The Evolution of Cinematography: From Black and White to Digital

Research Context

First of all, the research topic will be examined under three main sections. Firstly, it will start
by giving information about what cinematography is and secondly, an introduction to the
history of cinematography will be given. Thirdly, information about the evolution of
cinematography will be included in the video article.

To put it briefly,

1- What is the Cinematography?

Cinematography is the art and technique of capturing moving images on camera for a
film or video production. It involves making creative choices about camera placement,
framing, lighting, lens selection, and camera movement to visually convey the story,
mood, and meaning of a scene. The cinematographer, or director of photography, works
closely with the director and other members of the production team to create a cohesive
visual language that supports the narrative and enhances the emotional impact of the
story. Through the use of composition, color, contrast, focus, and movement,
cinematography can shape the audience's experience of a film or video, and help to bring
the story to life in a powerful and memorable way.

2- The History of Cinematography

Under this heading, several three different periods will be examined.

• The Early Years

The origins of cinematography can be traced back to the late 19th century, when
inventors such as Eadweard Muybridge and Thomas Edison began experimenting
with capturing and projecting moving images. In 1895, the Lumière brothers in
France invented the Cinématographe, a lightweight camera and projector that could
be used to shoot and screen films. This innovation sparked the birth of the film
industry, as filmmakers began to explore the possibilities of this new medium. Early
films were short, silent, black-and-white productions, often depicting everyday
scenes and events such as workers leaving a factory or a train arriving at a station.
As technology advanced, filmmakers began to experiment with longer, more
complex narratives and the use of special effects.

• The Studio Era

The 1920s to the 1950s are often referred to as the "Studio Era" of American cinema,
as major studios such as MGM, Warner Bros., and Paramount dominated the
industry. During this time, the Hollywood studio system was established, in which
studios controlled every aspect of filmmaking, from financing to distribution.
Cinematographers such as Gregg Toland, Karl Freund, and James Wong Howe
 became known for their innovative use of lighting, camera angles, and composition,
helping to create the distinctive visual style of classic Hollywood films. The
introduction of sound in the late 1920s also had a significant impact on
cinematography, as filmmakers had to adapt their techniques to accommodate
dialogue and synchronized sound effects.

• The Modern Age

The 1960s to the present day have seen significant changes in the film industry,
including the rise of independent filmmaking, the introduction of new technologies
such as digital cameras and CGI, and the globalization of cinema. Cinematographers
such as Vittorio Storaro, Roger Deakins, and Emmanuel Lubezki have continued to
push the boundaries of the medium, experimenting with new techniques and styles.
The 21st century has also seen a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the
film industry, with more opportunities for filmmakers from underrepresented
communities to tell their stories. Overall, the history of cinematography reflects not
only technological advances, but also changing social and cultural contexts that have
shaped the ways in which filmmakers approach their craft.

3- The Evolution of Cinematography

The evolution process of cinematography will be discussed under three different

headings as Black and White period, Color period and Digital period.

• Black and White

During the early years of cinema, films were shot in black and white.
Cinematographers such as Billy Bitzer, Karl Struss, and James Wong Howe used
lighting, camera angles, and composition to create striking visual images despite
the limitations of the medium. One of the most famous examples of black and
white cinematography is Orson Welles' 1941 film "Citizen Kane," which
employed deep focus photography and dramatic lighting to create a sense of
depth and visual intensity.
• Color
In the 1930s, the use of Technicolor and other color processes revolutionized the
film industry. Cinematographers such as Gregg Toland and Jack Cardiff used
color to create vibrant, lush visual landscapes that became an essential part of
Hollywood's Golden Age. The advent of color also allowed filmmakers to
experiment with new forms of expression and symbolism, such as the use of
color to represent mood or emotion. Notable examples of influential color films
include "Gone with the Wind" (1939), "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), and
"Vertigo" (1958).
• Digital
In the 21st century, the widespread use of digital technology has transformed the
way films are made and viewed. Digital cameras and editing software allow
filmmakers to create images that are more precise and realistic than ever before.
Cinematographers such as Emmanuel Lubezki and Roger Deakins have used
digital technology to create stunning, immersive visual worlds in films like
 "Gravity" (2013) and "Blade Runner 2049" (2017). At the same time, digital
technology has also enabled a new wave of independent and low-budget
filmmakers to create films that rival the quality of traditional studio productions.
However, the shift to digital has also raised questions about the future of
traditional film stock, and some filmmakers continue to advocate for the use of
film as a medium with unique artistic properties.

