Cinematography literally refers to everything to do with the camera. A director of photography will therefore have to make a dizzying array of decisions, all of which will drastically change the look and feel of the film. When it comes to making your thriller opening sequence, you will have to utilise a wide range of shot types, camera angles, camera movement and other camera techniques in order to create a thrilling, memorable and above all coherent sequence.
The shot type refers to the distance between the camera and the subject. There are three major shot types; the long shot, mid-shot and close-up. Each shot type has it's own disadvantages.
For example, a long shot is excellent at establishing setting. This is why the establishing shot is often a long shot. However, from such a distance, we cannot see much of the main character's expression, costume, or other aspects of mise-en-scene.
The examples here are from Steven Spielberg's Raider's of the Lost Ark (1981)
A close-up is an excellent way of demonstrating the personality of the subject, and can be used to position the audience with certain characters.
A mid-shot gives the best of both worlds, and is often referred to as a two-shot, as you can use this to show two characters in the same frame.
While the shot type refers to where the camera is positioned, the camera angle refers to how the camera is positioned. This can create a variety of meanings for the audience.
The examples here come from Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 post-apocalyptic masterpiece Akira.
A low angled shot can insinuate the subject is powerful, imposing or threatening. It could also be used to demonstrate that a character is significantly taller.
A high angle often has the opposite effect to a high angle shot. Here, a character appears weak and vulnerable. A high angle can put us in a position of superiority over the subject.
A particularly extreme high angled shot is called a bird's eye shot, and can be used in much the same way as a long shot. This typically requires a device such as a crane to accomplish.
A canted angle is where the camera itself is tilted to one side. Also known as a Dutch tilt, this angle has many applications. It can disorientate the viewer, and can emphasise the action in a certain shot
Classical Hollywood Cinema favored static camerawork with minimal camera movement. Any sense of movement was usually accomplished purely through montage. However, There are now many different ways of moving the camera. It is strongly advised you use camera movement sparingly: too much, and you risk confusing the audience!
Actually describing camera movement is made a lot easier through examples, so I strongly recommend you check out this five minute video. The Videomaker channel has lots of great examples of how to practically implement cinematography, so it's worth bookmarking.
The suggestions for the meanings of each cinematographic technique are just that: suggestions. A long shot can be used to show tranquility and contentment. A high angled shot can make a character look optimistic and positive. Use cinematography creatively, experiment, and work out your own style.
Additionally, watch as many films, tv programmes and other examples of visual media as possible to be inspired by different approaches to cinematography.
This user created documentary on the motifs of the prolific cinematographer Roger Deakins shows the ridiculous efforts that go in to creating a compelling diegesis
As an experiment, director Steven Soderbergh edited Spielberg's classic Raiders of the Lost Ark to be in black and white, and to lack any diegetic sound. His hypothesis was that the cinematography and editing of this film was so ridiculously strong in this film, the audience simply don't need colour or dialogue to make sense of what's going on. Give it a watch and you'll probably agree. With all distractions taken away it's a great chance to focus on world class cinematography.
Werner Herzog is an often unconventional director who has worked in a wide variety of genres. This 90 minute long lecture gives some valuable insight in to his film making practice.
Shot types
The shot type refers to the distance between the camera and the subject. There are three major shot types; the long shot, mid-shot and close-up. Each shot type has it's own disadvantages.
For example, a long shot is excellent at establishing setting. This is why the establishing shot is often a long shot. However, from such a distance, we cannot see much of the main character's expression, costume, or other aspects of mise-en-scene.
The examples here are from Steven Spielberg's Raider's of the Lost Ark (1981)
 |
| Long shot |
 |
| Close-up |
 |
| Mid-shot |
Camera angles
While the shot type refers to where the camera is positioned, the camera angle refers to how the camera is positioned. This can create a variety of meanings for the audience.
The examples here come from Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 post-apocalyptic masterpiece Akira.
A low angled shot can insinuate the subject is powerful, imposing or threatening. It could also be used to demonstrate that a character is significantly taller.
 |
| Low angle |
A high angle often has the opposite effect to a high angle shot. Here, a character appears weak and vulnerable. A high angle can put us in a position of superiority over the subject.
 |
| High angle |
 |
| Bird's eye |
A canted angle is where the camera itself is tilted to one side. Also known as a Dutch tilt, this angle has many applications. It can disorientate the viewer, and can emphasise the action in a certain shot
 |
| Canted angle |
Camera movement
Classical Hollywood Cinema favored static camerawork with minimal camera movement. Any sense of movement was usually accomplished purely through montage. However, There are now many different ways of moving the camera. It is strongly advised you use camera movement sparingly: too much, and you risk confusing the audience!
Actually describing camera movement is made a lot easier through examples, so I strongly recommend you check out this five minute video. The Videomaker channel has lots of great examples of how to practically implement cinematography, so it's worth bookmarking.
Exceptions
The suggestions for the meanings of each cinematographic technique are just that: suggestions. A long shot can be used to show tranquility and contentment. A high angled shot can make a character look optimistic and positive. Use cinematography creatively, experiment, and work out your own style.
Additionally, watch as many films, tv programmes and other examples of visual media as possible to be inspired by different approaches to cinematography.
Further viewing
This user created documentary on the motifs of the prolific cinematographer Roger Deakins shows the ridiculous efforts that go in to creating a compelling diegesis
As an experiment, director Steven Soderbergh edited Spielberg's classic Raiders of the Lost Ark to be in black and white, and to lack any diegetic sound. His hypothesis was that the cinematography and editing of this film was so ridiculously strong in this film, the audience simply don't need colour or dialogue to make sense of what's going on. Give it a watch and you'll probably agree. With all distractions taken away it's a great chance to focus on world class cinematography.
Werner Herzog is an often unconventional director who has worked in a wide variety of genres. This 90 minute long lecture gives some valuable insight in to his film making practice.