What Cinematography Taught Me About Photography

What does cinematography have to do with photography?In this episode of In Focus with Ken Clough Photography, Ken reflects on his early creative roots, from splicing 8mm film by hand as a teenager to working as a projectionist at Syracuse University, running 5,000-foot film platters, and studying classic cinema frame by frame.He shares how those formative years shaped his approach to cinematic photography, wide composition, negative space, movement, and visual storytelling. From intentionally composing in 16:9, the same aspect ratio used in modern films, to shooting still images as if they are pulled from a movie scene, this episode explores how cinematography continues to influence his photographic style today.This is a thoughtful deep dive into light, atmosphere, restraint, and the artistic mindset behind creating images that feel like part of a larger story.