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director of photography

American  
[dih-rek-ter uhv fuh-tog-ruh-fee] / dɪˈrɛk tər ʌv fəˈtɒg rə fi /

noun

Movies.
  1. a person who is responsible for all operations concerning camera work and lighting during the production of a film. DP


Etymology

Origin of director of photography

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In New Jersey, “they’re not sick of you,” said director of photography Francis Spieldenner.

From The Wall Street Journal May 28, 2026

"Film work has definitely been impacted by AI... it's really kicked us down," said Laura, 35, a director of photography in London, who preferred not to share her last name for professional reasons.

From Barron's May 27, 2026

Looking ecstatic and dazed, Arkapaw, who’s also the first Black director of photography to win an Oscar, ascended the platform to get her statue engraved beside her young son.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 16, 2026

"It almost feels like having a cinematographer or director of photography specialising in action films assisting you."

From BBC Feb. 19, 2026

She even knew a Chinese cameraman who would be her director of photography.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

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