How to Become a Cinematographer
A cinematographer is responsible for all of the visuals in a film. From the way the camera angles, to the lighting, to the shot size, the cinematographer is the artistic eye behind the camera that takes charge of the film’s visual storytelling. If you’re interested in becoming a professional cinematographer, you will need to prepare yourself for hard work and perseverance.
Cinematography is a competitive field in the film industry, with very few people making a top cinematographer salary. For many, it can feel like a mountain that is too steep to climb. However, if you are interested in pursuing this career, this article will give you some expert tips on how to become a cinematographer. While there is no one path that leads to a career in cinematography, by following these steps, you will be well on your way.
Learn Basic Cinematography Techniques and Concepts
Cinematography is both a craft and an art form. In order to excel at your craft, you will need to arm yourself with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The cinematographer job description can be a little hard to define. Depending on the scale of the production, cinematographers tend to bounce between various jobs on set, such as Director of Photography, lighting designer, and camera operator.
As a beginner, try to learn everything you can about the various jobs that contribute to the visual look and feel of a film.
Camera Techniques
Begin by exploring the main piece of equipment used by cinematographers – get to know your way around a professional cinema camera.
- Study video compositional techniques, including framing, shot size, and shot colour.
- Learn about using different types of lenses.
- Explore camera movement to make your shots dynamic, including zoom, tilt, dolly, and so on.
- Learn about how the camera works. Become familiar with all of the camera’s settings and features until the camera feels like an extension of your hand.
Lighting
The lighting design of a film can make a massive contribution to the way a shot feels. Harsh, contrasting lighting tells one type of story, while soft, gentle lighting tells another.
- Learn the common film lighting terms, such as key lighting, fill lighting, backlighting, and so on.
- Begin to take note of the lighting choices you see in the films you watch.
- Become familiar with film lights. Experiment with how their positioning can change a shot.
Develop Your Artistic Eye
As the eye behind the camera that sets up the shots, you will have plenty of artistic licence. When you become a cinematographer, you will need to be able to make informed decisions about how you want the film to look stylistically. In order to become confident about your abilities as a cinematographer, begin to develop your artistic filmmaking style.
- Take note of the cinematography styles you like and don’t like when watching films.
- Experiment with the camera and lighting techniques that you have begun to learn.
- Keep practicing to hone your skills.
By continuing to work on the camera and lighting skills listed above, you will be armed with a toolbox of cinematography elements to draw open every time you set up a shot. Nowadays, you can begin to study these basic concepts by yourself online.
Continue Learning with Formal or Informal Training
While you will be able pick up lots of skills and information by yourself, you will eventually need to learn about filmmaking from a professional. Some cinematographers choose to enroll in a cinematography course, while others prefer to learn on their feet by experiencing a professional film set first hand.
Complete a Cinematographer Degree
While many professional cinematographer’s choose to forgo formal cinematographer training, completing a cinematographer degree can be an excellent way to refine the skills you have begun to learn and to make some invaluable connections in the film industry. If you choose to embark on a cinematographer training course, you will learn the ins and outs of operating a camera, creating a shot, and designing a stylistically cohesive film.
Here are a few of the best cinematographer courses in the country.
- Bournemouth University – BA Hons, Film Production and Cinematography
- Goldsmiths – MA, Filmmaking (Cinematography)
- National Film and Television School – BA or MA, Cinematography
- MET Film School – BA or MA, Cinematography
- London Film Academy – BA Hons, Filmmaking
- City Academy – Short Courses, Cinematography
Learn by Experience on Set
While having a cinematographer degree will be a huge asset, nothing compares to watching a master at work. Learning the craft on set is a wonderful way to pick up unusual skills and ideas that aren’t taught at film school. On set, you will have the opportunity to experience what life on set is really like.
By experiencing filmmaking on a professional set, you’ll get an idea of how professional filmmakers work together. You’ll also become used to the famously long hours and stressful working conditions that go with the job.
If you haven’t had any experience on a set before, chances are you’ll find it difficult to get a foot in the door. A fantastic way to get on set is to apply as an intern or a PA (Production Assistant). Use your time in these roles to soak up as much information as you can. Keep your eyes and mind open – you will be amazed by the amount you learn.
Career Development - Opportunities and Brand Building
As a cinematographer, you will almost always be self-employed. This means that you will be in charge of finding your own work. It’s vital that you pick up some marketing skills so that you find constant, fulfilling work in the film industry. In other words, to become a cinematographer, you will need to focus on your career as well as your skill set.
Networking
The film industry is highly competitive. It can be incredibly helpful to have connections with professionals already in the business. Often, job roles will be filled by people who know other people on the project. By networking with film industry professionals, you will find it easier to be selected for job roles when they come up.
Try to cultivate positive, genuine, and friendly relationships with everyone you come across in the industry. Connect with people you meet in your courses, on workshops, or on set. Try to stay in touch and support their work. Use social media to follow their careers. Hopefully, they will think of you next time there is an opening in an indie project. To make new connections, you can even consider reaching out to professionals you respect for some advice over a coffee.
Brand Cultivation
Unfortunately, being self-employed means treating yourself like a business and a brand. Try to employ some basic marketing tools to build your brand as a cinematographer. Create an online profile where people can find and view your showreel and resume. Create social media profiles and become an active member of the online film community.
By being active and visible online, your work can be found and shared by others. In this day and age, having an online presence is an essential part of the business that will open up to a range of new work opportunities.
Seek Cinematographer Jobs
If you are vigilant with networking and self-promotion, work might come to you. Unfortunately, this won’t always be the case. You will likely need to seek out job opportunities to stay busy. Use online job boards to apply for cinematographer roles in indie productions. This work will give you the chance to make useful connections and add to your portfolio of work.
If you are really struggling to find work, don’t sit around waiting for jobs to come to you. Making your own work with friends in the industry is a fantastic way to keep your creativity bubbling and your skills sharp. Plus, it will give you an opportunity to explore your craft in new and experimental ways.
FILMD members user our suite of pre-production tools to help cast and crew their projects, many of which require cinematographers. So don’t forget to join!
Stay Creative and Keep Exploring
Even after decades in the industry, you will find that there is always more to learn. As you progress in your career, remember to keep learning and keep exploring the craft of cinematography. Give yourself the space and time to be creative and to try new things. Remember what you love about your particular art form and why you wanted to become a cinematographer in the first place. Every now and then, come back to the basics of cinematography and rediscover the many ways you can use your camera to tell a story.