The article examines four contemporary Russian documentariesshot in 2018–2020, two of them monochromatic and the other two polychromicand achromatic. Based on non-fiction films, the study analyzes the use of coloras means of translating the documentary maker’s artistic vision. It sees intothe process of live video filming for a documentary that may confront thevideographer with the challenge of the color treatment, so that his skill dependson his ability to readily assess the color harmony regardless of hamperedshooting conditions. The ongoing development of photography and cinemaequipment and the improvement of color rendering in video images help thefilm directors to develop a deeper understanding of cinematography, to masterthe technique of digital video processing. However, technology is no more thanan aid to the creative thought of documentary filmmakers who are responsiblefor the aesthetic vision and representation of reality. To what extent the authormanages to render his artistic vision in a screen document depends on thelevel of his excellence. Documentary filmmaking gives directors freedom ofreproducing their world views, so color as film medium is used by authors morefocused on the picturesque aspects of color. Therefore the article points out thechromatic and achromatic properties of color as components of the film imageryaffecting the perception of the documentary film maker’s artistic conception.