Is Cinematography The Same As Videography?
Technically, cinematographic filming is not photography. It is instead categorized under the broader genre of film-making, which also includes such styles as documentary filmmaking, narrative storytelling, and experimental or avant-garde cinema.
However, one of the most popular uses of the term “cinematography” is to describe the technique used in capturing still images or videos that are then re-edited into a longer movie. These pictures are referred to as “lenses and angles.”
This article will talk about why this use of the word is wrong and what you can call these photos if you want to be correct! This article will also discuss some terms like shallow depth of field (or defocus) and broad focus.
Update: Here are 30 beautiful examples of cinematic style photographs You Can Make at Home!
Why is using the term ‘photographer’ for people who take self-hovered shots incorrect?
We reached out to several experts to see how they define the term photographer. All agreed that while it is okay to refer to yourself as a photographer, it is definitely not appropriate to refer to your own work as photographic.
Dr. Leslie Hairston, Chief Marketing Officer at Getty Images says:
"The definition of a photographer is someone who makes creative use of light, space, and composition to create aesthetically pleasing images that communicate an idea or story.
Difference between cinematography and videography
Technically, cinematographers do not use light to create photographs. Rather, they use natural light or artificial lighting for creative effect.
However, because most people refer to all photographers as “cinematographers” there is some confusion about what that term actually means. This article will clear up any myths!
A few key differences exist between professional photographer-cinematographers (also referred to as cinematic photograhers) and traditional still photography.
One of these major distinctions is how camera equipment is used. While both artistic photojournalists and filmmaker/commercial production companies use heavy amounts of expensive gear, this is not the case with independent filmmakers.
Most documentary and narrative feature length films are shot on a mix of paid and volunteer crew members using mostly inexpensive gear. This includes having many different cinematographers use various types of cameras and lighting rigs.
This also applies when filming short documentaries or promotional videos for businesses or non profit organizations.
Equipment needed for both
Technically, neither term is completely correct. The word cinematographer comes from the Greek words kinema (moving picture or film) and photike (light-taking). A cinematic photographer is therefore someone who takes pictures using light to create moving images.
However, before there was that term, people used the word photographer to describe anyone who took still photos. Only later did they begin adding gels, filters, and strobes to achieve more interesting photographs. These photographers’ work is now considered part of the much newer field we call visual storytelling - creating images with intention.
Some people may argue that because those early filmmakers didn’t use a camera alone, then cinematography isn’t really photography. But why would you not include your own self in your photograph? I guess it depends on what you consider to be photographic.
Shooting locations
As we discussed earlier, cinematographers are paid more than video directors because they have additional cost items like lighting equipment and camera settings.
However, this doesn’t mean that video directors don’t get to use expensive gear!
In fact, there are many times where an experienced video director is given the keys to a fully-equipped film set and asked to do his or her job.
By and large though, it’s the extra costs of hiring professional grade cameras and lights for extended amounts of time that make up the difference in pay.
And while it may be fun to direct a movie with your own camera, you probably aren’t getting rich off all those lens packages and gaffer tins!
Cinematography isn’t just about shooting pretty pictures either - even when editing down shots to storytelling sequences, there’s still some cleverly executed design involved.
This article will talk about some of the ways that filmmaking location scouts contribute to the success of a project. If you want to learn how to become a filming location scout, check out our related article here.
Types of cinematography
Technically, anything that is filmed in front of or within a camera lens is considered cinematographic filming. That includes documentaries, feature films, TV shows, and even some web videos!
However, not all shots done during filmmaking are considered cinematographic. This is because most of the time, it’s not really necessary to have a professional grade camera to produce engaging footage.
By this definition, any type of shooting can be called “cinematic” if it creates an emotional response in the viewer. Some examples of this include:
Interior scenes with lots of light for depth
Ambient outdoor settings
Indoor environments with natural lighting
Walking around or interacting with other subjects
Close up (zooming-in) on faces, hands, and objects
The key here is to pick your battle, whether it’s professional level equipment, or just something more casual.
Ways of editing your video
Another way to edit your videos is by using different shooting styles, or what’s called a genre. There are many cinematographic genres that you can choose from, such as documentary, narrative non-fiction (NNT), journalistic, drama, action, and more!
By experimenting with all these various genres, you will find yourself developing your own style. Many professional filmmakers develop their personal touch through exploring different genres and modes.
You don’t have to be professionally trained to do this either; anyone can experiment with different cinematic concepts to achieve beautiful results.
Slow motion
Another key difference between cinematographic filming and documentary style shooting is slow motion. While both use moving equipment, one uses it to create an aesthetically pleasing effect while the other uses it for journalistic purposes.
Filmmakers often use slow motion in fiction films to add dramatic appeal. For example, after watching a particularly intense scene, people may feel like they need to do something drastic - like punching walls!
This is not true with using slow motion during non-fiction filmmaking. When used correctly, slow motion can be used to emphasize important moments in a film. An example of this would be when someone does something significant (like saving another person’s life).
Because we are given normal speed versions of these events, it doesn’t give us enough time to form an opinion about them. If you have ever seen a sports movie where a player or team member gets hit by a car and then there is a quick cut away before they get taken out of the hospital, that is deliberate usage of slow motion.
We don’t get to see their reactions because it is done so quickly, making it more impactful due to the length of time it takes to develop them.
Visual effects
Another major difference between cinematographic filming and video is the use of visual effect or special touches called “visuals”. These are typically things such as establishing shots, off-camera lighting, lensing, and/or gels.
With filmmaking, whether it be for television or feature length films, these visuals have a specific function. They help tell the story, enhance the setting, emphasize something in the narrative, etc.
However, with videos there is no longer an emphasis on using visuals to convey information. A well done cinematic look can easily distract viewers from the content of the piece, but not when you want to inform or inspire.
This was clearly seen with YouTube videos that had extremely flashy graphics, bright colors, and dramatic camera angles. While some people may enjoy them, most consider them overly designed pieces of entertainment.
It is important to know what genres use more or less visuals depending on their intended audience. Filmmakers spend time creating beautiful looks because they understand the importance of aesthetics!
Another reason why filmmakers tend to focus more on visuals is because of the length constraints of film. You must keep editing the movie down due to running out of space or money, so all of the settings, lights, and wardrobe are very expensive.
Video however, does not have this constraint, which makes designing much of the footage free rein.