The best cinematographers are artists, technicians, diplomats, and accountants. Choosing the best cinematographers is tough. But we’ve done it. We’ve done the research so you’ll know whose work you need to study, and whose styles you can learn from. If you want your film to look like it was shot by one of the world’s best cinematographers, read on. We’ve broken down the key cinematic techniques that the top cinematographers who are working today actively use. Onto the list!

Best Cinematography = Best Cinematographers The key to the best cinematography We know it's hard to classify anything under "best cinematography." It's subjective. However there are certain works that draw universal acclaim. So what leads to some of the best cinematography we see on screen? First, we have to acknowledge that without a great cinematographer at the helm you can not have great cinematography. So then... What makes a great cinematographer? The combination of cinematography techniques, communication skills, and willingness to push limits with experimentation all make for a great director of photography. But a good DP must also have business savvy and diplomatic skills, two areas that will never show on screen. Cinematographers must employ a unique blend of collaboration and leadership. They head the camera department and work closely with the director.

CINEMATOGRAPHER VS. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY What's the difference ? The terms cinematographer and director of photography are often used interchangeably. Same job, different title. So why have both terms? The historical reason is that many countries' film industries evolved independently and so different terms developed for similar roles. The title Cinematographer vs DP is mostly just a personal preference at this point. The responsibility is the same in either case: execute on the visual style (or look) of a project, and run the camera departments which include the gaffers and the grips (who then manage their own respective departments).

Each filmmaker on this list uses film as a true artistic medium, with mise en scene, light, tone, movement, and texture working together to create masterful work. They’ve no doubt memorized our ultimate guide to camera shots.

best famous cinematographers 1. Roger Deakins There is no denying that Roger Deakins is one of the best cinematographers of all time. He’s at the top of his game, and has been for the last 25 years. Respect for the story drives his style in every film. A style notable for use of natural light, a subtle camera, and innovative color palettes.

Blade Runner 2049 - Roger Deakins

Deakins rarely shoots with an anamorphic lens, which he thinks are too slow when processing light. You can learn more about Roger Deakins' cinematography style from the video below, where breaks down the insane ways they shot 1917:

How Roger Deakins Shot 1917 • Subscribe on YouTube

The composition of his shots are visually stunning in every one of the films in a body of work that transcends genre, style and theme. He remains at the top of any list of the best cinematographers.

Summary Roger Deakins Visual Style: Natural light, subtle camerawork, fearless color palettes

Natural light, subtle camerawork, fearless color palettes Films: 1917, Blade Runner 2049, Skyfall, Hail, Caesar!, Sicario, Unbroken, Prisoners, The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, Dead Man Walking, O Brother Where Art Thou, The Big Lebowski, A Beautiful Mind, No Country for Old Men.

1917, Blade Runner 2049, Skyfall, Hail, Caesar!, Sicario, Unbroken, Prisoners, The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, Dead Man Walking, O Brother Where Art Thou, The Big Lebowski, A Beautiful Mind, No Country for Old Men. Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 118 wins & 149 nominations.

"...[O]n a film like A Serious Man without a huge budget, you're on a tight schedule and shoot when you have to, even if the light isn't exactly what you want. If you do a digital intermediate (DI) you can change the lighting, the saturation and the contrast. You can do a lot without spending the money to go to an effects house." — Roger Deakins

Best Film Cinematographers 2. Caleb Deschanel Caleb Deschanel one of the best cinematographers working in Hollywood today. What defines Deschanel’s visual style? Camera movement. Whether he is filming horses, ducks, or trains, this master film cinematographer knows how to use the camera to capture movement on film in the most dynamic way. Though he has nothing left to prove as a craftsman, Deschanel continues to up the ante in his cinematography.

Summary Caleb DeschaneL Visual Style: Sense of movement (camera and subject)

Sense of movement (camera and subject) Films: The Black Stallion, The Natural, Fly Away Home,The Right Stuff, Jack Reacher, The Passion of the Christ, The Lion King (2019)

The Black Stallion, The Natural, Fly Away Home,The Right Stuff, Jack Reacher, The Passion of the Christ, The Lion King (2019) Awards: Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 9 wins & 8 nominations.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter may not have been his highest-grossing film, but it showcases the work of master director of photography. By using his skills of movement, Deschanel turns the Honest Abe Lincoln we know from textbooks into speedy “Action Abe.”

