Cinematography Example ~ Visual narrative & Natural Lighting!

When I initially captured this photo, my intention was to focus on the distorted reflection from the willow tree above the canal. As this frame developed  the imaged uncovered a much more broader visual narrative, led by the movements of the body of water itself. The canal puts together natural leading lines, which guide the viewers eyes across the frame while the filtered sunlight breaks through the surface, this softens the reflections and shows warmth.

The restricted colour palette and the us of natural sunlight allow the surrounding environment to voice a sense of calm. This positions the shot as calm and can be seen as highly contemplative. In a cinematic context his can be linked with a atmospheric and cinematic pause; this allows a space for reflection without the need for dialogue. 

This photo was framed as a wide establishing shot, this captures the transition between night and day through silhouettes and natural light. The canal is used as a natural leading line guiding the viewer along the frame while reflecting the painted sky, this creates a visual echo between the foreground and the background.

With the use of ambient, low contrast lighting it allows the surrounding buildings and trees to drift into the silhouette, pulling the focus to the shape and negative space over detail. The cool blues paired with the warm orange tones demonstrates a dusk tone colour palette and creates tonal separation and depth without overpowering the frame as a whole.

In a cinematic context, this specific shot would be looked at as a temporal marker that signals a shift in mood or a change in narrative. The complete stillness of the environment allows a moment to breathe which grounds the scene.