The three best friends of a cinematographer are:

Water, Smoke, and Fire.  

Like the man and the monster in Little Shop of Horrors, cinematographers must feed the camera what it wants. 

BUT how do you use these friends to pursue story and elevate character rather than as cheap tricks to make something “look good?”  See past post on pop music videos. 

WATER

The rain in Shawshank Redemption (1994) when he escapes cleanses the character of the physical and psychological grit of prison life.  And ALSO looks amazing.  There must be motivation.  Depending on the scene, water can catch light on a dew morning, reflect the image of a protagonist’s inner struggle, or add another element of depth that a dry frame doesn’t.  What is the intention? Cinematography by Roger Deakins

Added a shot here as well from Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998) because it’s an awesome cinematic way to introduce a character. Cinematography by Tim Maurice-Jones

SMOKE 

The percentage of smokers in the US wavers around 20% or less.  The percentage of fictional characters in films that smoke are more around 80%.  Mostly because it looks beautiful on camera.  

Example of using this well for a story is Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) - which in reality is one of the best shot movies of all time.  When you first meet the Madame of the house she’s smoking, it’s subtle.  BUT she’s the only damn one who smokes in the whole thing! Gives her character such a presence.  Cinematography by Dion Beebe

Also throwing Skyfall (2012) a bone here because this shot is dope.  Cinematography by Roger Deakins

FIRE

Obviously, we all like to watch an explosion or two. 

*cough enoughisenoughMichaelBay cough*

Explosion-wise, attaching There Will Be Blood (2007).  The two scenes in the whole movie with fire, when his son gets hurt in the explosion and when his son lights their cabin on fire.  CHILLING & perfect. Cinematography by Robert Elswit

When it comes to fire, utilizing for the story is key.  For example, Amadeus (1984) shot with only natural light.  Most of that natural light being candles, a LOT of candles.  Not attaching pictures, go watch that movie RIGHT NOW. Cinematography by Miroslav Ondrícek