Cinematography : Correction by Brian Odhiambo

Hi, Brian Odhiambo. Your depth of field looks good but perhaps a shallower DOP would give it more cinematic appeal. Also, depending on the context of the still a tighter crop above the hardhat would draw us to her eyes better. There's too much space and that puts her eyes too close to the center of the frame.

The image has a corporate video feel to it. And it's vertical. More like something you'd see on a photography website advertising stock photos.

Play around with your lighting is where I'd start, and shoot horizontally.

Agree with Stephen Folker - more dramatic lighting would create a sense of story instead of this corporate style lighting, which feels very commercial instead of dramatic.

Huh, I would agree with TY, Stephen and Sam. The part I wonder is "best cinematography" is pretty vague. Like for comedy or drama or as Sam said for corporate? Super general would be soften that key. Angle it for more contrast on the left side of the face or add negative fill there. Color grade it, add contrast between light and dark and colors as well.

As Stephen said, at least to me, there is nothing cinematic about vertical. I would go a step further to say there is nothing cinematic about a non DCI format. For me 2.39:1, DCI Scope is really the only "cinematic" film format, unless you're going for some other aspect ratio for some reason.

There is no such thing as "best cinematography" Brian Odhiambo, but rather different ways to craft an image. We all have varying tastes and opinions, but only you know why you made those choices. Every project is different and without any context, it's not possible to give you feedback. The image looks fine as is. Like Stephen said, it feels corporate. I agree but it doesn't mean it's a bad thing if your intent and project were in that vein.

Vaí fotografando, chegará na maestria.

If the photo was telling a story it might be different..

Mood and Atmosphere

Character Perspective

Composition and Framing

Movement, Direction and Pace

Lighting Design

Color Grading, and tones.