Caleb Deschanel’s circle of life in The Lion King (2019)

Deschanel has been nominated for an Academy Award five times. The live action Lion King might be the film that brings him the Oscar.

Best film cinematographers 3. Rodrigo Prieto Rodrigo Prieto is a cinematographer who burst onto the international radar with the film Amores Perros. Every subsequent film has shown growing mastery. 21 Grams and Babel round out a trilogy that highlight an ambitious and fearless artist. 21 Grams utilizes high-speed film with a handheld camera and steadicam rigs. The soft and grainy look is achieved using a bleach bypass process. In Babel, Prieto uses a variety cameras, film stocks, lenses, and cinematographic processes to achieve a unique visual language for three stories occurring continents apart.

Summary Rodrigo Prieto Visual Style: Naturalistic look, likes to shoot with intentional lens flares, prefers handheld shots, mixes film formats, uses color gels for increased contrast

Naturalistic look, likes to shoot with intentional lens flares, prefers handheld shots, mixes film formats, uses color gels for increased contrast Films: Brokeback Mountain, Lust, Caution, Alexander, Amores Perros, Friday, 21 Grams, Babel, Biutiful, Argo, The Wolf of Wall Street, Silence, Passengers

Brokeback Mountain, Lust, Caution, Alexander, Amores Perros, Friday, 21 Grams, Babel, Biutiful, Argo, The Wolf of Wall Street, Silence, Passengers Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 16 wins & 45 nominations.

Frida, Alexander, Biutiful, Brokeback Mountain and The Wolf of Wall Street are testaments to a director of photography in touch with his craft.

“The visuals change to correspond to the emotional arc of each story and its characters – and they help you see where you are in the overall story. We divided the three stories color-wise because of the structure of the movie.” — Rodrigo Prieto

Prieto’s technical adaptability from project-to-project, and strong communication with directors defines his work.

The cinematography of Rodrigo Prieto

His cinematography styles are diverse, and the looks he achieves are as varied as the directors he collaborates with so well. One of his most recent films, Passengers, confirms that Prieto is one of the best cinematographers. One of his most recent films, Passengers, confirms that Prieto is one of the best cinematographers.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 4. Robert Richardson Known as “the silver fox,” Robert Richardson has worked with Hollywood’s greatest directors. He has graced a variety of films with his bold, stark high-back-light signature. Richardson speaks about his cinematography below:

Robert Richardson speaks about cinematography

He molds the light for the entire frame and often doesn't look for lighting motivation, but instead he relies on his instincts.

Summary Robert Richardson Visual Style: Hard lighting from the top (large light sources), blown out rim lighting, prefers manual cranes for smooth motion

Hard lighting from the top (large light sources), blown out rim lighting, prefers manual cranes for smooth motion Films: Inglourious Basterds, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Hugo, The Aviator, The Hateful Eight, Shutter Island, Casino, A Few Good Men

Inglourious Basterds, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Hugo, The Aviator, The Hateful Eight, Shutter Island, Casino, A Few Good Men Awards: Won 3 Oscars. Another 15 wins & 98 nominations.

One of Richardson’s techniques is to control scene lighting with dimmers that actively lower or fill the light during shooting. In Kill Bill, Richardson created a high angle shot worth studying.

High angle shot from Kill Bill

Oliver Stone, Quentin Tarantino, and Martin Scorsese are three top directors who have worked with Richardson.

Best Film Cinematographers 5. Emmanuel Lubezki Emmanuel Lubezki is another modern master sure to turn up on every best cinematographer’s list. He's the only person to win back-to-back Oscars for cinematography three years in a row.

Summary Emmanuel Lubezki Visual Style: Natural and diffused lighting, prefers wide angle lenses and long takes.

Natural and diffused lighting, prefers wide angle lenses and long takes. Films: Children of Men, Gravity, The Revenant, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Children of Men, Gravity, The Revenant, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Awards: Won 3 Oscars. Another 144 wins & 75 nominations.

