Cinematography Manual:

The Ultimate Guide to

Becoming a Director of
Photography
This guide for cinematographers will teach you all the
basics of cinematography while linking you to tons of
other great resources for more in-depth coverage.
Cinematography is an all-encompassing branch of filmmaking. It can be incredibly
complex and confusing for beginners, which is why we have created this manual to help you
tackle all things related to shooting a motion picture.
Cinematography is defined as the art or science of motion picture photography. It is a
derivative of the Greek word kinema, meaning movement. Much like a
language, cinematography must be learned well before you can really communicate.
A great director of photography will define light and space to create the ultimate image. Not
only does this include everything moving on the screen, but also the camera movements
that are used to communicate with the audience.

Director of Photography
Image: Director of Photography Emmanuel Lubezki via tasteofcinema.com
The Director of Photography, also known as the DoP or DP, is the chief cinematographer.
They are responsible for working with the film’s director to bring a story to life. They are
the second most powerful creative person on set. If the director was the president, the
DP is the vice president. Many of the world’s greatest DPs belong to the American Society
of Cinematographers (ASC).
The Director of Photography manages several production departments. Primarily, they
are the chief of the camera crew. The camera crew is made up by several positions, all of
which are responsible for setting up and using the camera itself. The DP is also in charge
of the grip and electric departments. These departments, also called G&E, are responsible
for providing the necessary power, lighting, and support gear for the camera.
 Image: Gravity – Director of Photography Emmanuel Lubezki via Evan Richards
Unlike other creative positions on set, you can actually breakdown everything a DP
does. You may not know why a director made certain decisions, but by studying film and
examining every frame, you can breakdown the work of the DP. Not only do you see the
actual camera movement and character blocking on set, you can breakdown the type of
lighting used and its placement. You can make a very accurate guess to what type of lenses
where used, as well as support gear like a Steadicam or dolly.
There are tons of great cinematographers to study. One of my favorite resources is
the cinematographer index from Evan Richards. Studying a film requires you to pause a
movie and examine it. Richards has taken the time to take incredible stills from some of the
most talented cinematographers. He then compiles complete breakdowns for some of the
best films ever made. I can’t recommend this site enough.
There are also resources from cinematographers themselves, like Roger Deakins, who has
a filmmaking forum on his site, and Shane Hurlbut, who has created in-depth tutorials in
his Inner Circle.
Director of Photography Resources:
 Camera Crew Breakdown
 Grip & Electric Departments
 8 Cinematographers Behind Famous Directors
 Roger Deakins’ Forum
 Evan Richards’ Cinematographer Index
 Shane Hurlbut’s Inner Circle

Cameras and Lenses

Image via ARRI

The Director of Photography will be responsible for choosing the camera used during
production. Keep in mind that your camera choice will then affect every other camera
decision — film or digital, types of lenses, camera settings, and available support gear.
There are so many camera options available, it’s easy to get lost. The camera choice for
every production will be limited by budget. Even if you have a large budget, that doesn’t
mean the most expensive camera is the best option. You’ll have to factor tons of other items
into the budget. Will you need film stock or memory cards? How many lenses will you
need? There are even many who agree that spending your money on lenses rather than
cameras will serve you in the long run. I’m inclined to agree.
Your camera choice can be guided by technical capabilities, but not decided on
specs alone. Storytelling should be the deciding factor. Take a look at The Martian, a film
with a budget over $100 million dollars that frequently used GoPros — cameras that cost
around $500. GoPro cameras were not chosen for their capabilities, but because they
perfectly fit the story.
If you want a particular scene to feel larger than life, then once again you will need to pick
the right camera. For The Dark Knight, director Christopher Nolan and Director of
Photography Wally Pfister decided to shoot many of the major action scenes on IMAX.
Once again, this was primarily a storytelling decision, but on the technical side it allowed
them to capture a much larger frame.

