Cinematography is the most important job in filmmaking. A cinematographer, or director of photography, is responsible for the artistic and technical decisions related to the image and recording. They lead camera and lighting crews. Cinematographers must have strong artistic skills like composition and framing, as well technical skills operating cameras, lenses, lighting equipment and editing software. They prepare cameras for each scene from different angles to capture the action. While experience is most important, aspiring cinematographers typically earn a bachelor's degree in film or cinematography.

1. THE
CINEMATOGRAPHER
"Cinematography is the most important job. If
nobody turned up with a camera, it would be
radio".
NURIA TISSERA - LEVEL 3 MEDIA

2. 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.

3. SKILLS
ARTISTIC
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.
TECNICAL
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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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