His further five nominations in the Best Cinematography category leave no doubt that his artistry is appreciated by the best cinematographers and audiences alike. He has become known for long, seemingly unedited “extended takes,” with shots that last up to 12 minutes. The multiple shots that seam together fluidly in Birdman sneak cuts during pans, blackouts, and white-outs. He uses these techniques to make it look as though the film is shot in one continuous take. The multiple shots that seam together fluidly in Birdman sneak cuts during pans, blackouts, and white-outs. He uses these techniques to make it look as though the film is shot in one continuous take.

Lubezki proves himself a superhero of cinematography with Birdman (2014).

His work with Alfonso Cuaron has been exemplary. With The Revenant's nightmare shooting schedule, Lubezki proves that a wild production and unforgiving weather can’t stifle his visual style. However... Y Tu Mama Tambien, A Little Princess, Children of Men and Tree of Life couldn’t be more different in visual styles and themes. But, all four have the hallmarks of visionary storytelling.

Best Famous cinematographers 6. Hoyte van Hoytema Swedish-Dutch cinematographer Hoyt van Hoytema has taken us from deep space to D-Day. His work on Interstellar and Dunkirk has made him an in-demand cinematographer in relatively short time.

Summary Hoyte Van Hoytema Visual Style: Placing light sources off-camera and de-emphasizing light’s importance; never overexposing characters.

Placing light sources off-camera and de-emphasizing light’s importance; never overexposing characters. Films: Interstellar, Dunkirk, Let The Right One In, Her

Interstellar, Dunkirk, Let The Right One In, Her Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 15 wins & 70 nominations.

Van Hoytema is the “boy wonder” of the cinematography world, with 15 films to his credit. Her, The Fighter, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Spectre, are all masterclasses in modern visual storytelling. Van Hoytema is known for placing light sources outside the primary setting and downplaying the light’s importance. He practices subtlety. Characters in his films don’t get overexposed, one of the cinematography techniques often employed to highlight actors.

“It would be hard to explain, but if you ever get there, come find me. (Her)

Take a look at this video essay breaking down Hoyte Van Hoyte's cinematography style:

The cinematography of Hoyte Van Hoytema

Van Hoytema is a director of photography who loves shooting on film, and it shows. Every shot is precise.

BEST FAMOUS CINEMATOGRAPHERS 7. Christopher Doyle The most un-Hollywood of any Hollywood player, Australian-born cinematographer Christopher Doyle brings Eastern flair to his filmmaking.

Summary Christopher Doyle Visual Style: Long and wide angle lenses used in conjunction with varied depth of field, angles, and color palettes for visuals that teem with energy.

Long and wide angle lenses used in conjunction with varied depth of field, angles, and color palettes for visuals that teem with energy. Films: Paranoid Park, Hero, 2046, In the Mood for Love

Paranoid Park, Hero, 2046, In the Mood for Love Awards: 57 wins & 45 nominations.

One of his biggest hits, Hero, with director Zhang Zhimou and starring Jet Li, is a tremendous achievement. It utilizes many tools in the cinematographer’s trade. But it is 2046 that proves his ambition equals his knowledge. Doyle uses both long and wide angle lenses. He combines these with a shallow depth of field, odd angles, and shocking color palettes. The results are electrifying.

“If I lived in another time or place, my story might have a different ending.” (2046)

“The visual aspect of film is expanding, we're evolving a new relationship with filmmaking over here [Asia]. I really think we've moved beyond all that auteur theory.” - Christopher Doyle Christopher Doyle breaks down his thought-process on camera movement and story-driven cinematography:

To analyze Christopher Doyle's cinematography style, take a look at the video below:

For more techniques on color, check out our free masterclass on the psychology of color in film.

Best film cinematographers 8. Matthew Libatique The pairing of director Darren Aronofsky and his go-to cinematographer, Matthew Libatique, is a match made in cinematic heaven. The auspicious debut of Pi announced the arrival of two brash filmmakers. They would make it a one-two punch with follow up Requiem For A Dream. They would make it a one-two punch with follow up Requiem For A Dream.

Summary Matthew Libatique Visual Style: Specificity in use of color, preference for natural lighting, and frequent collaboration with director Darren Aronofsky.

Specificity in use of color, preference for natural lighting, and frequent collaboration with director Darren Aronofsky. Films: Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream, Pi, A Star Is Born

Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream, Pi, A Star Is Born Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 13 wins & 40 nominations.

