What is Cinematography?

While a film director may have a general idea of how a scene should look, it is the
responsibility of a cinematographer to make it happen. A cinematographer is an expert in
both the technical and artistic capabilities of a movie camera. He or she works closely
with the director during principal shooting in order to properly frame each shot according
to the script and/or the director's personal vision. The head cinematographer may also be
credited as director of photography or DP, although the two titles are not as
interchangeable as one might think.

A cinematographer may also be considered a camera operator, especially if his or her

decision-making power is minimal. A working cinematographer actually looks through
the lens of a camera while filming a scene, much like a still photographer snaps
individual photographs. The lighting director and crew will often work with the
cinematographer to make sure the amount of light reflecting off the actors and scenery is
acceptable. If a special lens or filter is required for an artistic effect, it is the
cinematographer's job to make the changes.

If a film has a large budget, several cinematographers may be hired to work different
camera set-ups. Smaller film companies may only be able to hire one cinematographer,
who must be present for every shot. Occasionally a director may take over the
cinematographer's duties if the set needs to be closed for privacy. An experienced
cinematographer may also act as a second-unit director, responsible for shooting general
background or establishing shots without the principal actors. A sweeping view of a city
at the beginning of a film may be the work of a cinematographer alone.

It is not unusual for a film director to hire the same cinematographer for most of his or
her productions. The working relationship between a director and a 'cinema photographer'
requires a shared vision with regards to the overall look of a film. Many of the greatest
films in Hollywood history achieved their status through the unsung work of the
cinematographer. Orson Welle's masterpiece "Citizen Kane" benefited greatly from the
contributions of cinematographer Gregg Toland, for example. Toland created camera
movements that had never been used before in major films.

Becoming a cinematographer requires years of technical training in the use of

professional camera and video equipment. A period of apprenticeship under an
experienced cinematographer may follow, leading to camera work for independent films
or low budget Hollywood productions. After building up a solid resume, a budding
cinematographer may join an organization such as the ASC, the American Society of
Cinematographers.