Idea #41 - The Basics of Documentary Cinematography

“I think documentaries are the greatest way to educate an entire generation that does not often look back to learn anything about the history that provided a safe haven for so many of us today.” - Steven Spielberg, American film director

In a day and age of impressively rapid technological advancement, it has become possible to shoot documentaries in ways that were previously impossible. To capture the intricacies of real life without losing the essence in translation is what every documentary cinematographer aims for.

Today we watched The Basics of Documentary Cinematography and learned in the simplest of words how a good documentary is filmed; how cinematographers create a visual language through the elements of framing, light, and movement.

With relatively unstable and spontaneous conditions involved in shooting a documentary, it is essential to remember the perspective we are striving to provide the audience with, the lens they will look at the life of the person/event documented through.

Written By: Arya Kastwar

Curated By: Hetvi Kamdar