Lens-Artists Challenge #346 – Cinematic

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This week’s Lens Artists Challenge is presented by Sofia in her original post she wrote the following: There are a few things that give a photo that cinematic feel: camera angles, bold and high-contrast colours, light, locations, just to name a few. The main objective is to take a shot that is part of a story, there’s mood and a sense of location; our image is but a snapshot of a much wider situation.

A modern hotel entrance featuring large glass doors reflecting surrounding skyscrapers and an employee standing beside a luggage cart.
A modern hotel entrance featuring large glass doors reflecting surrounding skyscrapers and an employee standing beside a luggage cart. First shot of a movie set in Las Vegas?

I’m diving into this with a cinematic mindset as I pick out photos and spots, really tuning into those color vibes that set the mood just right. If you’re into watching movies these days, you’ve probably noticed the awesome trend with colors, especially that eye-catching teal and orange combo. It’s wild how these colors can boost the emotional punch of a scene; next time you’re zoning out on an action flick or a thrilling crime series, take a sec to notice how everywhere this color duo pops up, along with the moody shadows and lighting. Old towns are super cinematic. They’ve got so much history and charm, almost like they’re hiding stories just waiting to spill. They make the perfect backdrop for films, giving us everything from cobblestone streets to cute buildings that really add some flair to any story.

Street view of the Royal Hotel with vintage architecture and colorful facades, highlighting local shops and street signs.
Charming old town streets featuring historic buildings, perfect for a cinematic backdrop.

Black and white photography in movies has this cool, timeless vibe that really ramps up the emotional feels by playing with light, shadow, and how everything’s laid out. This style adds a heavy punch to films with its strong contrasts, setting the mood from gloomy to dramatic, especially in film noir. It lets filmmakers zero in on the cool details that often get lost in color flicks. Directors choose black and white on purpose, giving their stories a classic touch. Plus, ditching color can show off simplicity and the battle between good and evil, diving deeper into what people really feel. Black and white, monochrome is still a big deal in the film world.

A woman sitting at a table in a restaurant, looking at her phone, with ocean views and other patrons in the background.
A serene beachfront scene captured from inside a café, a woman sitting at a table in a restaurant, looking at her phone, showcasing patrons enjoying their meals with a view of the ocean. Waiting for a date?
Black and white photograph capturing a street scene from a café, showcasing a figure in the foreground with silhouettes of pedestrians and a motorcycle outside, framed by palm trees.
Black and white scene capturing a street scene from a café, showcasing a figure in the foreground with silhouettes of pedestrians and a motorcycle outside, framed by palm trees. Surveillance?

Sunset in Key West is absolutely breathtaking! It’s the kind of scene that just makes movies better, highlighting those key moments with killer lighting. You can’t help but feel something when you see these sunsets; they really get you thinking, playing a big role in all kinds of films—from rom-coms to serious dramas—definitely leaving a memorable mark on moviegoers.

In movies, sunsets in Key West can do a bunch of cool things—showing the wrap-up of a journey, bringing people together, or giving a chill vibe after some drama. That golden hour really ups the charm of the place, making characters (and us viewers) stop and soak in the beauty of those quick, special moments.

Paris, often called the “City of Light,” is a go-to spot for filmmakers because of its stunning buildings, charming streets, and lively vibe. Each neighborhood brings its own unique flavor to the story, really capturing the city’s artsy and historic side. The way the light shifts throughout the day, especially at sunset, adds a cool visual touch that makes those emotional moments hit even harder. In the end, movies set in Paris stir up dreams and feelings, turning the city into a magical place that speaks to people all over the world.

A man standing outside a small grocery store at night, illuminated by warm lights, with colorful fruit displayed on a table.
A nighttime scene outside aman standing outside of a charming grocery store, waiting for customers, for the day to end or just on a lookout for events to begin… an image showcasing vibrant colors and a cinematic atmosphere in Nice.
A woman with long red hair walks on a city street, surrounded by other pedestrians. Skyscrapers rise in the background, showcasing a blend of modern and historical architecture.
A vibrant cityscape featuring a woman with long red hair pedestrians walking along a bustling street lined with modern and historic architecture. Rom Com?
A monk in an orange robe stands beside a man in casual clothing, both looking out from a pathway, surrounded by greenery.
A contemplative moment captured in a serene setting, featuring a monk in traditional attire and another individual, highlighting a blend of cultures.
Nighttime view of El Cortez Hotel in Las Vegas, featuring bright neon signs and pedestrians walking along the street.

Check out the nighttime scene at El Cortez Hotel in Las Vegas! The bright neon signs light up the place, giving it a super moody vibe as folks walk by on the busy street, soaking up the atmosphere with street sounds and music from nearby spots. Those neon lights not only make the hotel look awesome but also capture the city’s spirit, where every little corner has a story waiting to be told, and the thrill of the nightlife totally invites you to dive in and explore more.

Last week we visited the most wonderful places with John’s challenge. I’d love to visit most of them as they were unknown to me. Next week, it’s my turn to host on Saturday, May 3rd—hope you can join me then! Until then, keep smiling. You never know, I might just make someone’s day a little brighter!

If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

34 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #346 – Cinematic”

  2. I can absolutely see many of these scenes as part of a movie! I loved the atmosphere in your Paris shots, naturally, and that night shot in Nice 🙂 But I think your header shot is my favourite of all. Those men definitely suggest a story to be told.

  3. Fabulous images, Ritva! I can’t pick out a favorite – They’re all so great! Also liked your descriptions/narrative. Great movie scenes.

  4. Your images are amazing! So many beautiful cinematic examples. The sunset ones are particularly eye-catcing and movie-like.

  6. On point for cinematic feel in your images, Ritva! I love the night scene and the black-and-white surveillance scene. Both tell a story that draws you into the image.

  8. What an image collection relating to the cinema and backgrounds for each. I think your art background definitely shows here. Well done Ritva!

  11. What a great selection of backdrops and streetscapes.

    Paris has to be a winner at any time of the year. Several movies came to mind when I viewed that selection.

  12. You nailed it, Ritva. Firstly, you got those colours perfectly for the emotional effect. Your settings are full of interest, you’ve captured the locations in the middle of the story and it’s up to us to write the rest. Excellent post and thank you so much!

  16. Gorgeous choices, Ritva! The Key West ones are extraordinary, but so are all your city scenes here. Locations make half the thing, don’t they?

  17. you are so right that old towns have cinematic charm and you showed that – I also liked the people shots and culture vibe – and fav image was the early one showing the modern hotel entrance featuring large glass doors! so cool

  18. Love this collecton!
    A cinematic thread woven with precision—images that whisper stories, colors that carry mood, and compositions that echo film stills. From neon-lit streets to quiet cafés, each frame feels like a paused heartbeat in a larger narrative.
    A striking collection that blends visual poetry with storytelling flair.
    A visual treat RS!

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