He wrote: “His knowledge, sensitivity, and extraordinary mastery of light delighted his colleagues in the film industry as well as audiences around the world.
“Meetings and conversations with him were both enlightening and inspiring.”
They added: “We will miss you dearly.
“We will return to your films.
“We bid you farewell, our friend, with great sorrow and gratitude for the images you left us, as well as for all the ideas, thoughts, and inspirations you shared with us.”
The icon has been named as 81-year-old Eduardo Serra, a Portuguese cinematographer who worked on the final two Harry Potter films, both directed by David Yates.
During the two-part finale of the much-loved franchise, the star cinematographer was responsible for the darker visual shots that helped to define the Deathly Hallows films.
Serra was especially known in the industry for the shots of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, as they went on the run from Lord Voldemort, using natural lighting in ways the previous films hadn’t done before.
One devastated fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Well before superheroes were all the rage, Eduardo Serra was breathing life into comic panels in three dimensions.
“A great loss for cinema.”
Another added: “As a Portuguese cinephile who partly got into movies through the Oscars, Eduardo Serra will always have a special place in my heart.
“After all, he was the first person from Portugal to receive a nomination from the Academy.”
The legend was also a three-time Camerimage prize winner, and recipient of the American Society of Cinematographers’ 2014 International Award.
He also earned two Best Cinematography Oscar nominations.
The icon also has credits in Blood Diamond, Beyond The Sea, Girl With A Pearl Earring, and more.
Another fan wrote: “I’ll try to write more about him later, but, for now, I’ll just say he was a painter of light whose craft was as gorgeous when he was doing small art films as when he tackled big Hollywood productions.
“Cinema is poorer without his eye and his art.”
As a fourth said: “Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of the most beautiful movies I watched.
“The image is rich, layered, and gorgeous. The lightwork is mesmerizing.
“I can’t believe Eduardo Serra is gone.”