The BEST Cinematography Advice From Roger Deakins (His Philosophy of Cinematography)

Roger Deakins: Cinematography should not stand out All of Roger Deakins' works: Allow me to introduce myself

Deakins is not only a great cinematographer, but is wonderfully articulate about the subject and his part in it.

Roger Deakins: “Cinematography should not stand out.” Roger Deakins’ entire career: “Yeah, about that.”

1. Cinematography is not about creating beautiful shots. 2. It's not about the technology. 3. Have a REASON to move the camera. 4. Have a style that suits the project. 5. Create a sense of reality with the light. 6. PLAN as much as you can but be ready to ADAPT. 7. Think about how you want the audience to feel. 8. Consider why and where you're placing the camera.

I love it when he's in an interview saying, "I wouldn't light it like this" or "I wouldn't be shooting from way over there with a long lens." I know he's not criticizing, but imagine how the crew on those shoots is feeling haha.

I really love that one shot in 1917.

His shots do show his personality well - he’s humble. This doesn’t mean his shots are boring, hell no - quite the opposite. But he lets the story breathe and characters do their thing. He provides a backdrop that doesn’t clash or fight for primacy.

Thanks for the recommendations guys, please keep them coming and we'll do our best to cover your favourite cinematographer! Also what was your favourite tip from Roger?

As a photographer, not cinematographer, I found his advices about creative thinking very useful for photographers. Will share this to my friends phot dogs... 😉

geez can you image having the job of lighting Roger deakins for an interview?

Some guy : I really love that shot. Deakins: oh dear, that's not good, they should like the film as a whole. +creates movie that is almost entirely one shot. There, compliment away.

I love how he plays down just how good he is and always happy to share great advice and experience. You kind of get the impression that even his 'worst' work would still be superb.

Rodger Deakins is so good, the best compliment a DP could receive is taken as an indirect criticism. What an absolute legend, I hope him and Christopher Nolan collab one day :(

This man has a lot of discipline. I really like his point about not taking away the spotlight from the script, and not being obsessed with making everything pretty.

"Create a sense of reality with the light" is a brilliant suggestion. He's not saying create reality itself. He's speaking to a reality that supports the story of that project. I'm always immersed in a movie that is shot by Deakins, because of this very idea of reality created with the light. As an artist and filmmaker, I'm a very visual person. So, often times, I'll look back at a movie and think about how it was shot. But, while I'm watching it, I don't want to be distracted by camera movement, etc. If it suits the story, I'll remain interested. I think a lot of newer cinematographers are hooked on handheld shots. They think it's "cinematic". What I've learned is that it's cinematic if it supports the story. Not because it looks like a cool or pretty shot. I've seen too many TV shows and movies where the camera is constantly floating around. Which, personally, takes me completely out of the film and the story, because I'm constantly being reminded that I'm watching a movie. Deakins mentions how in dramatic scenes you don't want a lot of camera movement because you want to focus on what the character is experiencing. Think about how you interact in real life. If you're having an emotional or intense conversation with someone, is your head floating around. No. You're usually sitting still and focusing on the other person. That same should hold true for the camera. Thank you for this series on cinematographers. It's fascinating to see how they approach filming from a philosophical point of view instead of a technical one.

He’s such a true master, he makes something so complicated and hard become so simplified and easy. He’s one of the best for a reason, awesome video!

Best cinematography advice i've ever heard. The philosophy is so strong

His emphasis on the audience being engaged as opposed to breaking down the shot speaks words. But common Roger, take a compliment here and there will ya

Sir. Rogers D. Philosophy on Cinematography is everything..

I have a lot of time and respect for Roger Deakins. I agree with his philosophy. In my films I want the characters and their story to be the focal point and the cinematography, sound, music etc to compliment and enrich, but not to be so obvious and therefore distracting.