CultureSeptember 1, 2026
camerawork
KAM-ruh-werk
Definition
The technical and creative techniques employed by a cinematographer to capture a film on camera, including lighting, framing, lens choices, and movement.
Etymology
A compound of 'camera' (from Latin, meaning vault or arched chamber, later applied to photographic devices) and 'work' (from Old English, meaning exertion or labor). The term evolved in the early 20th century to describe the craft behind a camera operator's professional duties.
In the news
The article uses the word to describe how the documentary-style filming techniques in 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' made the movie feel more realistic and grounded, which in turn influenced later low-budget horror films.
The 10 best horror movies of all time, ranked for 2026
Read the full article ↗Quartz