What is the cinematographer's main focus during filming?

The cinematographer's main focus during filming is to create visual styles through composition. This involves making crucial decisions about how to frame shots, choose camera angles, manipulate lighting, and establish the overall visual tone of a scene. The cinematographer works closely with the director to ensure that the visual aesthetics align with the storytelling, enhancing the audience's emotional experience. By thoughtfully composing each shot, the cinematographer contributes significantly to the film's visual language, supporting the narrative through visuals and helping to convey emotions, themes, and character perspectives effectively.

While directing the plot's narrative involves the director's role, and editing the footage directly pertains more to an editor's responsibilities, managing the script and dialogue falls within the purview of the writers and directors. Thus, these aspects are not the primary focus of the cinematographer, who primarily engages with the visual elements of filmmaking.