Image: Christopher Nolan and IMAX camera via Collider

Film vs Digital

Choosing a camera is no easy task. There are a multitude of options. Will you be shooting
digital or film? While film cameras had been the dominant camera choice for decades, the
technical advancements of digital camera sensors are nothing short of amazing. To the
average audience, they would never be able to tell if a movie was shot on film or
digitally. ARRI, the company behind nearly every recent film nominated for Best Picture,
makes film and digital cameras.
It’s more about the texture that fuels the story. For each different project or scene, I try to
find what color, what texture, what will work. And definitely the format you shoot affects that.
Digital has a certain look to it. Let’s say it’s more clean. It doesn’t have the movement of the
film grain. It doesn’t have that sensation that film gives you. And there’s certain things that
digital cameras can do — with a shutter, for example. On a film camera you can’t go with a
wider shutter than 180 degrees. So, I used that on The Wolf of Wall Street for certain
scenes. I used the shutter nearly 360 degrees to blow the images. I like both. I like the
depth of film. I love the film grain. It’s something that I do gravitate to, but I also appreciate
the benefits of digital for certain things. – Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto to IndieWire
Many filmmakers will often get caught up in the debate of film and digital, but like we
previously mentioned — storytelling is key. There are plenty of cinematographers who will
use multiple types of cameras for a production. You just need to pay attention to the right
factors. One of the biggest factors will be the codec used with digital cameras. The file
format will determine how much control you’ll have over altering and grading the footage in
post-production.
Also, if you are shooting digital, make sure you have a designated Digital Imaging
Technician or DIT. Like a film loader, a DIT manages the footage already recorded.
Unlike a film loader, the DIT is also responsible for backing up the content, distributing
footage to editors, and creating dailies.

Camera Settings
Image via Blackmagic Design
There are several camera settings a cinematographer needs to take into account before
shooting. Know the camera’s dynamic range, which is the ability to capture lights and
darks at once. Cameras used for major motion productions have at least 12 stops of
dynamic range. Also note the frame rate you will be shooting with.
Frame rate is the frequency at which film is recorded and displayed. It is measured in
frames per second. The industry standard is 24 frames per second, or 24 FPS. This
means that 24 single images compose one second of film. The term come from film
production, but is used in digital cameras too. To be even more technical, the frame rate is
more specific when a film is prepared for television broadcast.
In the Americas and parts of Asia, the standard is NTSC. The National Television System
Committee slowed film rates by a fraction to achieve a better broadcast standard. To
determine the NTSC rate, you will multiply the FPS by 1000 and then divide by 1001. If a
film was shot at 24 FPS, the actual rate broadcast will be 23.976 FPS in NTSC countries.
For films shot at 30 FPS, the NTSC standard becomes 29.970 FPS.
In most European and African countries, the standard is PAL. Phase Alternating Line was
introduced in response to NTSC, because the NTSC standards did not broadcast well in
many of the countries with extreme terrain or weather. PAL has a 20% higher resolution
than NTSC, and the FPS is actually increased. A 24 FPS film will be increased to broadcast
at 25 FPS.
The final setting we will briefly cover is ISO, for International Standards
Organization. Adjusting the ISO changes the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. ISO
was originally listed on the film stock, as different types of film were made. In the transition
to digital, the ISO is now a camera setting used to change the amount of light the sensor
captures. A lower ISO will achieve the best look, as a higher ISO level will introduce
noise and grain.

