director of photography

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   The person responsible for the visual look of a film or television production, including camera work and lighting.

   Grammar: Countable; plural is 'directors of photography'. Often shortened to 'DP' in credits.

   Patterns

   • the director of photography for something
   • work as director of photography
   • the director of photography on a film

   The director of photography chose a wide lens to make the landscape look vast.

   She worked as director of photography on several independent films.

   The director of photography and the director discussed the lighting for the final scene.

Word forms

Common combinations

the director of photography for a film

He was the director of photography for the award-winning movie.

work as director of photography

After years as a camera operator, she began to work as director of photography.

the director of photography on set

The director of photography on set adjusted the lights before each take.

hire a director of photography

The production company decided to hire a director of photography with experience in action films.

Synonyms and how they differ

cinematographer

A more general term for the same role; 'director of photography' is often used in credits and on set.

DP

Informal abbreviation used in the film industry; not suitable for formal writing.

Word family

photography noun

The art or practice of taking photographs.

photographic adjective

Relating to photography or photographs.

Commonly confused: director of photography or photographer?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “director of photography”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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