cinematographer

In cinema, the person responsible for the visual look and style of a film, in terms of lighting and camera placement. The cinematographer usually works in collaboration with the director.

Some directors established long-standing collaborations with cinematographers, such as D W Griffith's with Billy Bitzer (1872–1944) or Charlie Chaplin's with Rollie Totheroh (1890–1967). Some leading stars had marked preferences for particular lighting camera operators, such as Greta Garbo for William H Daniels (1895–1970). In the early silent era, the director of photography also operated the camera, but now they are backed up by substantial crews.