cinematographer
n.n. a person who is an expert in the art of making movies. This word is an older way to say 'cinematographer' or 'director of photography'.
n. a person who is an expert in the art of cinematography. Often used in historical or formal contexts to describe the director of photography.
The cinematographer chose the perfect lighting for the scene.
The film's success was largely due to the cinematographer's ability to capture the beauty of the landscape.
While the director provides the vision, the cinematographer is responsible for translating that vision into a visual language through the use of light, color, and camera movement.
From cinematograph + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Nouncinematographer
- Nouncinematography
Last updated May 19, 2026