THE CINEMATOGRAPHER

"Cinematography is the most important job. If nobody turned up with a camera, it would be radio".

DAWDA JIKINEH - LEVEL 3 MEDIA

DEFINITION  A cinematographer or director of photography (sometimes

shortened to DP or DOP) is the chief over the camera crews working on a film, television production or other live action piece and is responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image and recording.

Cinematographers play a crucial role in the development, feel and look of movies and television by leading the lighting and camera crews.

ARTISTIC TECNICAL

SKILLS

Having a good artistic eye for photography.

Being able to frame shots and recognize good shots, different angles and how to use them in every single moment during the production.

Using the technical basics of photography – The lighting, use lenses, exposures…etc

Knowledge about the equipment such as film cameras on dollies, hand-held cameras. This includes both set-up and operation.

Computer skills are necessary relative to softwares for many editing and other related tasks

The cinematographer does…

Prepare the cameras for each scene in a movie; this often includes multiple mounts so that they can get shots from many different angles. They may also use stationary cameras in one area and moving cameras in another in order to get multiple views of the action taking place in the scene.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

While educational requirements in this artistic field are not set in stone, earning a bachelor's degree in film or cinematography is typical. Cinematography programs may also be found at the certificate and associate's degree levels. Aspiring cinematographers should start accumulating film experience while still in school.

All of your progress is carefully guided and expanded by individual tutorial support, ensuring that you create pieces of work to be showcased in your all-important portfolio. 

Cinematography Certificate

Students work in labs and learn filmmaking technique necessities. Common learning areas include:

Understanding film stocks Cinematography techniques Role of cinematographers Cameras, lens and lighting Using exposure meters