His work with other director’s did not disappoint. Gothika, Inside Man, Tigerland and Iron Man stand out with directors including Spike Lee, Jon Favreau, and Joel Schumacher. But it is Libatique’s cinematography for Aronofsky’s Black Swan that earned him a much-deserved Academy Award nomination.

"Perfect. It was perfect.” (Black Swan) 2010

He is loathe to use visuals where the lighting is overly manicured or artificial. He also loves to use handheld camera and 16mm film. Learn more about Matthew Libatique's cinematography style from the video essay below:

The cinematography techniques of Matthew Libatique

“I don’t think about the DI when I’m shooting a film. I know it’s looming, but I try to be as specific with colors and exposure as I can while we are shooting. I think of the DI as a colour timing session and not a fix-it session.” — Matthew Libatique

Best famous cinematographers 9. Dion Beebe Australian-born director of photography Dion Beebe’s work speaks for itself. Versatility is his trademark: whether dystopian future, science-fiction, or Japanese period romance, Beebe crafts pictures with distinction and novelty.

Summary Dion beebe Visual Style: Versatility, and use of lighting and scene composition to emphasize emotion and visual impact of characters in turmoil.

Versatility, and use of lighting and scene composition to emphasize emotion and visual impact of characters in turmoil. Films: Memoirs of a Geisha, Collateral, Nine, Chicago

Memoirs of a Geisha, Collateral, Nine, Chicago Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 18 wins & 35 nominations.

Beebe’s use of lighting and composition to reflect his character’s thought processes and/or turmoil is of particular note throughout his body of work.

Memoirs of a Geisha

Learn more about Dion Beebe's cinematography style here:

Cinematography roundtable with Dion Beebe

The textures and layers he creates with the camera make him a master filmmaker.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 10. Bradford Young Cinematographer Bradford Young is the first African American to be nominated for an Oscar for cinematography for Arrival, where he filled in for an overbooked Roger Deakins.

Summary Bradford Young Visual Style: Underexposed shots, use of available light, soft bounce for faces, and operating his own camera.

Underexposed shots, use of available light, soft bounce for faces, and operating his own camera. Films: Arrival, A Most Violent Year, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Selma

Arrival, A Most Violent Year, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Selma Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 32 nominations.

The films Pariah, A Most Violent Year, Selma and Solo show a meteoric rise for this director of photography. Young is prone to underexpose his shots even when there is talent with darker skin. He prefers shooting with available light, but he also uses bounce light, usually soft, rather than direct lighting for faces. A sign of a cinematographer’s cinematographer: he operates his own camera most of the time.

"What’s really intriguing about the filmmaking process is that I try to approach it from that perspective where I don’t want to be as rigid or dogmatic about knowing exactly what I want to do." — Bradford Young

Learn more about Bradford Young's cinematography techniques from the video essay below:

BEST FAMOUS CINEMATOGRAPHERS 11. Rachel Morrison Rachel Morrison is the first female to be nominated for an Academy Award for cinematography, for Mudbound.

Summary Rachel Morrison Visual Style: Being the first female nominated for a Cinematography Oscar. Also for her rich, often naturalistic, lighting, and empathy for characters forged during her documentary filmmaking days.

Being the first female nominated for a Cinematography Oscar. Also for her rich, often naturalistic, lighting, and empathy for characters forged during her documentary filmmaking days. Films: Black Panther, Mudbound, Dope, Fruitvale Station

Black Panther, Mudbound, Dope, Fruitvale Station Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 24 nominations.

She is also having a stretch of success with Black Panther. The accolades and successes have been hard-earned, as Morrison also has the distinction of being director of photography for seven films in six years that were screened in competition at the Sundance Film Festival. This cinematography roundtable gives you further insight into Rachel Morrison's visual style:

Morrison started with documentary films, where she says she “developed the ability to read emotions in the characters she is shooting.” The promise of her work on the films Fruitvale Station, Some Girls, Cake and Dope was fully realized in the last year.

best film cinematographers 12. Reed Morano Reed Morano is both a director and cinematographer who has broken down the door to the traditional boy’s club that is cinematography. Kill Your Darlings, Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold Meadowland, And So It Goes and Skeleton Twins are worth a repeat viewing.

Summary Reed Morano Visual Style: Composing and lighting shots so that characters focus on what is not on camera, opening up the worlds of her projects by suggesting what is not being shown.

