If you want to learn more about the differences between videography vs. cinematography, read on.
What Is Videography?
The process of producing a video from creation to the final product is known as videography. Technically speaking, the process consists of capturing moving images or videos on electronic media such as Blu-ray, hard drive, tape, DVD, and so on.
However, simply getting the footage is not enough. A videographer has to shoot and edit the video, so it produces certain emotions for the audience. This means using visual effects, controlling the light, or adding a soundtrack, among many others.
What Is Cinematography?
The art (or science) of recording light chemically onto film or electronically onto an image is called cinematography. While it doesn’t sound too complicated, a cinematographer has to think and decide about all on-screen visual elements.
Camera movement, camera angles, camera lens, zoom, exposure, lighting, or framing, have to fit the visual narrative.
What Is the Difference Between Cinematography and Videography?
The differences between cinematography and videography are not carved in stone, and their activity sometimes overlaps.
In general, a videographer records events while a cinematographer is involved in a movie, TV series, or commercial production. However, there are more differences that will help you differentiate between a videographer and a cinematographer.
Videographer vs. Cinematographer: Work Type
Cinematographers have unlimited options. As they work in the storytelling industry, they can work on all sorts of projects such as movies, TV series, documentaries, and so on. Their work is made to entertain the audience, so they focus on making it captivating and thrilling.
Videographers’ options are more limited. They can be hired to film conferences, wedding receptions, corporate or college events, make a product or idea presentation, etc.
Because of this, the length of their projects also varies. A cinematographer might delay shooting a film in case of bad weather. But a videographer can’t ask people to get married another time because it rains.
Additionally, a cinematographer might work on the same project for a few months or even years, while a videographer’s projects usually need less time for completion.
Videography vs. Cinematography: Creativity
Cinematographers are usually highly creative people, and their job allows them to highlight their artistic ideas. They also have the advantage of being involved in every part of the project.
If they are hired for a movie, they will attend the rehearsals and pay close attention to the actors’ interaction. If one of them makes an important gesture, the cinematographer will think about how to emphasize it with lights and camera movements.
While videographers might be as creative as cinematographers, it’s more difficult for them to display their creative ideas. Their work is to capture the most important moments of an event. If they are hired for a corporate event, they will not take part in the presentation preparation or control the venue’s lights during the speech.
Videography vs. Cinematography: Team Size
Videographers will have a small team or sometimes even work as a one-man army, depending on how big the project is. When working within a team, each member will adjust its own lights, camera angles, focus, and so on. In general, a videographer will not guide the other team members.
Cinematographers work with large teams, and they will be the ones giving directions to other team members. As they are responsible for camera movement or lights, they will instruct other workers to adjust them, so they get the best shot.
The Differences Are Not So Obvious
Trying to set clear differences between cinematography and videography is a bit of a cop-out. So if you can’t decide between these two careers, there’s no need to worry.
As long as you are willing to put in the time and constantly upgrade your skills, you can work both as a videographer and cinematographer.
