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

The cinematography, by Jarred Alterman, is quite handsome and composed, amplifying the seriousness and eeriness, but also the banality and absurdity of the matter.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

All of these shows juxtapose the violence and ruthlessness that define the genre with mesmerizing cinematography reflecting the West’s untamed allure.

Read more on Salon

The cinematography by Adolpho Veloso, who also shot “The Jockey,” is particularly fine, working in a boxy 3:2 aspect ratio to capture the lush expanses of the land where Grainier lives and works.

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With its slow pacing, shaky handheld cameras, dishwater cinematography and unnervingly extreme closeups, it feels more like an intense indie drama than a whimsical tale of a robber with a peculiar M.O.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I wanted this to feel as real as possible in every way, from the cinematography to the production design to the clothing to the performances.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times