Composing and lighting shots so that characters focus on what is not on camera, opening up the worlds of her projects by suggesting what is not being shown. Films: The Handmaid's Tale, I Think We're Alone Now, Meadowland, Autumn Blood, The Skeleton Twins

The Handmaid's Tale, I Think We're Alone Now, Meadowland, Autumn Blood, The Skeleton Twins Awards: Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 6 wins & 5 nominations.

Take a look at Reed's advice for cinematographers looking to break in:

Reed Morano's cinematography advice

Time will tell whether she will DP or direct more, as her Emmy for Outstanding Direction for The Handmaid’s Tale show’s she is adept at both.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 13. Ben Richardson Ben Richardson’s first full length feature film was a captivating cinematographic achievement.

Summary Ben Richardson Visual Style: Heavily contrasted lighting

Heavily contrasted lighting Films: Beasts of the Southern Wild, Wind River, 1922, The Fault in Our Stars

Beasts of the Southern Wild, Wind River, 1922, The Fault in Our Stars Awards: 3 wins & 10 nominations.

Take a look at some BTS footage below:

That film, Beast of the Southern Wild, became a calling card for a very promising career that is unfolding in the medium of television and film.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 14. Mandy Walker Another Australian-born cinematography who has broken into the ranks of great cinematographers is Mandy Walker.

Summary Mandy Walker Visual Style: Warm tones, bringing out the color and texture of locations to make them feel truly inhabited by the characters.

Warm tones, bringing out the color and texture of locations to make them feel truly inhabited by the characters. Films: Hidden Figures, Australia, Shattered Glass, Tracks

Hidden Figures, Australia, Shattered Glass, Tracks Awards: 11 wins & 12 nominations.

Lantana, Shattered Glass, Australia, Jane Got a Gun, Hidden Figures and The Mountain Between Us show audiences that Mandy Walker is ready to test her filmmaking mettle on complex and large scale films.

“Loving somebody gets better the more you do it.” (The Mountain Between Us)

Mandy talks about her cinematography process to tell a better story:

The live action update of the Disney classic Mulan is her largest project to date. We are sure it will deliver on the skills she has already shown.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 15. Chung-hoon Chung Korean Cinematographer Chung-Hoon Chung shot the film Old Boy in 2003 and one year later, the film received the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Summary Chung-hoon Chung Visual Style: Varied techniques and styles from project-to-project that tend to favor supernatural-flavored and slightly off-kilter colors and textures.

Varied techniques and styles from project-to-project that tend to favor supernatural-flavored and slightly off-kilter colors and textures. Films: The Handmaiden, Oldboy, Stoker, It

The Handmaiden, Oldboy, Stoker, It Awards: 3 wins & 17 nominations.

The accolade was due in no small part to Chung-Hoon’s cinematography, which received many award nominations and earns the DP a place on this list. The following video breaks down Chung's cinematography style:

Breaking down the cinematography of Chung-hoon Chung

Since receiving his award, while still working predominantly in Asia, Chung-Hoon has directed photography for US films including Hotel Artemis and the smash hit horror IT.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 16. Charlotte Bruus Christensen Danish Cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen has amassed an impressive body of work in the last five years.

Summary Charlotte Bruus Christensen Visual Style: Close-up emotional shots, both using wide lenses, and also physically placing the camera as close as possible to the characters.

Close-up emotional shots, both using wide lenses, and also physically placing the camera as close as possible to the characters. Films: The Hunt, A Quiet Place, Fences, Molly's Game, Far from the Madding Crowd

The Hunt, A Quiet Place, Fences, Molly's Game, Far from the Madding Crowd Awards: 5 wins & 4 nominations.

Charlotte shares with us exactly how she built tension and fear with the camera in A Quiet Place:

Insightful cinematography advice from Charlotte Bruus Christensen

Life, Far From The Madding Crowd, The Girl On The Train, Fences, Molly’s Game and A Quiet Place shows that she is in demand from some of the most accomplished Hollywood players.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 17. Janusz Kamiński Polish-born Janusz Kaminski has a preternatural talent for visualizing historical moments and key events.

Summary Janusz Kamiński Visual Style: Backlighting subjects against the sun, and using diffusion filters to create a blooming light effect with low contrast.

