cinematographer

American  

[sin-uh-muh-tog-ruh-fer] / ˌsɪn ə məˈtɒg rə fər /

especially British, cinematographist

noun

1. a person whose profession is video photography, especially for feature-length movies.

2. director of photography.

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Etymology

Origin of cinematographer

First recorded in 1895–1900; cinematograph + -er ¹

Explanation

The cinematographer on a movie set is the person with the camera. The cinematographer's job can include planning shots, lighting, and operating a camera. A cinematographer is also called the "director of photography," or the DP. On a large-budget film there may be several cameras being used at once — the cinematographer is the person who directs the camera operators, as well as overseeing the lighting on the set. The word comes from cinematograph, which is now obsolete and permanently shortened to cinema, from the French cínématographe, "motion picture projector and camera."

Example Sentences

This docuseries was created by National Geographic explorer Bertie Gregory, a cinematographer for legendary nature filmmaker David Attenborough, who knows how to dazzle with close-up imagery.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The photography is often astounding, whether it is by Mr. Bonython or cinematographer Sakke Kantosalo or by the drone team under the latter’s direction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Meanwhile, the vistas of Tau Ceti outside the window are intimidating and gorgeous, with cinematographer Greig Fraser indulging in showers of purple glitter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Sinners cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw said she missed an important point during her speech when she became the first woman to win the award in Oscars history.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

She knew her parents wanted her to study law, but she wanted to pursue filmmaking and be a cinematographer.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan