and emotions without distracting from the story being told.

Examples of Cinematography in Film

Examples of strong cinematography can be found across all genres and eras of film.

In The Godfather, cinematography uses low-key lighting and deep shadows to reinforce themes of power, secrecy, and moral ambiguity.

In Barry Lyndon, natural light and carefully composed frames create a painterly, period-authentic look.

In Mad Max: Fury Road, bold color, high contrast, and dynamic camera movement heighten intensity and momentum.

Each of these films uses different cinematography techniques, but all demonstrate how visual decisions shape the audience’s emotional experience and understanding of the story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinematography

1. What is cinematography in film?

Cinematography in film refers to how a story is visually told through camera work, lighting, movement, and composition.

2. What are the basic elements of cinematography?

The basic elements of cinematography include lighting, camera movement, composition, lens choice, and exposure.

3. What is the difference between cinematography and filmmaking

Cinematography focuses on the visual language of a film, while filmmaking includes directing, writing, editing, sound, and production management.

Up Next

Try These Cinematic Techniques 

Now that you have the basics down, let’s expand your knowledge a bit. Our next post explores craft tips you didn’t learn in film school. We go deeper into the elements of cinematography that will not only inform your craft, but inspire you to start shooting. 

Up Next: Best Cinematography Techniques →