Backlighting subjects against the sun, and using diffusion filters to create a blooming light effect with low contrast. Films: Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Minority Report, War Horse

Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Minority Report, War Horse Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 36 wins & 70 nominations.

He does this in a timeless, gut-punch emotional style. Watch more on his style below:

Analyzing the cinematography of Janusz Kaminski

His energy can be seen in frequent work with director Steven Spielberg, in films including Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Amistad, War Horse, Lincoln, and Munich.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 18. Maryse Alberti Hailing from a small town in the south of France, cinematographer Maryse Alberti is a versatile, collaborative DP known for technical expertise and artistic adaptability.

Summary Maryse Alberti Visual Style: Collaborating with the director to hammer out palette, locations, and lighting to tailor the right approach and style.

Collaborating with the director to hammer out palette, locations, and lighting to tailor the right approach and style. Films: The Wrestler, Velvet Goldmine, The Visit, Collateral Beauty

The Wrestler, Velvet Goldmine, The Visit, Collateral Beauty Awards: Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 4 wins & 1 nomination.

This video essay breaks down how Maryse uses camera movement to build connection (and detachment) with the characters:

We're not done yet, keep reading for more dynamic DPs.

Best Film Cinematographers 19. Vittorio Storaro Italian master cinematographer Vittorio Storaro has a long list of DP credits including Apocalypse Now, The Last Emperor, Last Tango in Paris, and Dick Tracy.

The cinematography of Vittorio Storaro

His deep education in art lends his visuals a timeless, vibrant quality.

best famous cinematographers 20. Wally Pfister Wally Pfister prefers to shoot on film, rather than digital, although his skills translate to any method of capturing a story.

Summary Wally Pfister Visual Style: Prominent use of wide angles for sweeping landscape shots, and preference for shooting on film.

Prominent use of wide angles for sweeping landscape shots, and preference for shooting on film. Films: Inception, The Dark Knight, The Prestige, Batman Begins, memento, Moneyball, Insomnia

Inception, The Dark Knight, The Prestige, Batman Begins, memento, Moneyball, Insomnia Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 26 wins & 40 nominations.

Wally Pfister’s cinematography on Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy define his versatility and his ability to use wide angles to tell the story.

Wally Pfister's wide angle shots

For an even deeper dive on Wally's cinematography style, take a look at the following video essay:

The cinematography behind Wally Pfister

He emphasizes that story leads style, and lighting adjustments, filters, and technical considerations always work best when they serve story and emotion.

best film cinematographers 21. Darius Khondji Cinematographer Darius Khondji emphasizes listening to your collaborators and tailoring a technical artistic approach to every project.

Summary Darius Khondji Visual Style: Soft lighting that’s almost completely free of shadows, and lighting subjects from the front.

Soft lighting that’s almost completely free of shadows, and lighting subjects from the front. Films: Amour, Se7en, Delicatessen, Midnight in Paris

Amour, Se7en, Delicatessen, Midnight in Paris Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 7 wins & 32 nominations.

While this is a common theme among top film cinematographers, Khondji is a firm believer in picking your direction and then throwing yourself at it all-in.Darius Khondji

Caption goes here...

Even though he adapts to serve the story of each project, as Khondji has shown in such films as Delicatessen, Se7en, Panic Room, and Midnight in Paris, he always goes in bold directions. His work serves as proof that variety of styles doesn’t have to equate to a middle-of-the-road, one-size-fits-all approach.

Darius Khondji cinematography style

It’s about staying alert, using your knowledge to approach each project with a fresh pair of eyes, and not being afraid to go to new places.

best film cinematographers 22. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom Thai film cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom has been amassing impressive international credits for 20 years. Mukdeeprom’s status shot through the roof with his work on the 2017 drama film Call Me By Your Name, followed by the thriller Suspiria, both with director Luca Guadagnino.

Summary Sayombhu Mukdeeprom Visual Style: A neutral visual aesthetic, including shooting entire films with only one lens

A neutral visual aesthetic, including shooting entire films with only one lens Films: Call Me by Your Name, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, Suspiria, Happy Birthday

Call Me by Your Name, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, Suspiria, Happy Birthday Awards: 2 wins & 21 nominations.

best film cinematographers 23. Edward Lachman Director of photography Ed Lachman’s credits include such films as Less Than Zero, The Virgin Suicides, The Limey, and Erin Brockovich.

