Director of Photography

Director of Photography Overview

Directors of photography are responsible for setting up motion photography shots on movie and television production sets. They work under the film director to achieve the artistic and technical results desired. These professionals do not typically operate the camera but instead direct the movements and decisions of the camera operators. A director of photography may also work on a film or show during post-production editing.

Directors of photography have the opportunity to be on a production set, work with directors and other professionals, and direct a crew. This career can be fun and invigorating as well as stressful during shooting deadlines and weather conditions. Most people are drawn to this work because they enjoy production and have a natural talent and good eye for film.

Director of Photography Education & Training

Film school prepares an individual for work in a variety of film and production careers, including director of photography. The coursework for this career will focus on technical methods, computer skills, and editing. Students will learn how to create visual effects, direct a crew, and succeed on a production set.

Early on in their education, students should begin to compile a portfolio of work showcasing examples of their best production work. Most graduates will typically begin a career as a camera operator or as an assistant to the camera operator. Creativity, discipline, and professionalism will serve to promote the camera operator to the position of director of photography. The motivation of the individual is a driving force in this field due to the intermittent and contractual nature of the work. Those with the education, skills, and determination will be best served in this field.

Director of Photography Career & Salary Outlook

Due to the fluctuation in work it is hard to determine how much a director of photography makes per year. The median hourly rate for a producer or director on a film or television set is $34.01. The camera operators make an average of $21.16 per hour. Depending on the size of the production company, benefits may be provided. These benefits can include health insurance, pension and profit-sharing as well as flexible spending plans.

While careers in the film industry are expected to increase in the coming years, it should be kept in mind that these positions tend to be extremely competitive. Hence, obtaining as much education and experience as possible early on is key to future success.

Characteristics of a Successful Director of Photography

A director of photography must have an excellent eye for lighting and other technical nuances of film. A good director of photography will have the ability to use light and shadow to complement the script. Set props and foreground and background details are tools that the director of photography can use to set the tone of a scene.

A successful director of photography will work closely with all members of the cast and crew communicating effectively the needs for each scene. Being highly professional and self-critical will serve the director of photography well. These natural abilities and qualities will lead to promotions and future work for the director of photography.

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