What is cinematography? Learn the basics and techniques.

Principal photography

During principal photography the cinematographer is more hands on with execution, guiding the crew, fine-tuning lighting and camera setups, and verifying that each shot delivers on the planned visual tone.

At this point, their core responsibilities include the following:

• Supervising camera and lighting crews to execute the planned scenes
• Reviewing dailies to catch any errors early on and maintain consistency
• Adjusting shots based on technical or creative needs
• Collaborating with the director on set to maintain consistency throughout the film
• Making decisions on movement, framing, and lensing based on changing conditions

Camera shots and angles.

Camera shots and angles are essential tools that cinematographers use to shape how a story is perceived and experienced. They influence the viewer’s perspective, emotional response, and understanding of plot developments or character dynamics.

Different shots and angles can dramatically shift how a scene is interpreted. A wide shot may establish an environment or portray isolation, while a close-up draws the viewer into a character’s emotional state. An over-the-shoulder shot is often used in dialogue scenes to show connection or tension between characters. A Dutch angle shot, where the camera is tilted, can signal subtly that something is unsettling or off-kilter.

These choices usually work in tandem with other cinematography techniques, such as composition and movement, to enhance the impact of every moment. For example, a scene may begin with a master shot to establish space, then cut to tighter angles as the emotional weight builds. Cinematographers carefully select from a range of types of camera angles and shots to shape the viewer’s experience and guide their emotional responses throughout a scene.

Camera movement.

Camera movement is how the camera physically shifts during a shot, whether it’s panning side to side, tilting up or down, or moving fluidly through a space. These movements do more than just follow an action — they influence the pacing, atmosphere, and how emotionally connected the audience feels to the moment.

Even subtle movement can influence how the audience feels. For example, a slow, steady tracking shot can build suspense or draw the viewer deeper into a character’s world, while an unsteady handheld shot may create a sense of chaos during an intense moment.

Common types of camera movement include:

• Pan. A shot that horizontally sweeps to reveal new information or follow a subject.
• Tilt. This vertical shift emphasizes height, reveals scale, or moves to a new perspective.
• Handheld. Raw and unpolished, this shot typically heightens realism or emotional urgency.
• Tracking shot. The camera moves with the subject to keep constant motion or further immerse the viewer.

When used at the right time, camera movement can alter the tone of a scene.

Composition and framing.

Composition and framing are the way visual elements are organized within the frame to guide the viewer’s attention and assist with storytelling. Cinematographers use certain compositional techniques to strike a visual balance, establish relationships between characters and their environment, and direct the viewer’s emotional response.

The following are some foundational techniques used in cinematic composition:

• Rule of thirds. This technique separates the frame into a 3x3 grid. Putting key subjects along these grid lines or at their intersections makes a more balanced, dynamic shot. For example, putting a subject off-center can create tension or emphasize their relationship to the environment around them.
• Leading lines. These are lines within the frame, such as roads, shadows, or doorways, that naturally draw the viewer’s eye toward a focal point. This guides the visual flow and adds depth to the image.
• Symmetry. Balanced compositions with mirrored elements on either side of the frame can establish a sense of harmony. On the other hand, breaking this symmetry can be useful if you want to disrupt the flow and surprise the viewer.
• 180-degree rule. This is a foundational guideline for filming dialogue or action sequences, as it helps maintain spatial orientation. Remaining on one side of an imaginary axis between two subjects ensures the audience always understands where each character is in relation to the others.
• Visual balance. Even without perfect symmetry, cinematographers can balance elements such as shapes, color, and subject weight across the frame to keep shots visually appealing and coherent.

Effective composition does more than create a pretty picture — it subtly directs the viewer’s eye, supports emotional moments, and helps scenes flow successfully.

Lenses and depth of field.

Lens choice plays a major role in how a scene is captured and perceived. Through aperture and focal length, cinematographers can keep certain elements in focus and others blurred from view. This is known as depth of field, a visual tool that emphasizes subjects, isolates key moments, or creates intimacy within a scene.

The following are some key factors that influence the depth of field and overall style of a frame:

• Focal length impacts how much of the scene is visible and how expanded or compressed the environment appears. A wide-angle lens captures more of the scene, while a telephoto lens narrows the field of view and brings background features closer.
• Aperture controls the amount of light that enters the lens as well as the range of focus. A lower f-stop (wider aperture) creates a shallow depth of field, which is ideal for close-ups or emotional focus. On the other hand, a higher f-stop shows sharper detail.
• Lens type also impacts the tone and style. Prime lenses offer consistency and sharp focus, while zoom lenses offer versatility when capturing scenes with quick action or switching between perspectives.
• Camera choice affects the final look, with various DSLRs, cinema cameras, or handheld rigs providing a completely different aesthetic. There are different sensor sizes, lens options, and more that influence grain, clarity, and depth.

Whether going for a dramatic moment or a natural look and feel, lenses and depth of field impact where the audience’s focus lies.