Cinematographer

Computer skills are necessary to have if one wants to become a cinematographer because of the special effects and the technological knowledge that is needed for this career. A cinematographer also needs to have a vision and imagination to envision what the camera shot will look like before it is captured.

The individual considering this as a career choice should also be able to work with lighting to get the most out of the shots that they take. The individual should also be able to research the past and be able to use the camera effectively. Along with this; hard work, passion, dedication towards the film industry, determination, communication skills and talent are all the skills that one will need in order to become a cinematographer.

Another name for a cinematographer is the director of photography (DP). They are the ones who handle the cameras, and it is their job to get the directors vision of the movie on video. It is the cinematographer’s job to get the right moment which the director wants, captured on camera. The director coordinates with the cinematographer about how he wants each shot captured, and then the cinematographer has the job of using the cameras to fulfill the directors wishes.

The director gives the cinematographer a ‘shot list’ so that he/she can figure out what lens of the camera to use, what angle, how each scene will be lit, and which camera filters will be used for that shot. Cinematographers have a crew to help them do all their tasks. This crew will work together to make sure that the directors vision is followed and all the moods and tones that he wants to portray are reflected in the camera shots.
The cinematographer’s crew consists of camera operators, camera assistants, focus pullers, gaffers, and the lighting crew. After production is complete, it is the cinematographer’s job to ensure that all the material that was captured during shooting remains intact and the processing of the film is done exactly to his/her specifications.

Additional duties of the cinematographer would include storing the prepared footage for editing, transporting the camera and lighting equipment to where they needed to be, and also supervising the work of other camera operators. The difference between and cinematographer and a camera operator is that a cinematographer plans what the camera operators will do. People who wish to become cinematographers may do internships on major film or television sets, or they can enter the field by filming commercials or instructional videos.

A graduate or undergraduate degree in cinematography is needed from a college or university. You can also complete a certificate course in that area to prove that you know something about the field. For a person to become a cinematographer, it is required for the person to graduate or pass their XII examinations.

After graduating or completing the course, the candidate can go to any small or big production house and join as a cinematographer. A strong portfolio of experience is needed for you to be accepted as a qualified candidate.

Cinematographer\'s earnings vary, depending upon location, experience, and employment specifics. In the United States, an average salary of $40,000 per annum is paid to a cinematographer; however there are also jobs which pay six digit salaries. Cinematographers tend to make more money working for motion pictures rather than working for the television industry.

In India, a cinematographer who has just joined the industry is paid Rs. 84,000 – Rs. 96,000 per year. As the cinematographer becomes more experienced, his/her salary rises to Rs. 480,000 – Rs. 600,000 a year. The salary also depends upon the project on which the cinematographer is working on.

Life as a

cinematographer

can be hard; mainly because of the long hours that the individual has to put in. However, working towards a film or television show is something gratifying. The

cinematographer

has to interact with a lot of people including the directors, camera operators, lighting crew, and also famous celebrities while doing their work.

Each job is something different, as it is a different film or television program, and so the job is not monotonous at all. Most of the work is done coordinating with different members of the production team at the production site. There are also many opportunities available for advancement and recognition in terms of awards.

One of the biggest perks about becoming a cinematographer is that in the future there is expected to be a large demand for them, thus ensuring that cinematographers find work when they look for it.

Another perk is that cinematographers can be eligible for awards from Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Hollywood Foreign Press, and other bodies which recognize such work. Moreover, the ability to interact with celebrities is a plus point for most people when they decide to become a cinematographer.

The long hours and late nights are defiantly one of the downsides into becoming a cinematographer. It is also a very physically demanding field to work in. Along with that, it is a very competitive industry, and thus can be hard to get the best jobs which might leave you settling for things you may not want to take on, just to pay your bills.

Cinematography is a popular major in most colleges who offer the course, and so it is expected to get very competitive in the future. Experience and Seniority in the field often are imperative to get ahead of the competition. However, cinematographers are expected to enjoy stable employment prospects, thus making it an attractive industry to enter.

Employment of Cinematographers is expected to increase 11 % between 2008 and 2018, according to December 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rate of growth is about average compared to other careers. This ensures that the competition remained fierce in this industry with new talent graduating every year and entering this field.

Locations for this career include all the places where the major film and television industries are located such as New York, LA, Mumbai, New Mexico, and other such cities.