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

Gabbard got married in a Hindu ceremony to her Hawaii-based cinematographer husband.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Svetnoy was close friends with cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and held her in his arms as she lay dying on the floor of the New Mexico movie set.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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

It’s work far more obscured than what’s typical for Oscar voters, to whom a cinematographer can show a frame, a costume designer can hold up a garment, an actress can point to a monologue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 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