Director of photography
Directors of photography (DoPs) work with lighting and camera crews on TV and film productions to create footage with the right look and feel.
Also known as: DP, DoP, cinematographer
What you'll do
As a director of photography, you could:
- discuss ways to shoot scenes with directors to get the desired style
- check filming locations and plan camera positions and shots
- hire and test filming and lighting equipment
- manage all aspects of filming, sometimes operating a camera
- supervise the camera crew and work on any special shots
- work closely with the lighting team to get the right creative effects
- review and approve daily footage with directors and producers
- support post-production and editing teams on film versions for release
Working environment
You could work on a film set, at a film studio or at a TV studio.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a director of photography
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- specialist courses with private training providers
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
Examples include:
- photography
- art and design
- drama
- filmmaking or film studies
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You can take a college course to develop your camera skills before looking for work, as an assistant.
Courses include:
- film and television production
- photography
- creative media production and technology
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
You may have an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical experience and possibly a work placement.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Work
You could start work with a production company in a junior role and learn on the job. Roles include:
- production runner
- second assistant camera (2nd AC) operator
- lighting trainee
Once you have built up your experience on set and completed extra training, you could become a first AC then director of photography.
Volunteering
It will help when looking for work, if you can get paid or unpaid experience with:
- community film productions
- amateur or student film projects
- independent film production companies or camera equipment suppliers
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge .
Look out for film festivals and follow the social media accounts of video companies and film-makers, for advice and possible work experience opportunities.
Other routes
You may be able to get a place on a new entrant training scheme that broadcasters and film bodies offer, for example:
- BBC trainee schemes
- Channel 4 training scheme
- ITV Careers
- British Film Institute (BFI)
You could also take short courses in camera operation run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could work on TV and film productions with larger budgets, or become a director or producer.
You might also choose to specialise in a particular area, for example commercials, documentaries or visual effects.
Career tips
Work is often freelance and filming can involve long hours. You'll usually be paid a day rate plus extra for overtime and unsocial hours.
It's important to make contacts in the industry, while learning about different filming techniques. You can also put together a portfolio of your work to showcase your talents through online media channels.
You may improve your career prospects by developing specialist filming skills, such as aerial, night-time or underwater photography.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the British Society of Cinematographers for latest news and trends, professional development and to make contacts in the industry.
Guides for this industry
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