Page "Cinematographer" Paragraph 4

The cinematographer selects the film stock, lens, filters, etc., to realize the scene in accordance with the intentions of the director.

Relations between the cinematographer and director vary ; in some instances the director will allow the cinematographer complete independence ; in others, the director allows little to none, even going so far as to specify exact camera placement and lens selection.

Such a level of involvement is not common once the director and cinematographer have become comfortable with each other, the director will typically convey to the cinematographer what is wanted from a scene visually, and allow the cinematographer latitude in achieving that effect.