cinematographer
gb/sˌɪnɪmətˈɑɡɹəfɚ/ us/sˌɪnɪmətˈɑɡɹəfɚ/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
C1
role
1
person who designs film visuals
A person who controls how a film or show is shot and looks on camera.
Usage pattern:
the cinematographer of [film/show]; [someone] works as a cinematographer; hire a cinematographer
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse cinematographer (overall visual approach) with camera operator (mainly operating the camera).
Synonyms
director of photography (Common alternative title, especially in film credits (often shortened to DP/DoP).)
|
DP (Industry abbreviation for director of photography.)
Collocations
award-winning cinematographer
|the film's cinematographer
|chief cinematographer
|feature-film cinematographer
|documentary cinematographer
|freelance cinematographer
|hire a cinematographer
|cinematographer credit
|work with a cinematographer
|the cinematographer's lighting
Themes
film_tv
|arts
|media
|jobs
Examples
- The cinematographer used soft lighting and slow tracking shots to create a dreamlike mood.
- She won an award for her work as the cinematographer on the documentary.
- The director and cinematographer met early to decide on the film’s color palette.
Learner examples
- The cinematographer filmed the scene at night.
- He works as a cinematographer for TV shows.
Noun
C1
role
2
person who films with a camera
A professional who films videos for clients or projects.
Usage pattern:
a wedding/event cinematographer; a freelance cinematographer; book a cinematographer for [event/project]
Common mistake:
In everyday business contexts, cinematographer can overlap with videographer; cinematographer often implies a more cinematic style.
Synonyms
videographer (More general term for someone who records video, often with less emphasis on cinematic lighting/composition.)
|
camera professional (Broad term that can include many roles, not only shooting and visual design.)
Collocations
wedding cinematographer
|event cinematographer
|commercial cinematographer
|brand cinematographer
|freelance cinematographer
|book a cinematographer
|cinematographer for the shoot
|on-set cinematographer
|travel cinematographer
|cinematographer package
Themes
media
|jobs
|business
|technology
Examples
- They hired a cinematographer to film their product launch in a cinematic style.
- As a freelance cinematographer, he travels with a small crew and lightweight gear.
- The cinematographer delivered a short highlight film two weeks after the event.
Learner examples
- We booked a cinematographer for our wedding.
- She is a freelance cinematographer.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cinematographer
IPA
GB/sˌɪnɪmətˈɑɡɹəfɚ/
US/sˌɪnɪmətˈɑɡɹəfɚ/
Syllables & stress
cine - ma - to - graph - er (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (graph)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: cinematographer
- Plural: cinematographers
Word family
Forms
cinematographers
noun
Core family
Advanced or less common
cinematographic
adjective
cinematographically
adverb
Expressions
director of photography
1/dɪɹˈɛktɚ əv fətˈɑɡɹəfi/
fixed phrase
technical
cinematographer job title
The person in charge of how a film is shot and lit.
Examples
- The director of photography chose wide lenses to make the rooms feel larger.
- In the credits, she is listed as the director of photography.
- The director worked closely with the director of photography to plan the opening sequence.
dp
1/dp/
fixed phrase
technical
abbreviation for cinematographer
Short for director of photography (cinematographer).
Examples
- Ask the DP if we can get a softer key light on the actor.
- The DP tested three camera setups before the shoot.
- On set, the DP and gaffer reviewed the lighting plan together.