<P> A cinematographer or director of photography (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the chief over the camera and light crews working on a film, television production or other live action piece and is responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image . The study and practice of this field is referred to as cinematography . </P> <P> The cinematographer selects the camera, film stock, lenses, filters, etc., to realize the scene in accordance with the intentions of the director . Relations between the cinematographer and director vary; in some instances the director will allow the cinematographer complete independence; in others, the director allows little to none, even going so far as to specify exact camera placement and lens selection . Such a level of involvement is not common once the director and cinematographer have become comfortable with each other; the director will typically convey to the cinematographer what is wanted from a scene visually, and allow the cinematographer latitude in achieving that effect . </P>

What is the job of the cinematographer on a film