In this article we will review the most famous cinema photographers through the most remembered films. With artistic excellence they generally contain a mixture of different factors: an interesting script, exceptional performances, direction and good photography.

The most important directors in the history of world cinema have had the fortune of meeting excellent directors of photography, or vice versa.. The truth is that one job depends on the other or they complement each other.

The eighth art is increasingly demanding, and Technological advances literally reflect improvements in image-capturing devicesIn this post we examine the ten best cinematographers in the history of cinema and their major works, as well as the five best films in this entry.

What is film photography?

Photographic direction, or also known as cinematographyIt is the set of tools, techniques and decisions that revolve around the shooting and post-production of a film.

These decisions and techniques include the lighting of each scene, the camera movements, the framing, the colors and the overall composition. The latter includes the position of the actors, the scenography, in short everything that comes into focus of the camera.

Even the choice of devices: camera models, lenses, filters, supports and stabilizers, cranes, audio and lighting equipment.

Which cameras do the most famous film photographers currently use?

The world of digital photography has advanced so much that year after year new devices and improvements emerge that surpass previous versions. However, it is possible to do incredible work with cameras that are not the most current.

Among the most sought-after brands in the world of cinema, for the quality of their images and the ability to record in very high resolution, there are:

ARRI Alexa LF

ARRI Alexa Mini

RED KOMODO 6K

RED RANGER

Sony VENICE

The Sony FX9

Panavision Millennium DXL2

Canon C300 Mark III

Canon C500 Mark II

Canon t71 camera

Although most of them are very high-end cameras, in some cases great films have been made with devices not designed for cinema. This is the example of Canon t7iwhich is a good quality still camera, but it was not developed for professional shooting.

The Ten most famous film photographers

Whenever a list of the best or the exceptional in some field or art is made, it is difficult to have a single or agreed opinion. However, we have the license on some subjects of summarize the tastes of experts in the field.

In this case something like this happens, there will be those who will be angry about the ranking of the 10 best directors and those who will agree on every point. The truth is this It is prepared on the basis of the opinions of specialists from the huge world of cinema.

In turn, the order from 1 to 10 does not determine that 1 is the best and 10 the worst, but rather the first 10 and everyone can order them as they wish. Below is the list of most famous film photographers:

1. Emmanuel Lubezki, Mexican and currently in force with his most recent works which have earned him 3 consecutive Oscars. The films for which he has been awarded are: Gravity, Birdman and The Revenant.
2. Roger Deakins, a British citizen, helped the Coen brothers reach the top as contemporary directors. He won two Oscars for Blade Runner 2049 and 1917.
3. Vittorio Storaro, an Italian who distinguished himself for his use of light and colour. He won 3 Oscars for Apocalypse Now, The Last Emperor and The Conformist.
4. Gordon Willis, of American nationality, the great lens behind one of the classics of cinema history: The Godfather. Considered by many to be the great perfectionist of shadows and darkness.
5. Conrad Hall, also American, who reached the peak of his career in 1999 with his excellent work in American Beauty. He won 3 Oscars which places him in this elite list.
6. Robert Richardson, an American, who had the luxury of working with Scorsese, Tarantino and Oliver Stone. He won 3 Oscars for JFK, The Aviator and Inglourious Basterds.
7. Sven Nykvist, Swedish citizen, expert in the use of natural light and outdoor shooting. He won 2 Oscars with Persona and Cries and Whispers.
8. Freddie Young, another Brit on the list and a historic figure in the industry. Winner of 3 Oscars for Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and Ryan’s Daughter.
9. Janusz Kamiński, Polish, but developed his career in Hollywood as one of Spielberg’s great collaborators. He won 2 Oscars for Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan.
10. Haskell Wexler, American and history of the world of cinema. Winner of 2 Oscars with Destination Glory and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.

Film with the best photography

If we had any problems with the list of most famous film photographersat this point the controversy will be greater.

Again the clarification on the subjective reasons for drawing up arbitrary lists or those that fall within one’s own particular taste. But also based on the opinion of people dedicated to the analysis of cinema.

Below is a list of the 5 best cinematography films in history, each groundbreaking for the technology of its time.

1. Lawrence of Arabia, 1962, directed by David Lean with photography by Freddie Younghave created memorable scenes in desert landscapes. The use of panoramic shots and a great composition have given them this deserved first place.
2. Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Roger Deakins’ cinematography in a futuristic setting won him an Oscar after 13 failed nominations. Without a doubt, a work that will remain imprinted on the retina for a long time.
3. The Revenant from 2015. A work that gave the long-awaited Oscar to Leonardo DiCaprio and also to the Mexican director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki. The film has long scenes in a frozen landscape, with continuous action and survival. A true work of art that deserved recognition from the Academy.
4. Apocalypse Now from 1979. Vittorio Storaro’s work in this war film will be remembered for many years. Filming in the jungle, aboard combat helicopters, allowed us to represent the experience of soldiers in Vietnam.
5. Citizen Kane from 1941. This historical film, considered by many to be the best of all time, is a true manual on the use of framing, depth of field, angles and lighting.. In black and white, but with all the potential at its best for the time, with the unparalleled work of Gregg Toland in the direction of photography.

Photography in cinema has a fundamental importance for the success of a film. It goes hand in hand with the rest of the roles and components of a film.

The great cinematographers in history have helped directors, actors and the film as a whole win awards.