Gregory Crewdson

Gregory Crewdson considers himself a cinematographer more than a photographer. I feel this title is only semi applicable as the term cinematographer has only been applied to the realm of cinema. Cinematographer implies the use of motion pictures. Where a photographer takes one lasting frame, a cinematographer must consider much more in a spatial sense, and take into account movement of both camera and subjects, and a cinematographer works with 24 to 30 pictures per second.

On the other hand, photographer may not be the correct term either. Though deeply involved in the preparation of a photograph, from storyboard to smoke machines, he is not necessarily the one behind the camera, releasing the shutter.

Maybe a photographic director would be a title best appropriated to this artist. Nevertheless, Crewdson's photographic works have an impact on the viewer that is strongly ambient as well as haunting.