More often than not, films are produced are in an artistic way that looks pretty straightforward for the audience. Watching a movie, the audience feels that he is simply following up with a story. They relate to the movie's every single plot detail, share emotions with the protagonist, and detest the antagonist.
Nonetheless, if you look at the essence of films, these are beyond simply telling a story or capturing a picture - or recording a video, for the matter. Instead, there is a mastery behind the production of a film that catches the audience's attention. In cinema terms, this mastery is called cinematography.
Kyle / Pexels | There is a worthwhile mastery behind the production of every film - and the mastery is called cinematography.
So, what is cinematography, and what does a cinematographer do? Well, in its truest sense, cinematography is the art of depicting and recording eye-catching images in movies that go along with the story and plot.
What Is Cinematography?
Of course, every film and movie revolves around a central theme. A punchline that hits the audience right in the heart. More often than not, this central theme is the propagation of goodness and undermining evil. This is where the idea of a protagonist (the hero in the movie) and antagonist (the villain) comes from.
Thus, it is essential to note here that behind all this mastery is the hidden hands of a cinematographer. A professional who not only makes the best videos and recordings but makes a worthwhile combination of the story and the visualization. Consequently, the end result is the whole movie, where everything is portrayed perfectly.
Cotton Bro / Pexels | Cinematography is an art of visual storytelling and photography that catches the audience's attention.
The audience looks at the leading characters and relates to them. In the background, the visuals (images, videos, and voice recordings) go side by side - making a wholesome piece of literature that we call movies.
What Does Cinematography Include?
As mentioned earlier, cinematography is the art behind the masterpiece of visual storytelling. A cinematographer is a mastermind behind unique pieces of literature like films, shows, movies, and visual narration.
Here is what cinematography includes:
- Photography, snapping, and visual aids
- Camera rolling, camera motion, and camera angles (Everything that is linked to the mastery of Photography)
- Framing
- Composition
- Filtration
- Exposure
- Film Selection
Pixabay / Pexels | From framing and composition to visual depiction, everything is covered in cinematography. And the mastermind behind all these is a professional cinematographer.
Thus, the list of cinematography elements goes on and on. The idea behind cinematography is simple: It aims at helping the audience better perceive the story and plot that is portrayed in the film.
That said, professional cinematographers are one of the most highly paid professionals in the world. Because the nature of their job is complex and technical, they get handsomely paid. However, professional cinematographers argue that it is one of the most exciting jobs. If you are passionate about photography and composition, they suggest opting for cinematography as a profession.