Lenses

Camera lenses are used in conjunction with the camera body to capture light, essentially
creating the image. Prime lenses are the ones most often used in film production. Prime
lenses have a fixed focal length, unlike zoom lenses, which have variable focal
lengths.
The focal length is the distance between the lens and the camera sensor. It is often
measured in millimeters. Prime lenses will list one focal length, because they have a fixed
distance. The most common prime lenses used on set are the 21mm for ultra-wide
 shots, 28mm up to 30mm for wide shots, 50mm for standard and medium shots,
and 85mm up to 105mm for portrait shots.
Zoom lenses will list both the lowest and highest focal length. Zooms can capture just about
any focal length in between, but that doesn’t mean you will get the best image. A
50mm prime lens will almost always give a better image than a zoom lens set to
50mm.
The second number you will see on a lens is the f-stop. The f-stop will let you know how
much light the lens will let in to the sensor. A lower f-stop will allow more light than a higher
f-stop.
Finally, you will need to take note of the type of mount the lens uses. Nearly every
manufacturer uses their own lens mount, but they can be interchangeable with a speed
booster or adapter. The Canon EF-mount is one of the most versatile and used mounts on
independent productions. In major studio productions, you will often see the PL-
mountfrom ARRI. There are plenty of other mounts as well, but these two will be seen most
often.
Camera and Lens Resources:
 Questions to Ask When Buying A Filmmaking Camera
 Cameras Used on Oscar-Nominated Films – No Film School
 Aperture, F-Stops & T-Stops
 Lens vs Camera: Which is a Better Investment?
 What’s the Difference Between Lens Mounts?
 How Expensive Are Real Cinema Lenses?
 Cinema Lenses You Can Afford
 A Tedious Explanation of the f/stop – Matthew Cole
 How Dynamic Range Affects Video – Make Use Of
 How Do Camera Shutters Work?
 Digital Cinema Pocket Guides – The Black and Blue
 The Evolving Role of a Digital Imaging Technician

Camera Movement
Image: Cinematographer and Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown via Tested
After finally setting up the camera and choosing a lens, it’s time to start planning a shot. By
taking a look at the film’s storyboard, a cinematographer will have a good grasp on what the
director is envisioning. One of the many benefits of having a storyboard is seeing the
listed camera movements and director’s notes.
A storyboard will often let a cinematographer and camera crew know when they need to
zoom in or follow a character. By knowing what a scene calls for, they can choose the
right support gear necessary to pull off a camera move. The primary piece of gear is
the tripod. If the camera is supposed to be locked in — meaning no movement at all — or
just a simple pan, tilt, or zoom, the tripod is going to be the golden standard piece of
gear you need.
Tripods really are great for a pan, tilt, or zoom. For a pan, or panorama, simply turn the
tripod head (and camera) to the left or right. To achieve a tilt, move the tripod head up or
down. For a zoom, you will actually lock the tripod in place and then use the camera lens
to zoom in or zoom out. If you are using a prime lens, then the tripod will need to be set
on a dolly to move in or move out. This is no longer a zoom, but a dolly zoom.
Image: The Alamo cinematographer on camera dolly via Wikipedia
A dolly is typically a flat platform with wheels that travels along a set of tracks. A camera
operator then rides on the dolly to capture smooth movement, often used to
capture tracking shots. A dolly doesn’t always have to be an expensive cart on rails In fact,
many creative cinematographers build their own with the tools they have available.
The term to dolly refers to moving directly toward or away from a subject. Unlike
zooming, the focal length of the lens does not change. It is the camera itself that moves in
or out. If moving alongside a subject from left to right, the correct term is truck. This should
not be confused with panning. Panning is looking left or right from a fixed position. Trucking
is physically moving the camera left or right.
When the first automobiles where created, the Hollywood studio industry was one of the first
to adopt the technology. The early vehicle dolly was the predecessor to the camera car.
Now these machines feature futuristic cranes and robotic arms that are used by
cinematographers to capture high speed action.
Image: Director of Photography Robert Richardson on a crane via EOSHD
Speaking of cranes, the crane is another camera gear staple. A camera is placed on
a crane or jib to frame characters from high above and/or far away. There and hundreds of
different types of cranes. Some feature platforms for a cameraman to operate the camera,
while others are all digitally controlled. Cranes are often used for pedestal movements,
where a camera moves vertically up or down. Now, cranes are frequently being replaced
by drones on independent productions.
Finally, we have to mention handheld stabilizers. There is a whole new industry out there
since the first Steadicam appeared in the 1970s. The first Steadicam was a stabilizer
attached to a spring loaded arm mounted to a camera operator’s chest plate. The weighted
stabilizer helped keep balance, while the spring arm absorbed shock and movement.
The Steadicam revolutionized the film industry, because it allowed cinematographers to
follow subjects and capture footage like never before.
 The Steadicam totally changed tracking. Tracking is a movement that constantly follows
the action from the same distance. Before, tracking was limited to a dolly’s tracks. With the
Steadicam, a camera operator could follow a character anywhere. One of the earliest and
most famous uses of this new type of tracking shot was the iconic stair climb in Rocky.
Over the past few years, there has been a technological revolution in stabilizers. Now, with
state of the art gimbals, camera operators can run with a smaller and lighter load. It has
also caused a dramatic price drop, which has allowed cinematographers of every level the
ability to own a handheld stabilizer.
Camera Movement Resources:
 Questions to Ask When Picking a Camera Stabilizer
 Camera Cars & Trailers
 Awesome Robots Behind the Camera
 How to Use a Steadicam Shot
 How to Utilize Dynamic Tracking Shots
 Stabilizer Rigs for Run and Gun Gigs

