How Is Cinematography Used To Create Meaning

As we've seen, cinematographic style is very elaborate and flashy. But what most people don't realize is that this complexity comes from having lots of little tricks up its sleeve.

Many filmmakers use these small touches to create an overall theme or message for their film. A common way this happens is through the use of silhouettes.

A silhouette is when one object in a frame takes up almost all of the space with only part of it being cut off by another element. For example, if there's someone standing next to a car, then you only see the person with the car as a silhouette.

This creates a feeling of fear because you're not sure who will run into the vehicle or who will get out. The audience has to assume something bad will happen, which adds tension. Silhouetted scenes also create a sense of mystery as you try to figure out what will happen.

Another tool used in creating meaning via storytelling is foreshadowing. This occurs when events are hinted at before happening directly.

For instance, in a movie, characters might talk about how expensive things have become due to a recession. They could emphasize how hard they work but still not make ends meet. Or maybe mention how much money they need to save for a goal and then show them going shopping.

By using these types of hints, audiences can connect the event with the story later.

Visual symbolism

Another way that cinematographers use light in storytelling is as a symbol or representation of something. When you add intensity, focus, or importance to an element through lighting, it becomes a powerful tool for interpretation.

Take the example of someone walking down a darkened street at night. They could be going somewhere important, they could be escaping from something scary, or perhaps they are just trying to feel safe.

Their footsteps become increasingly heavier as they walk along so we get the sense that they want to take their time, they want to know there’s nothing behind them, and they don’t seem too concerned about what might come next.

That person would probably agree that this setting makes them feel comfortable, which is why most people choose to spend more time in dark, well-lit areas. Light can have different effects depending on how it’s used but overall, it creates an environment that feels normal, natural, and secure.

There are many ways professional photographers and videographers apply this concept to create stories, but some of the best ones go beyond mere decoration.

When photography and video are done skillfully, they can contribute significantly to the narrative. - Mandy Stadtmiller (Cinematic Photographer)

This article will talk about 5 ways that great cinematic shots include symbolic meaning.

Visual consistency

As mentioned before, narrative films use editing, sound, music, and of course, cinematography to create an environment for the viewer.

Editing is very important in filmmaking as it creates moods and settings. For example, a cut from wide-angle view up close fits beautifully with the beginning of a scene. Upclose shots emphasize intimacy, while wider angles make the setting bigger.

Music can add intensity or calmness depending on the situation. A common rule of thumb is that when there’s no music, you feel something is missing. Music can be instrumental (no vocals) or vocal (like songs).

With music, filmmakers will sometimes write their own pieces or find existing ones that fit the scenes better than what they had already. Many people learn how to play instruments to help with this process!

Last, we have color. Technically speaking, color does not influence our perception of emotion unless someone genetically predisposed to colors is watching. However, most people agree that certain shades of red, blue, and green indicate emotions more strongly than others.

Overall, white is typically used as a neutral background so viewers do not get distracted by other things like decorations or props. This makes sense since movies are usually about stories, so being focused on the story takes away some focus from other non-narrative features.

However, black backgrounds are also popular because they emphasize dramatic qualities.

The “golden rule” of cinematography

When it comes down to it, every good shot in the movies is designed to create an emotional response in the viewer. It amplifies or diminishes what you already feel about a subject matter or character.

Good cinematic shots are always deliberate and thought out, but there is one key thing they all share; they make you feel something.

They make you feel inspired, calmed, relaxed, excited, etc. - intensity emotions that help build strong connections with the material being filmed. And we as viewers need those connective tissues to invest more in the film.

It’s like when you enter a room for the first time. You make small talk at first until you find someone who doesn’t play nice and then you get your feelings exposed. Cinematic shots do the same, only better because they can be longer and more detailed.

There are three main reasons why good camera angles work so well.

Pay attention to the details

As we have seen, cinematic styles play an integral part in how stories are told, but they also contribute towards creating meaning. They do this by including or omitting certain components that are integral to the story being told.

