
Think about how the viewer will interpret the variety. After all, what are movies, but a series of moving images? When telling a story through a single image, think about including contrasting or competing elements in the shot. Just because photographs capture a single instant doesn’t mean they can’t also communicate a narrative. Adjusting the contrast can either make an image more vivid or can mute tones for a more subdued, somber, dramatic, or mysterious feel. Contrast refers to the difference between light and dark pixels in an image. Perhaps the most notable feature of cinematic photos is their exaggerated use of contrast. Muted colors, which give a vibe of severity or seriousness, are also more cinematic. One is the sepia effect, which gives photos a warmer tone, and a vintage, archival quality. There are different types of palettes that photographers go for when applying a cinematic look. You can tone it down in post, using things like presets and curve settings. Don’t worry too much about the coloring of your photo shoot, if it’s very vibrant. Balanced ColorsĬinematic photos should be easy to look at. How do they make you feel? Is that feeling communicated in your photos? Don’t wait until you get to the editing room to find out. Some things to consider are the angle you’re shooting, your color palette, and the overall vibe of the location. Creating a mood requires a combination of lighting, setting, modeling, and color, all of which you’ll be working to enhance in post-production. It’s how filmmakers and cinematographers capture and engross audiences. Mood is the most essential element of cinema, after all. What separates cinematic images from others is that you can virtually feel them.

You know a dramatic photo when you see it, but it takes a trained eye to distill what makes a photo look cinematic. Elements of a Good Cinematic Photo Effect For those looking for a quick fix, Picsart offers an equally convincing alternative in a few clicks or taps. For experienced photographers, expensive software and an intricate, complicated editing process may be the way to go. Whichever approach approach you choose depends on your skill level and comfort with post-processing. There isn’t one just way to achieve this effect in your photos.
