The cinematographer is the person responsible for the visual look and camera work of a film. They are also called the director of photography, or DP. They work with the director to translate the script into images. They choose the camera, the lens, the film stock or digital sensor, the lighting, and the framing. They lead the camera crew and the lighting crew. They are responsible for the look of every frame.

The role is collaborative and technical. A cinematographer must understand exposure, color, contrast, and composition. They must know how to light a scene to create a mood, how to move the camera to tell a story, and how to use lenses to control perspective. They must also manage a crew, a budget, and a schedule. The job is part artist, part technician, part manager.

Some cinematographers are known for their distinctive styles. Roger Deakins favors natural light and precise composition. Emmanuel Lubezki uses long takes and natural light. Hoyte van Hoytema shoots on film and large formats. Each brings a visual signature to their films. The cinematographer does not usually get the same recognition as the director, but their work defines how a film looks and feels.