Framing

Image: Cinematographer Robert Richardson framing shots via Variety

Framing a shot is a cinematographer’s calling card. The typical audience member’s
understanding of cinematographyis how the film looks. They don’t take into account
camera choices, lenses, and lighting. They view cinematography as just framing, but in
their defense — framing is a major factor in the overall look of the film.
Framing may be one of the most talked-about subjects on this site. Not only have we briefly
run down the standard shots a cinematographer uses, we have since gone back to go
incredibly in-depth on each shot.

Extreme Wide Shot

Image: Inglourious Basterds Extreme Wide shot via The Weinstein Company and Universal
Pictures
An extreme wide shot showcases the surroundings of a character. It prominently
features scale, distance, and location. It is often taken from a long distance. This shot is
often also used as an establishing shot. It typically features landscapes or massive
building exteriors.

Wide Shot
Image: Hugo Wide Shot via Paramount Pictures
The wide shot frames a character from head to toe. It is also referred to as a long shot
or a full shot. These shots are used to show the audience the context and space of a
scene by featuring scale, distance, and location.
Take a further look at the Extreme Wide Shot and Wide Shot by breaking down the work
of master cinematographer Robert Richardson.
Medium Long Shot
Image: Skyfall Medium Long Shot via Sony Pictures
The medium long shot frames the subject from the knees up, and often the focus is on
the location rather than the character. The shot is also called a three-quarters
shot… obviously it frames three-quarters of the character. The medium long shot
is often used as an establishing shot, as it shows a character in relation to their
surroundings.

Medium Shot
Image: No Country For Old Men Medium Shot via Miramax
A medium shot frames a character from their waist up. It should be considered a
personal shot, as it frames a character so it appears that the audience is in a conversation
with them. This is why the medium shot is often used in interviews. It is a relatable angle
that everyone is used to.

Medium Close-Up Shot

Image: The Big Lebowski Medium Close-Up via Working Title Films
The medium close-up shot frames a character from the middle of their chest and up. It
is sometimes called a head and shoulders shot. The emphasis is on the character’s
facial expressions, but their body language should complement the overall composition.
Take a deeper look at the Medium Shot, Medium Long Shot, and Medium Close-Up by
breaking down the work of master cinematographer Roger Deakins.

Close-Up Shot
Image: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Close-Up via United Artists
The close-up shot tightly frames a character or object. Typically, close-ups are used to
portray a character’s emotions, while only framing their face. They can also used
to show a highly specific action.

