magazine
2025.07.06

The Deep Connection Between Photography and Film | Knowledge #290

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Cover photo by つばさ製作所

Photography freezes a moment in time, while film continuously flows through time. Despite their differing timelines, these two forms of expression resonate deeply with one another. When perspectives developed in composition, lighting, and storytelling intersect, they create new forms of expression that evoke emotions and memories in viewers.

In this article, we unravel the relationship between photography and film, exploring how they influence each other and offering tips for incorporating these insights into your creative work.

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Photo by me..

What Do Photography and Film Have in Common?

While watching a film, there are moments when you might think, "This looks like a photograph." It could be the way the space is framed or the contrast between light and shadow. Conversely, you might look at a photograph and feel, "This looks like a scene from a movie."

Photography captures a world in 1/60th of a second, while film is a sequence of 24 frames per second. Though they handle "time" differently, both share the essence of "capturing," "showing," and "evoking feelings."

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Photo by ゆう

How Film Influences Photographers

Many photographers are passionate about films and often draw inspiration from the cinematic world for their creative work.

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Photo by aoi

The composition in films teaches photographers how to guide the viewer's gaze and balance the frame. Lighting techniques bring drama through the interplay of light and shadow. Color grading adds depth to photo editing. Cinematic techniques provide photographers with hints on how to infuse storytelling and emotion into their work.

The Role of Photographic Expression in Film

On the other hand, photographic perspectives are becoming increasingly important in the world of film. In particular, when directors or cinematographers have a background in photography, their works often emphasize the aesthetics of "frozen time" and meticulous composition.

Additionally, photographs used as posters or key visuals often play a symbolic role in conveying the essence of a film's world.

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Photo by ゆう

Both still photography and moving film deal with "time," resonating with viewers through light and storytelling. Standing at the intersection of photography and film allows you to explore new possibilities for your creative expression. This question—what can be added to your work by merging these two forms—can be the starting point for new creations.

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