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You might have heard the term Director of Photography or Cinematographer on various occasions or you might have seen it in credits of a Movie or a TV Show. In this post I will give you detailed information on how to become one.
But first you need to know What is Cinematography? Before you choose this career path. So here's a short definition on cinematography or you can visit my blog post on that topic for detailed information through the above link or the link given at the end of this post.
What is cinematography?
The dictionary defines Cinematography as the "art of making motion pictures." That is true but what else? There is more to it than just what dictionary defines it to be.
The in depth defition for Cinematography is that it is an art and craft of making pictures by capturing a story visually. Though, technically, cinematography is the art and the science of recording light either electronically onto an image sensor or chemically onto film.
Cinematography composes each shot, considering, where everything in frame demands attention. It is the creation of images you see on screen. A series of shots that form a cohesive narrative.
How to become a Director of Photography/Cinematographer?
The job of a Director of Photography (DOP) or Cinematographer is mainly to bring a story from a script to life on screen. DOP/Cinematographers are in charge of which camera and lense to use, how to use it, decide the lighting of a shot, camera settings and how the camera behaves. As a DOP/Cinematographer, you will work with a director and the crew to tell a story as you see it. You direct a camera like a director directs actors. Becoming a cinematographer isn't an easy task. It takes years of study, practice, and networking. In addition to a lifetime of learning.
Here are my top 10 tips on how to become a DOP/Cinematographer:
1.Take film and cinematography classes
In this film business, a fancy diploma or a degree isn't alway's needed but on the other hand it does help you get a career boost at the start of your career. Learning from a professional will help you to learn some invaluable skills and you will be able to get an idea on what to do? And what not to do? Getting a proper education in film and cinematography will give you the tools and training to become successful. You will get to watch amazing films and shots and learn the techniques and terminology behind each move and element. Taking classes will also give you the knowledge on what your job is and what the different tools you will need are. You will learn how to identify what different cameras and lenses to use. How to get difficult shots. When to use a steady cam versus a camera on a dolly. Going to school for film is also rewarding. You will not only get to learn from professionals, but you will get to be graded on your work. You will learn when you aren’t doing something right and how to improve. Schools also often have nice equipment that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. You will get to make projects, build a portfolio, and network. You never when your professor might want to use you. Or your classmate who is now in Hollywood working on big budget films.
2.Practice Filming
Going to school will sure help you in a lot of ways in learning many things but you won't be good unless and until you start practicing on you own. It will help you find out what your style is. Just pick up a camera and start filming on your own. Use all the techiniques you learned in school amd apply it to your outside world. Take what you like and what you resonate. Learn to what you don't like. The reason practising filming on your own is good because you will always find new and many different good ways every time you practice a shot and you will know better what to do, depending on the situations.
3.Learn the different jobs related to the camera work
If you want to be a successful DOP/Cinematographer you need to know where your job starts and where it ends. If you want to be successful as a cinematographer, you’ll need to learn the ins and outs of filming and where you belong.
For example:
The cinematographer is also often referred to as the director of photography (DP). You’re in charge of how the camera moves. How the lighting is set up. What angles are used, and more. Your job is not to direct actors, get in the way of camera operators who are not you, tell the sound department how to set up sound, etc.
4.Watch Movies
Watching movies will help you in many ways to become a good DOP/Cinematographer. Watch a movie differently than an average viewer. Learn to look at films through the eye of a lens. Take notes whether on paper or mental. Watch for different shots, what makes these shots special or needed? Take notes on how the camera moves. How the lighting casts shadows to convey mood. How close the shot is to an actor and where on the actor the lens is. When and why the camera moves. Watching movies with this kind of critical eye will help you to adjust your way of thinking about, and seeing film. You’ll be able to understand why a camera moves when it does and why it shows what it shows.
5.Always be learning
In this career path in film industry there will always be something new coming up like for example: A new camera with new updated settings or a new device to create a good shot. The film industry is rapidly evolving and you need to not only keep up but stay ahead of it. Stay up to date with new technology and filming techniques. Learn what cameras and lenses are good for certain lighting and shots and moods. New cameras are constantly coming out and changing how we think about film. Or, rather digital film. Learn as much as you can. Magazines like the American Cinematographer Magazine and the American Society of Cinematographers are a great resource. You can stay up to date on news. Read and learn about iconic shots.
