Do you love the visual aspects of filmmaking? Are you obsessed with lighting, framing, and the way a camera moves to tell a story? If so, cinematography could be for you. From Roger Deakins’s intense action scenes in Skyfall to Emmanuel Lubezki’s technical innovation in Gravity, cinematography often makes our favourite movies memorable.
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A cinematographer is responsible for visualising the director’s ideas. They decide the type of cameras to use, the camera angles, framing, lights, colour, and composition, as well as contribute to the mood and tone of the film. They employ a combination of technical know-how and creativity to develop a visual narrative and are both a leader and a collaborator.
Cinematographers are sometimes referred to as directors of photography (DOP). Both jobs are in charge of the visuals and cameras. Individuals often decide how they’d like to be credited, though it can depend on the project budget as some see cinematographer as a more prestigious (and expensive) title due to the creative control it implies over aesthetics and planning.
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Cinematographers are the top dog on set, second only to the director. As well as taking charge of the photography and working to achieve the desired look of the film, they make calls about kit and crew so need to have a head for logistics.
They set up, rehearse, and block scenes, positioning cameras and deciding on the movement of actors. They work with the gaffer, who is in charge of lighting and electrics, and the grips, who deal with the rigging, in order to lead the visual aspects of the shoot.
Some cinematographers control the camera themselves, and others work with a camera operator. They’re often involved in post-production too, advising on colour grading to enhance the visuals in the edit.
You’ll need to meet these five prerequisites if you want to become a cinematographer.
- Creative: You’ll need a great eye for aesthetics and detail. Can you execute excellent composition? Are you passionate about photography? Do you love visual storytelling?
- Technical: A practical understanding of cameras, lenses, and how lighting influences a scene is key.
- Logical: You’ll need to be able to plan and manage a budget covering your equipment and crew.
- Team player: Being able to communicate and collaborate is essential as you’ll be working with different personalities.
- Leadership: Working alongside other heads of department, you will need to be able to vocalise your vision, handle pressure, and make effective decisions quickly.
1. Learn to think and see like a cinematographer
Watch films’ visual styles and develop your own tastes. Look up the cinematographers whose films you like and watch more of their work. Nina Kellgren, the cinematographer on the 1991 mystery-thriller Young Soul Rebels, told the British Film Institute (BFI) her top tip for training your eye: “Pick a scene from your favourite film. Turn the sound down and really watch it. Where’s the camera? Where’s the choreography? What’s the light doing? How does it make you feel? How is it working? Then you’ll get a sense of what the cinematography is doing as opposed to the other things in the film.”
2. Start making films
Top cinematographer Erik Wilson, who shot Submarine, Paddington, and The Imposter, told aspiring DOPs at the BFI: “If you can go to film school, then great, but if not, it doesn’t matter. Just shoot. Just start. There are so many cameras and devices. Now there has been a whole film at Sundance shot on an iPhone. There are no excuses anymore. Literally none!”
In short, you’ve likely got an amazing piece of camera equipment in your back pocket. Director Stephen Soderbergh shot his feature films High Flying Bird (2019) and Unsane (2018) using his iPhone.
3. Create a Vimeo portfolio
Once you’ve shot and edited together footage on a phone or camera, it’s time to get it out there. Put your videos on your social media pages and promote them using relevant hashtags. Also, create a digital portfolio for your work in the form of a Vimeo page. Vimeo is a free host site used by many film professionals. It enables you to send links, upload and download material, and password-protect anything sensitive. Your Vimeo portfolio should feature the best work you’ve shot so far.
4. Study cinematography
While not essential, going to film school is an opportunity to hone technical skills and gain a qualification. The National Film and Television School (NFTS) in the UK and Australian Film Television Radio School (AFTRS) in Australia are leading examples.
5. Get a foot on the ladder
Becoming a cinematographer is the goal, but you’ll need to work your way up. Apply to entry-level positions in the industry, such as a camera trainee, lighting trainee, or video assist operator. Any experience behind a camera will help you climb higher.
6. Learn from those around you
Learn by watching more experienced crew members who can train you in cameras, lighting, and how to act around a set. It doesn’t have to be on a major production; any set, professional or amateur, can provide lessons.
7. Network
Really submerge yourself in your future career. Link up with other budding cinematographers, directors, grips, and gaffers. Get networking and join communities—these people are your future colleagues. Check out websites like British Cinematographer, the BFI, and BAFTA's YouTube site.
Hoyte van Hoytema at Oscars 2024 Credit: Phil McCarten ©A.M.P.A.S.
- Jack Cardiff (The Red Shoes, A Matter of Life and Death, Black Narcissus)
- Stanley Cortez (The Magnificent Ambersons, The Night of the Hunter, Chinatown)
- Christopher Doyle (In the Mood For Love, Chungking Express, Hero)
- Sue Gibson (Alien vs. Predator, The Holiday, Mrs Dalloway)
- Rachel Morrison (Black Panther, Cake, Mudbound, Fruitvale Station)
- Rodrigo Prieto (Barbie, Babel, Brokeback Mountain, The Wolf of Wall Street)
- Robbie Ryan (Poor Things, The Favourite, The Old Oak, American Honey)
- Robert Richardson (Casino, Kill Bill, The Aviator, Inglourious Basterds)
- Hoyte van Hoytema (Oppenheimer, Tenet, Dunkirk)
- Mandy Walker (Elvis, Hidden Figures, Australia, Mulan)