Capturing Images on Film

 The cinematographer works closely with the director to compose the images that are captured on film.  Some cinematographers operate the camera, many others supervise a team that includes one or more camera operators, who do the actual filming, and camera assistants, who load the film, mount the cameras and focus the lenses.

 For each shot in a film, the cinematographer must plan how far from the subject the camera will be, what kind of lens is necessary and the angle from which the shot will be made.  The cinematographer can create very different effects by varying the angle—or point of view—of the shot. A stationary camera can be rotated on the axis of the camera mount ( panning); it also can be moved up or down in a 90-degree arc ( tilting).

 When a camera is mounted on a dolly it can be rolled forward, backward and sideways.  Cameras also can be mounted on power- operated cranes that allow for even more flexibility.  Lightweight hand-held cameras also are used, at least in part, on many films.

-The camera is placed above the subject, looking down toward the subject and the ground. -Can seem disorienting because it is rarely the way audiences themselves see the world. -Directors often use the bird’s-eye view when they want to make some kind of dramatic comment on a character or scene

-Looking downwards, tends to draw attention to the importance of the environment or setting for a scene. -High angle shots also tend to make characters look small and are often used by directors to symbolically suggest insignificance or withering authority.

-Looking upwards, has the opposite effect of a high angle shot. -It tends to focus attention on the size and significance of a character or object. -Often directors will use this kind of shot to symbolically announce the power and authority of one of their characters without literally telling the audience this information. -Angle to immediately announce his role as the arch villain in the story.

-Shot by literally tilting the camera frame. It can be used to suggest a sense of “crookedness” and anxiety, or, in the case of some television news shows and music video programs, a sense of playfulness. -A canted shot occurs when you pivot the camera laterally to distort the horizon line as well as the perception of gravity. -A canted camera can create the illusion that a level field is a steep incline.

-Shot of someone or something taken over the shoulder of another person. -The back of the shoulder and head of this person is used to frame the image of whatever (or whomever) the camera is pointing toward. -This type of shot is very common when two characters are having a discussion and will usually follow an establishing shot which helps the audience place the characters in their setting.