Cinematography Glossary

The adjustable opening in a lens that controls how much light passes through to the sensor or film.

The proportional relationship between the width and height of a film frame or display.

A light placed behind the subject to create separation from the background, often producing a rim or halo effect.

The aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image, influenced by lens design and aperture shape.

Light redirected off a reflective surface such as a bounce board or ceiling to create softer, more diffused illumination.

A high-contrast lighting technique using bold interplay between light and shadow, originating in Renaissance painting.

The post-production process of altering and enhancing the color and tone of motion picture footage.

A measurement in Kelvin describing the warmth or coolness of a light source's color.

The zone of acceptable sharpness in an image, from the nearest to farthest point in focus.

Material or technique used to scatter light, softening shadows and reducing contrast on the subject.

A wheeled platform on which a camera is mounted to achieve smooth horizontal or forward/backward movement.

A camera technique where the camera is tilted on its roll axis to create a slanted horizon line.

The total amount of light reaching the camera sensor or film, determined by aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

A numerical value representing the ratio of a lens's focal length to its aperture diameter, controlling light transmission.

A secondary light used to reduce the contrast and soften shadows created by the key light.

The distance from the optical center of a lens to the image sensor when focused at infinity, measured in millimeters.

The chief lighting technician on a film set, responsible for executing the cinematographer's lighting design.

A technician who supports the camera and lighting departments by rigging, positioning, and shaping light modifiers and camera support equipment.

An imaging technique that captures and displays a greater range of luminosity between the darkest and brightest areas.

A measure of the sensitivity of a camera sensor or film stock to light; higher ISO values increase sensitivity but may introduce noise or grain.

The primary light source illuminating a subject, establishing the dominant direction and quality of light in a scene.

An optical artifact caused by non-image-forming light scattering within a lens, sometimes used for aesthetic effect.

Everything arranged within the camera frame including set design, lighting, costumes, and actor placement.

A light source visible within the frame of the shot, such as a lamp, candle, or television screen.

A mechanical camera stabilization system that allows smooth, fluid shots while the operator moves freely.