High School

You should take courses—such as math, English, government, and foreign language—that will prepare you for college. Courses in English composition and literature will give you a background in narrative development, and art and photography courses can help you understand the basics of lighting and composition. A broadcast journalism or media course may give you some hands-on experience in camera operation and video production. Some high schools offer video production and film courses.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelors degree in liberal arts or film studies provides a good background for work in the film industry, but practical experience and industry connections will offer the best job opportunities. Many colleges offer courses in camera operation or video editing software. Upon completing an undergraduate program, you may wish to enroll in a masters program or masters of fine arts program at a film school. Schools offering well-established programs include the School of Visual Arts in New York, New York University, and the University of Southern California. These schools have film professionals on their faculties and provide a very visible stage for student talent. In addition to classroom time, film school offers students the opportunity to work on their own productions. Such education is rigorous, but in addition to teaching skills it provides you with peer groups and a network of contacts with students, faculty, and guest speakers that can be of help after graduation.

An alternative to film school is the New York Film Academy (NYFA), which gives students an idea of the demands of filmmaking careers by immersing them in short, intensive workshops. During this time, students have access to cameras and editing software and are required to make short films of their own. The school also awards undergraduate and graduate degrees in film.

Cinematographers must have an understanding of digital cameras and computer technology, because both are essential in todays film industry. Most editing is now done digitally, so cinematographers can benefit from taking courses that teach how to use different types of video editing software.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in cinematography and digital cinematography. For example, the University of California-Los Angeles offers a cinematography certificate program, which can last from nine months (for those who study full time) to three years. To earn the certificate, students must complete the following courses:

• Becoming Camera-Savvy: A Workshop for Todays Filmmakers
• The Craft of the Cinematographer
• Introduction to Cinematography
• The Language of Filmmaking
• Lighting for Emotional Impact
• Pre-Production and Production for Film and Television
• The Role of the Digital Imaging Technician in Cinematography
• Visualization and Exposure

Contact schools in your area to learn about available programs, which are offered in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by professional associations, online learning platforms, and colleges and universities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

There are no specific certification or licensing requirements for cinematographers and directors of photography.

Other Requirements

Cinematographers and directors of photography must have good eyesight. It also helps if they are strong enough to carry and work heavy camera equipment.

Cinematographers and directors of photography often start out in assisting positions that are related to the craft. Some may start as a helper in an editing room and then move up to editing assistant and then film editor. From there, they may gain enough experience to become a cinematographer. Many cinematographers bypass this route up the ladder by making their own films—proving their skills by making their own cinematic creations. The profession requires creativity to envision how the final product will look to an audience. Cinematographers need to be attentive to detail in order to follow all the many parts that go into making a film, from lighting to sound to the actors and props. A keen visual sense helps, along with technical skills to fully employ the latest special effects and techniques.

Cinematographers need to keep abreast of technological innovations while working in the industry. They must be comfortable with the technical, as well as artistic, aspects of the profession. Cinematographers also must be good, decisive leaders and managers in order to effectively direct and manage their crews.