Extreme Close-Up Shot

Image: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Extreme Close-Up via United Artists
 An extreme close-up is a view so tight that the audience can only see some features of a
character or object. The entire screen is filled with a single feature, like a character’s eyes
or mouth.
Take an in-depth look at the Close-Up Shot and Extreme Close-Up Shot by looking at the
work of Sergio Leone.
These shots are the building blocks of every film. A cinematographer can build on top of
these shots by adjusting the camera angle. Create a warped or unnatural feeling with a
Dutch angle. Enhance a situation or character with a low-angle shot. There are so many
additional cinematography techniques built upon these standard frames.
Framing Resources:
 7 Standard Shots Every Cinematographer Must Know
 How to Frame a Wide Shot Like a Master Cinematographer
 How to Frame a Medium Shot Like a Master Cinematographer
 How to Shoot Close-Up Shots Like Sergio Leone
 How the Pros Frame a Close-Up
 7 Iconic Hollywood Cinematography Techniques
 How to Frame a Low-Angle Shot
 Warp Your Reality With Dutch Angles

Lighting

Lighting has a direct effect on the overall look of a film, which is why the lighting
department reports to the Director of Photography. Here is a brief rundown on
the basics of set lighting.
Light is measured in Kelvin (K), which measures temperature on the absolute scale.
The lower the K, the more red the light will appear. The lowest Kelvin measurement is for
candlelight, which falls between 1000K – 1900K.
Going higher on the Kelvin scale will progress to yellow light, white light, and blue light.
Incandescent and Halogen lights are found around 2500K – 3000K. Daylight is found
around 5600K. A clear blue sky can be found at 10,000K.

Types of Lights
Image: Set Lighting via Central Booking Service
There are many types of lights, but for film purposes, you should be familiar
with Tungsten, HMI, Fluorescent, and LED. Also, don’t forget about the sun.
Tungsten bulbs produce an orange hue around 3200K. The lamps require a lot of power
and do get very hot, but they are dimmable. They are usually used for lighting interiors.
Add a blue gel to tungsten lights to create daylight.
Hydrargyrum Medium-Arc Iodide (HMI) lights are the most common light used on
set. HMI lamps are up to four times more powerful than traditional incandescent bulbs. They
can be dangerous, so it is highly advised to have a professional lighting technician on
hand. HMI lights emit an ultraviolet light with a blue hue.
Fluorescent bulbs were once notorious for flickering and their ugly orange-green hue. Now
fluorescent bulbs are flicker free and offer multiple color temperatures. The very soft light
is more efficient that an incandescent bulb and can offer a similar look to HMI lights.
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are very common on smaller sets. White LED lights are most
popular, but LEDs are actually manufactured in every color. The diodes are designed to
offer directional light, but they are limited in overall output.

Three-Point Lighting
 Image: Three-Point Lighting diagram via Skillman Video Group
Three-point lighting is the standard lighting setup for video production. The name
gives away the fact that you will be using three light sources. Note that I said three sources,
not three lights. You can use the sun if you want to, but three-point lighting is mostly used
indoors.
The primary light source is called the key light. This light shines directly on a character or
subject from the front right or front left. This light should establish the overall look and feel of
the shot. The second light is the fill light, which fillsin the character or subject with a softer
light. If the key light is used on the front right, then the fill light will be used on the front left.
The fill light should always be positioned on the opposite side of the key light. Finally there
is the back light. Like the name infers, this light is used in the back of the subject. This light
is used to separate the subject from the background. Is should create a rim of light around
the subject, which is why it’s also called a rim light.
Keep in mind that three-point lighting is just the beginning. As a cinematographer, you
will need to break some rules to achieve the best overall look. This includes turning off
lights, or adding more. You can also move the light’s location and use high-key
lighting or low-key lighting. You can also use a flashlight or torch to get that popular lens
flare.
Lighting Resources:
 Understanding Set Lighting and Color Temperature
 An Introduction to Three-Point Lighting – Vimeo
 How to Use High-Key Lighting
 How Low-Key Lighting Can Make Your Film Dramatic
 5 Practical Cinematic Lighting Tutorials
 Lighting Tips to Consider Before Shooting Your Next Film