Summary Edward Lachman Visual Style: Preference for shooting on film, using locations, film stock, and finishing processes to evoke different time periods.

Preference for shooting on film, using locations, film stock, and finishing processes to evoke different time periods. Films: Carol, Far from Heaven, Ken Park, The Virgin Suicides

Carol, Far from Heaven, Ken Park, The Virgin Suicides Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 40 wins & 40 nominations.

He has also worked as director Todd Haynes’ go-to film cinematographer, with credits on Wonderstruck, Far From Heaven, I’m Not There, and Carol.

Cinematography techniques convey different time periods, as Lachman does in the film Carol

Lachman won the 2017 American Society of Cinematographers Lifetime Achievement Award.

best film cinematographers 24. Robert Elswit Adept at shooting action scenes with films including The Bourne Legacy and Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, along with expertise working on dramas, DP Robert Elswit is a razor-sharp, flexible collaborator.

Summary Robert Elswit Visual Style: Being Paul Thomas Anderson’s go-to cinematographer, as well as preferring to shoot on film and using “Hollywood” lighting, with the light source placed above the subject.

Being Paul Thomas Anderson’s go-to cinematographer, as well as preferring to shoot on film and using “Hollywood” lighting, with the light source placed above the subject. Films: There Will be Blood, Nightcrawler, Good Night, and Good Luck, Punch-Drunk Love

There Will be Blood, Nightcrawler, Good Night, and Good Luck, Punch-Drunk Love Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 16 wins & 39 nominations.

He frequently works with director Paul Thomas Anderson, having shot the films Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and There Will Be Blood.

Robert Elswit's cinematography techniques

Elswit’s resilience and knowledge of film history make him one of the best film cinematographers today.

best film cinematographers 25. Bill Pope Cinematographer Bill Pope is one of genre filmmaking’s superstars.

Summary Bill Pope Visual Style: Aggressively adjusting lighting to fit the mood, and for using the camera as a bobbing-and-weaving “stuntman” during fight scenes.

Aggressively adjusting lighting to fit the mood, and for using the camera as a bobbing-and-weaving “stuntman” during fight scenes. Films: The Matrix, The Jungle Book, Spider-Man 2, Bound

The Matrix, The Jungle Book, Spider-Man 2, Bound Awards: Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 3 wins & 8 nominations.

Watch the video below for his experience on working in the industry:

How to work with Directors from cinematography Bill Pope

His DP credits include Army of Darkness, The Matrix and its sequels, Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3, as well as Men in Black 3 and The Jungle Book.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 26. Linus Sandgren Cinematographer Linus Sandgren has shot David O. Russell’s period crime drama American Hustle, the feel-good comedy The Hundred-Foot Journey, and the musical La La Land, for which he won the Best Cinematography Oscar. Check out some stats below:

Summary Linus Sandgren Visual Style: Rich colors and textures that visualize emotion and optimism.

Rich colors and textures that visualize emotion and optimism. Films: First Man, La La Land, American Hustle, Battle of the Sexes

First Man, La La Land, American Hustle, Battle of the Sexes Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 27 wins & 26 nominations.

If you want to learn more, watch The Hollywood Reporter's Roundtable:

Linus Sandgren provides cinematography advice

Still with us? Check out this free filmmaking techniques masterclass.

BEST FILM CINEMATOGRAPHERS 27. Claudio Miranda Academy Award-winning Chilean cinematographer Claudio Miranda shot the first all-digital film to be nominated for a Best Cinematography Oscar, with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Miranda won the Oscar for shooting Life of Pi.

Summary Claudio Miranda Visual Style: Technical expertise and experimentation in digital filmmaking techniques. Carefully breaking down and arranging the frame.

Technical expertise and experimentation in digital filmmaking techniques. Carefully breaking down and arranging the frame. Films: Life of Pi, Oblivion, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Enemy of the State

Life of Pi, Oblivion, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Enemy of the State Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 24 wins & 27 nominations.

Unlike many of the best cinematographers on this list, Miranda has embraced and pushed digital filmmaking to the limit.

Claudio Miranda's cinematography techniques

He has become the foremost director of photography working in CG-heavy and digital film.

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