Research Questions

1-What is Cinematography?

2-What are the narrative elements of cinematography?

3- What kind of elements does the early period in cinematography contain?

4-What is the Louise and Auguste Lumiere Brothers and Black Maria process?

5- What are the works in the black and white period in cinema and the process of color coming
to the cinema in the development process?

6- What does the development of cinema in the Modern Age cover?

Visual Storytelling (For Video Essays)

The video essay that will be prepared on the subject we have chosen will contain some photos
and videos about the subject we will tell. It will contain materials that will make the narrative
enjoyable, such as sections from the films of the period we will talk about, real photos of the
inventors and the music chosen accordingly. It is planned to support the video article by
adding the text to be narrated to the video with a voice-over, and after preparing the possible
scenario text, we will prepare our own footage. You can see some of the images and videos
we plan to use below as an example.

Please click to view:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c0Ch8kNtkjNe_zfnf8E_VtTfiyTui0Bw?usp=share_lin
k
Possible Script for the Video Essay
Title: The Evolution of Cinematography: From Black and White to Digital
Introduction
Cinematography is the art of capturing moving images on camera, and it has undergone many
changes and innovations over the course of its history. In this video essay, we'll explore the
major eras of cinematography, from the early days of black and white to the colorful Golden
Age of Hollywood, and finally to the digital age of today.

Black and White Era

In the early years of cinema, films were shot in black and white. Despite the limitations of the
medium, cinematographers like James Wong Howe and Karl Struss used lighting, camera
angles, and composition to create striking visual images. One of the most famous examples of
black and white cinematography is Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane," which used deep focus
photography and dramatic lighting to create a sense of depth and visual intensity.

Color Era
In the 1930s, the use of Technicolor and other color processes revolutionized the film industry.
Cinematographers like Gregg Toland and Jack Cardiff used color to create vibrant, lush visual
landscapes that became an essential part of Hollywood's Golden Age. The advent of color also
allowed filmmakers to experiment with new forms of expression and symbolism, such as the
use of color to represent mood or emotion. Notable examples of influential color films include
"Gone with the Wind" and "Vertigo."

Digital Era
In the 21st century, the widespread use of digital technology has transformed the way films are
made and viewed. Digital cameras and editing software allow filmmakers to create images that
are more precise and realistic than ever before. Cinematographers like Emmanuel Lubezki and
Roger Deakins have used digital technology to create stunning, immersive visual worlds in
films like "Gravity" and "Blade Runner 2049." At the same time, the shift to digital has also
raised questions about the future of traditional film stock, and some filmmakers continue to
advocate for the use of film as a medium with unique artistic properties.

Conclusion
Cinematography has come a long way since the early days of black and white film. From the
pioneering work of James Wong Howe to the lush landscapes of Hollywood's Golden Age to
the cutting-edge digital technology of today, cinematography has evolved and adapted to new
artistic and technological challenges. By understanding this history, we can better appreciate
the power and beauty of the moving image, and the role that cinematographers play in creating
unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Bibliography
Avcı, İ. B., & Karakoç, E. (2020). History of the Cinematographic Thought. Dergi PArk.

Day, A. (2018). Alex Day. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWOFxyQI9D8 adresinden

alındı

Film Thought Project. (2021). Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utntGgcsZWI adresinden

alındı

Studio Binder. (2019). Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lINVnA3rVIE adresinden alındı

YETİŞKİN, E. B. (2009). SİNEMATOGRAFİK DÜŞÜNEBİLMEK: DELEUZE’ÜN SİNEMA YAKLAŞIMINA GİRİŞ.

İLETİŞİM FAKÜLTESİ DERGİSİ /.