cinematography

[sin-uh-muh-tog-ruh-fee]

noun

1. the art or technique of video photography, traditionally used in movies, but also in the production of TV shows and other video content.

   The agency is hiring award-winning film directors to elevate these television commercials with classic cinematography and state-of-the-art special effects.

2. the artistic vision, tone, look, and feel of a video production.

   The film’s warm cinematography and romantic musical score immerse the audience immediately in a sweet and nostalgic world.

cinematography

/ ˌsɪnɪməˈtɒɡrəfɪ, ˌsɪnɪˌmætəˈɡræfɪk, ˌsɪnɪməˈtɒɡrəfə /

noun

1. the art or science of film (motion-picture) photography

Other Word Forms

• cinematographic adjective
• cinematographer noun
• cinematographically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinematography¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; cinematograph, -graphy

Example Sentences

Bravura cinematography aligned the audience point of view with Lorraine’s terrifying otherworldly dreams of hauntings, possessions and demonic presence.

From Los Angeles Times

The Netflix limited series and Apple TV+ half-hour series are both favored to win Creative Arts Emmys for cinematography.

From Los Angeles Times

She moved to Los Angeles after earning a cinematography degree from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film in Orange in 2014.

From Los Angeles Times

The cinematography tries too hard to capture melodramatic modern police procedurals with their choking clouds of haze.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to drama series, “Andor” was nominated for its directing, writing, cinematography, production design, costume, editing, score, original music, sound editing, sound mixing and special effects.

From Los Angeles Times