cinematography: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Academic, Artistic
Quick answer
What does “cinematography” mean?
The art and technology of motion-picture photography, including the shooting and development of film.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The art and technology of motion-picture photography, including the shooting and development of film.
The overall visual style, lighting, camera work, and composition of a film, considered as a creative craft and technical discipline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is standard in both film industries. The abbreviation 'DP' (Director of Photography) is more common in US credits, while 'cinematographer' is universally used.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of high artistry and technical expertise within film production.
Frequency
Equally frequent in professional and critical discourse in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “cinematography” in a Sentence
The cinematography of [Film Name] is...[Cinematographer's Name]'s cinematography for...to praise/criticise the cinematographyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cinematography” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The film was beautifully cinematographed by Roger Deakins.
American English
- The director wanted to cinematograph the scene in a single, fluid take.
adverb
British English
- The scene was shot cinematographically, with deep focus and careful framing.
American English
- The film is cinematographically daring, using natural light exclusively.
adjective
British English
- The cinematographic achievements of the 1970s are still influential.
American English
- She has a keen cinematographic eye for landscape.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in budget discussions for a film's photography department.
Academic
Common in film studies, media studies, and visual arts courses and publications.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used mainly by film enthusiasts and critics in discussion.
Technical
Core term in film production, used by directors, cinematographers, crew, and in trade publications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cinematography”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cinematography”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cinematography”
- Confusing it with 'videography' (typically for non-film, often smaller-scale video).
- Using it to mean 'the story of the film' or 'the directing'.
- Misspelling as 'cinematogrophy' or 'cinematagraphy'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The director oversees the entire creative vision of the film, including performances and story. The cinematographer (or Director of Photography) is specifically responsible for realising the visual aspect of that vision through camera, lighting, and composition.
No. While the term originated with film, it now encompasses the visual art of motion pictures whether shot on photochemical film or digital formats.
Yes, especially for high-end drama series. However, 'videography' is sometimes used for more routine television, but 'cinematography' is correct for any work with cinematic visual ambition.
Using it as a synonym for 'film' or 'movie' (e.g., 'I saw a great cinematography last night'). It is an uncountable noun referring to the craft, not a countable noun for the product.
The art and technology of motion-picture photography, including the shooting and development of film.
Cinematography is usually formal, technical, academic, artistic in register.
Cinematography: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪn.ə.məˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪn.ə.məˈtɑː.ɡrə.fi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A masterclass in cinematography”
- “The cinematography is a character in itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CINE (like cinema) + MATOGRAPHY (like photography). Think: 'Photography for the cinema.'
Conceptual Metaphor
CINEMATOGRAPHY IS PAINTING WITH LIGHT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a cinematographer?