The setting, tone, atmosphere, and narrative of the movie can all influence what is included in the cinematography and why it is used. Settings, for example, can emphasize importance through use of contrast.

For instance, when The Lion King was released in July 1994, there were no mobile phones nor technology such as laptops or tablets. This gave its scenes with digital devices an element of nostalgia due to the lack of availability.

Furthermore, since lions live in large tribes, their natural habitat emphasizes group dynamics. All these reasons make those scenes meaningful because they create a sense of community.

On the other hand, you could take a look at some of Alfred Hitchcock’s movies and notice how empty his settings are. For example, his house is always either totally dark or very bright depending on the scene, which creates a mysterious feel.

This does not necessarily mean that he did not like or care about people, however. Rather, he wanted to focus on the effects that loneliness has on characters instead.

Embrace creativity

As we have seen, cinematographers use many different tools to create their images, but what is important to recognize about this is that they are not using these tools for the sake of it. They use them because filming in close proximity with people is integral to telling stories.

A good story requires interesting characters, settings and situations. The way that you portray those three components comes down to how well you know your camera!

As such, there’s really no reason to fear getting up close and personal when it comes to storytelling. In fact, it can be one of your greatest strengths as filmmakers!

In order to truly appreciate the power of shooting intimate scenes, though, you will need to see some first hand examples of how professional cinematographers do it. Luckily, you don’t have to look very hard to find them!

There are several online video sites where aspiring or practicing cinematographers upload their work so that other people can watch and learn. Some of the more prominent ones include YouTube, Vimeo and Imgur.

Use lighting to your advantage

When it comes down to it, cinematographers use light in two main ways to create atmosphere or emphasize an element of the film. Either by creating shadows or using strong natural light sources to highlight an area or person.

When it comes down to it, cinematographers use light in two main ways to create atmosphere or emphasize an element of the film. Either by creating shadows or using strong natural light sources to highlight an area or person.

Shadows are when light is given off so that it creates darkness next to it. This usually happens when bright lights shine directly onto someone’s face or when something blocks the light source. For example, if there is a window behind someone then you will not see their backside because they have blocked the light.

Using low angles can also create dramatic shadows as the subject looks up at the sky or down into the floor. These types of shots often convey fear or urgency.

Keep your audience aware

As discussed earlier, cinema is an art form that uses storytelling as its main component. This doesn’t necessarily mean telling someone what happened from start to finish, nor does it always require elaborate sets and costumes.

Instead, cinematographers use various tools to help bring their audience into the story, keep them engaged, and create emotional connections. These tools include establishing setting, using contrast, framing, emphasis, and rhythm.

Many of these fundamentals can be applied directly to our daily lives, but some are more relevant in certain situations. For example, when watching a movie, you will notice how the camera moves around and shifts angles to add depth to the narrative.

These types of shots are important because they give you context to the characters and the storyline. The same goes for changing lenses or moving away or closer to show off more detail of the scenery or emphasize something significant.

When editing footage down to make an app video or YouTube clip, similar concepts apply. While not strictly cinematic, these tricks can enhance the way people perceive you and connect with you.

Use the location

As mentioned earlier, great cinematographers spend a lot of time thinking about where to place their camera. They consider the story that the scene is telling, what emotions it should evoke, and whether or not they like the look of the setting before deciding where to position the lens.

The way they use depth of field can also play an important role in how viewers perceive the scene. A very shallow depth of field makes everything seem closer together, creating a sense of intimacy between the characters and the audience. A completely blurred out background removes any barrier that exists between you and the subject.

A panning shot takes the camera from one area to another by moving the lens as the object moves. This creates a fluid transition and flow of the scene. It’s difficult to achieve without having a steady hand, but when done correctly it adds beauty to the movie.

These are just some examples of ways that cinematography is used to create mood and emphasize certain parts of the film. There are many more! If you're passionate about photography, then studying cinematic lighting, composition, and other fundamentals would be something worth looking into.