6.Make your own short films
If you want to be the director of photography, you need to learn to direct, both your camera and people. Come up with an idea for a short film and make it. You can choose to take on all the roles or stick to a few. Get your friends to help you. This will be pretty easy if you are or were in film school. Just get out there and start making short movies. Try for three, or five, or ten minute films to start. You don’t need to make the great indie masterpiece. The fact is, you probably won’t, at least not for a while. So don’t worry about getting everything right and perfect. Use what you have at your disposal and get out there. Actually shooting something will put you ahead of most of the people who dream of becoming a cinematographer but never take advantage of that dream. You need to learn how to tell a story with your camera. The best way for you to do that is by trial and error. To really develop your talents, you’ll have to fail and make some mistakes before you realize how to best get what you want and need in your own way.
7.Make a portfolio
Once you’ve done some work of your own you’ll need to build a reel. Every position in the industry will require a different kind of reel to showcase. And within those different kinds of reels will be several methods for creating one. For director of photography reels, there are a few things to note. Your reel should showcase your absolute best work. If it doesn’t look great and someone sees it, the viewer will think that this is the most you’re capable of. Whether you take on other roles in your work isn’t important right now. Even if you’ve directed or edited, this reel is for cinematography. Only include work that showcases your talent as a cinematographer. People want to see your talent in camera movement, lighting, composition, visual creativity, versatility, and, at least, one great moment. That’s a lot to pack into no more than two minutes. You don’t have to get all those aspects in, especially in one clip. But you should try and show as much of those elements as possible. Your reel should be no longer than two minutes. And if you don’t have enough quality footage to even make it that long, then keep it shorter. Two great clips that culminate in forty-five seconds will serve you much better than two minutes of mediocre work.
8.Get on a set
Once you have a little bit of practice and work to show, it’s going to be time to get yourself on a professional set. Have realistic expectations for getting on a set. No one is going to pull you out of the blue and hand you a camera. You’ll have to slowly work your way up. It doesn’t matter how you get on set. You may not even be able to get a job related to the camera work. Apply for any set jobs that you are qualified for. You can be a production assistant, camera operator, lighting technician, craft service personnel, or even an extra. Your goal isn’t to get a shortcut to fame. It’s to get exposure and learn how a real professional set operates. Get on set and take everything in. It will be eye opening. You will not only see how the filming happens but how people act and behave. You will come across extras who think this job is going to bring fame. Production assistants who are annoyed by the extras. Directors who act like tyrants. Camera operators who are quick and easily annoyed if anyone gets too close to any equipment. Build relationships with gaffers, grips, production managers, producers, and directors. If you get on set, let everything you experience soak in. Then stay out of the way until you’re needed. While there will be a lot happening, it will also give you the opportunity to see the magic happen. Pay attention to how the lighting is set up. How the crew moves props and materials around to get a tough shot. What lenses are used and why certain ones are used for certain shots. Learn from what people do right, and what people do wrong.
9.Join online groups
Join social media groups to help you find resources and networking opportunities. There are plenty of sites that can help you find jobs. Sign up and fill out your profile. The start searching and applying. Sites like Production Beast is an online resource for connecting people in the film industry. Likewise, Facebook has tons of film oriented groups which you can join to discuss, connect, and find work. Search for cinematography and filming groups in Facebook and ask to join any groups that stand out to you. Ask your friends for recommendations on any good groups.
10.Get experience
Becoming a cinematographer is hard work and will take time to gain some traction and a reputation. That’s why, especially in the beginning, you should get experience however you can. Ask your friends, colleagues, teachers, etc., for any help on getting work. Don’t expect to always get work in exactly the position you want. Take anything that gives you experience. Continue learning and shooting things yourself. You should always be creating new work as your talent grows. Update your resume and reel frequently so that you are always ready to put your best self forward. Experience comes in many forms. Whether it’s simply taking photos for practice, working on a set, or acting as the director of photography on a film. Don’t get discouraged if you feel like you’re not getting the work or exposure you want. There are plenty of ways to create your own content. And in the film industry, you will go through cycles where you may be in high demand for a few months. Then the next several months are quiet. Learn to accept this flow and take down time to relax.
This is it for this post. I hope you got what you were looking for. Thank you for giving your precious time. If you like what you see please share and comment. You can suggest me what should I post next in the comment section. Once again Thank You.
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