The common answer is that it is based on a principle called 'persistence of vision'. If you see a stream of separate images rapidly enough, the eye/brain produces a smooth continuously changing image. You have to have at least about 25 frames per second for a smooth picture; if it's slower, it starts to look 'flickery' like the old fashioned early silent movies.

Introduction:

Cinematographers play a crucial role in enabling us to see a film. They are responsible for capturing the visual elements of a film, including the composition, lighting, and camera movements. Through their expertise, they create a visual narrative that enhances the storytelling and evokes emotional responses from the audience. The underlying principle behind their work lies in the art of cinematography.

Composition:

One of the fundamental aspects of cinematography is composition. Cinematographers carefully frame each shot, selecting the elements within the frame that contribute to the storytelling and overall aesthetics. They consider factors such as the placement of actors, props, and the background to create visually appealing and meaningful images. By utilizing various techniques like rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry, cinematographers guide our eyes to focus on specific details, characters, or events.

Lighting:

Lighting is another crucial aspect controlled by cinematographers, as it sets the mood, atmosphere, and helps convey emotions in a film. They use different types of lights, such as key lights, fill lights, and backlighting, to create depth, shadows, and highlights. The strategic placement and intensity of lights can evoke various emotions, enhance the narrative, and emphasize specific elements within a scene. Cinematographers also consider the color temperature of lights, using warm or cool tones to convey different moods or time of day.

Camera Movements:

Cinematographers employ various camera movements to enhance the visual experience and provide different perspectives to the audience. These movements include pans, tilts, dollies, tracking shots, and handheld shots. Each movement serves a purpose, whether it is to follow a character, reveal a new location, or create a sense of urgency. By carefully choreographing these movements, cinematographers guide our attention and immerse us deeper into the film's narrative.

Visual Effects and Post-Production:

In addition to capturing the scenes, cinematographers also work closely with visual effects artists and post-production teams. They collaborate to enhance the visual elements of a film through techniques such as color grading, compositing, and adding visual effects. This collaboration ensures that the final product aligns with the director's vision and creates a cohesive visual experience for the audience.

Conclusion:

Cinematographers enable us to see a film by utilizing their expertise in composition, lighting, camera movements, and collaboration with post-production teams. Through their artistry, they create visually appealing and meaningful images that enhance the storytelling and evoke emotional responses from the audience. Cinematography is a critical element in the filmmaking process, allowing us to experience the narrative in a visually captivating and immersive way.