cinematography

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

/ ˌsɪn ə məˈtɒg rə fi /

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noun

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.

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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of cinematography

First recorded in 1895–1900; see origin at cinematograph, -graphy

Words nearby cinematography

cinematics, cinematize, cinematog., cinematograph, cinematographer, cinematography, cinéma vérité, cinemicrograph, cinemicrography, cineol, cineole

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cinematography in a sentence

While she started her career as a journalist, she pivoted to filmmaking while working on British film productions in Eastern Europe and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in cinematography.
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins Was Killed by a Prop Gun on the Film Set of Rust. Here's What We Know So Far|Andrew R. Chow|October 22, 2021|Time
Sometimes, if the choreography and cinematography were not so immersive, you could almost believe there is an actual proscenium like you’d see on Broadway.
The Dazzling ‘In the Heights’ May Be the Best Movie Musical in Decades|Kevin Fallon|June 11, 2021|The Daily Beast
The cinematography is easy on the eyes—think soaring drone footage over wild landscapes—but the show isn’t overproduced.
‘Beat Monday’ Rethinks What You Can Fit into a Weekend|Anna Callaghan|May 20, 2021|Outside Online
Though the show has nuanced storytelling and outstanding cinematography, it perhaps most importantly was approached with deep wells of compassion by Jenkins.
Filming ‘The Underground Railroad’ was grueling. But the cast grasped ‘the weight of what we were doing.’|Stuart Miller|May 13, 2021|Washington Post

One Marvel fan meme involves earnestly tweeting images of the films’ cinematography, while critics will post images of green screens to mock them.
How a ‘WandaVision’ viral tweet explains the passion of Marvel fans — and haters|Travis Andrews|March 5, 2021|Washington Post
Take True Detective—great acting, gorgeous cinematography, ridiculous about women.
The Feminist Aesthetic of ‘Happy Valley’: A Refusal to Eroticize Violence Against Women|Batya Ungar-Sargon|August 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So I applied to the cinematography program at the American Film Institute.
How ‘Transcendence’ Director Wally Pfister Became Christopher Nolan’s Secret Weapon|Andrew Romano|April 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
With stunning cinematography,” it continues, “this story is told against the backdrop of the great American landscape.
‘American Blogger’ Is So Bad, You’ll Wish It Was a Spoof|Andy Hinds|April 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was nominated, deservedly so, for Best Sound Mixing and Best Cinematography.
Why No Oscar Love For 'Inside Llewyn Davis'?|Tim Teeman|January 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Inside Llewyn Davis only got a nomination for cinematography.
10 Facts about the 2014 Oscar Nominations That Will Make You Sad|Kevin Fallon|January 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In spite of the great reduction in the cost of both camera and outfit the expense of cinematography is still its drawback.
Practical Cinematography and Its Applications|Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot
For the purpose of introduction to the art of cinematography the beginner can do no better than obtain one of them.
Practical Cinematography and Its Applications|Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot
Water is a kind friend in cinematography and should be used ungrudgingly.
Practical Cinematography and Its Applications|Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot
In cinematography, it is the diligent, careful, and persevering worker who scores successes.
Practical Cinematography and Its Applications|Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot
But in cinematography the ill-effects arising from respiration are not so serious as in still-life work.
Practical Cinematography and Its Applications|Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot

British Dictionary definitions for cinematography

cinematography

/ (ˌsɪnɪməˈtɒɡrəfɪ) /

noun

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

Derived forms of cinematography

cinematographer (ˌsɪnɪməˈtɒɡrəfə), nouncinematographic (ˌsɪnɪˌmætəˈɡræfɪk), adjectivecinematographically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012