director of photography

American

[dih-rek-ter uhv fuh-tog-ruh-fee] / dɪˈrɛk tər ʌv fəˈtɒg rə fi /

noun

Movies.

a person who is responsible for all operations concerning camera work and lighting during the production of a film. DP

Etymology

Origin of director of photography

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 1962 Kertész headed to the Museum of Modern Art with 500 prints, answering an open call from John Szarkowski, the museum’s new director of photography, for portfolios by hopefuls seeking their big break.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It almost feels like having a cinematographer or director of photography specialising in action films assisting you."

From BBC

One described the highest-paid transportation worker as making “the same amount of money as the director of photography.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The cinematographer serves as the director of photography, greatly shaping the look and the feel of a film.

From Los Angeles Times

Work with my director of photography Christopher Messina on the visual language, lighting and technical aspects of the film went on for more than a year before shooting.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023