FILMMAKING CREW & STAFF: DOP

The Director of Photography is responsible for the look of the film, and the process of shooting the footage that will become the film.  They are responsible for every light, every shadow, the framing of the shot, and how the camera may or may not move in a sequence.  In the final result, what you see is – for lack of a better term – painted by the DP, also known as the cinematographer.

 

The Director of Photography is part technician and part artist.  They need to know and need to be able to calculate how a certain lens, type of light, and color of filter can affect the look of a shot.  They need to know how all the technology works.  But they also need to have an artistic eye and understand how camera placement and angles can alter the feel of a scene.

 

Nuance is a key word for a Director of Photography.  Every detail of the visual element of the film is required to have the DP’s signature touch.  Whether that is muted colors, deep shadows, or only using natural light sources, it is the Director of Photography’s personal strengths that usually get them the job.  Iconic movies may be the work of the director, but iconic shots are always the achievement of the cinematographer.

 

There is always debate about who has more visual control – the Director of the film, or the Director of Photography. This is something that does vary from film to film, and you’ll just have to find out.

 

A natural eye.  You can become a cinematographer without a talent for it but like any artistic medium it is much easier if you are a natural.  Visualizing something and recreating it through the camera is not as easy as it sounds.

 

A scientific brain.  You need to enjoy and geek out over how certain lenses, film stock, lights, etc., can combine in many different ways to produce a certain effect.  There are countless ways to alter the look of a shot, its depth of field, and focus.

 

A director’s understanding.  You not only need to make the sets and props look good, but you have to remember that the actor is the star of the shot.  Being able to see a great performance can help you establish the right set up to capture the actor’s best work.

 

 

Apprentice.  Hands on experience is the best way.  Whether you intern on a nature film, or PA on an independent short film, getting near a professional grade camera is important.

 

Experiment with equipment you can get you hands on, and do a lot of reading.  Luckily, as this is a very technical process you can figure out a lot just by doing a little math.

Many film schools have programs tailored for cinematographers.  Experience is as important as theory, and there will always be plenty to play with in a school environment.

Good Luck! Want to read more about other filmmaking crew & staff roles? Click here!