Cinematography: meaning, definitions and examples

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cinematography

 

[ ˌsɪn.ə.məˈtɑː.ɡrə.fi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

art of making motion pictures

Cinematography is the art and craft of making motion pictures by capturing images on a film or digital medium. It involves the use of camera angles, lighting, composition, and movement to create visually appealing and emotionally impactful scenes.

Synonyms

filmography, movie-making, videography.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cinematography

Used to describe the art of making motion pictures, specifically in relation to camera work and lighting. Often discussed in the context of the visual quality of a film or scene.

  • The cinematography in that movie was breathtaking, especially the use of natural light
filmography

Refers to the complete list of films made by a particular director, actor, or other film professional. Used when discussing someone's career in film.

  • Her filmography includes both blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed indie films
videography

Usually associated with the process of capturing moving images on video, often digital. More commonly used in contexts outside of traditional film, like weddings, events, or content creation for digital platforms.

  • She specializes in wedding videography and has a keen eye for capturing candid moments
movie-making

A general term that refers to the entire process of creating a movie, from writing the script to editing the final cut. Commonly used when talking about the industry or process as a whole.

  • He has always been fascinated by the world of movie-making and dreams of becoming a director

Examples of usage

  • The cinematography in that film was truly stunning.
  • The director of photography won an award for his outstanding cinematography.
  • The cinematography of the movie added depth and emotion to the story.
Context #2 | Noun

work or art of a cinematographer

Cinematography can also refer to the work or art of a cinematographer, the individual responsible for the visual aspects of a film. A cinematographer works closely with the director to achieve the desired look and feel of the movie.

Synonyms

cinematographer's work, cinematographic art.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cinematography

It repeats here by mistake. See the description for the first entry.

cinematographic art

This term is used when discussing the artistic aspects of film-making, focusing on how cinematography contributes to the film as a work of art. It's typically used in more formal or academic contexts.

  • The exhibition at the museum highlighted the evolution of cinematographic art over the past century.
  • Her book delves into the essentials of cinematographic art and its impact on storytelling.
cinematographer's work

This phrase emphasizes the efforts and creativity of the individual behind the camera. It is used when specifically talking about the contribution of the cinematographer in a film production.

  • The cinematographer's work on this film is remarkable, capturing every detail with precision.
  • You can really see the cinematographer's work in the way the lighting sets the mood for each scene.

Examples of usage

  • The cinematography in this film was expertly done.
  • The cinematographer used innovative techniques to capture the essence of the story.
  • The cinematography of the movie perfectly complemented the narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "cinematography" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cinematografia

🇮🇳 सिनेमाटोग्राफी

🇩🇪 Kinematographie

🇮🇩 sinematografi

🇺🇦 кінематографія

🇵🇱 kinematografia

🇯🇵 シネマトグラフィー

🇫🇷 cinématographie

🇪🇸 cinematografía

🇹🇷 sinematografi

🇰🇷 영화 촬영술

🇸🇦 التصوير السينمائي

🇨🇿 kinematografie

🇸🇰 kinematografia

🇨🇳 电影摄影术

🇸🇮 kinematografija

🇮🇸 kvikmyndagerð

🇰🇿 кинематография

🇬🇪 კინემატოგრაფია

🇦🇿 kinematografiya

🇲🇽 cinematografía

Etymology

The term 'cinematography' originated from the combination of two Greek words: 'kinema', meaning movement, and 'graph', meaning to write or record. It refers to the art and science of motion picture photography, capturing moving images on film or digital media. Cinematography has evolved over the years with advancements in technology, leading to the creation of visually stunning and immersive cinematic experiences.

See also: cinematographer.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,424, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.