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Written by Mumtaj Khan
Jan 30, 2026

The Cinematic Eye: How to Become a Cinematographer

A Cinematographer (also sometimes referred to as a director of photography, DP) is a visual storyteller who includes the filmmaking vision into physical existence in movies, television series, ads and other creative output.

Indian film business has now been known as one of the most successful entertainment industries, and there has been continuous advancement in all aspects of film making and large readership all over the world. It will not take long to compete with Hollywood by number and quality. As a matter of fact, it has already shown its trailer in the form of such films like Lagan, Slumdog Millionaire, and others, which produced an impression on the international cinema.

However, to get the work needed we must create such a work quite frequently. The creation of these works of creative effort is done by producer, Director, Actor, Dialogue writer, Dance Director, Photographer, and a host of other technical and non-technical professionals.

What the heck is a Cinematographer?

The biggest task of a Cinematographer is to present the story visually be it on television, a short film, a movie or anything on the page. The path to this is via the Director; the task of a Cinematographer is to listen to this vision of the Director about the story and help him or her fulfill this vision in terms of the photograph.

The profession of Cinematographer has its share of philosophical and logistic concerns. They play the part of adding emotional line to the picture by trying to make the views of the Director and the characters be reflected.

They might be that kind of a Director who has all ready in his head, and you are there to help him execute it, point by point, moment by moment. Or it could be such that the Cinematographer becomes more of a participative member and contributor to the content of the vision preparation.

The conceptual study of images produces a considerable amount of logistical activities that are needed to achieve the task successfully. The capability of converting the innovative ideas into the successful reality is one of the most challenging ones. The moviegoer is not informed about the extent of preparation and alteration that was made on the day of shooting. They are just viewing the finished product.

It is a curious dichotomy that it involves an attention, a creative purpose, and yet it is also the ability to put your needs and desires aside in favor of other people. A cinematographer should be a driven, concentrated artist with an opinion and also somebody who can sometimes disregard his/her ambitions to bring out a narrative.

Cinematographer Eligibility

Although exact education is required in case of being a Cinematographer, a minimum qualification of 10+2 is considered as enough to study professionally in this area.

What is it like to become a Cinematographer?

The film industry has a number of entry points. To become a cinematographer, one will need to take these five steps:

Step 1 : Upon finishing 10+2 and acquiring informally many areas of filmmaking, he or she can pursue other certificate and diploma programs offered by film schools like the film and TV institute of india all over the country. It is an institution that provides numerous technical and non-technical filmmaking courses.

However, some prestigious institutions which have fewer seats can demand aptitude examination before they accept the students. One of such exams is the Film and Television Institute of India Entrance Test.

  • UG Cinematographer Courses include:
  • M.A. (Cinematography)Acting, Dance and Drama.
  • M.F.Tech. (Cinematography)
  • M.Sc. (Photography and Cinematography)Multimedia, Animation and Gaming.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Cinematography
  • Cert Post Graduate in Cinematography.
  • Advanced Diploma in Cinematography.
  • BA Cinematography
  • B.Voc Cinematography
  • B.Sc Photography and Cinematography.

Step 2 : Having technical knowledge in a requisite field in an institute, it is possible to assist a senior cinematographer working on a project to experience on the job. Having obtained a certain work experience, he or she is able to undertake his or her project as a Cinematographer in a movie. It is also possible to pursue postgraduate courses in the relevant field to get a deep insight into the subject.

The following are some of the PG Courses in Cinematography:

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Cinematography
  • MA Cinematography
  • M.F.Tech Cinematography
  • M.Sc Cinematography and Photography.

It has a few additional steps one can make to be a good cinematographer

Step 1- Technical Knowledge: Purchase it

Through cinematography, numerous and extensive technical skills in photography are needed, and thus undertaking photography as a major or a field of study might give you the knowledge wellness of camera work and processes necessary to be a professional cinematographer.

Step 2- Practice Photography

When you are a budding cinematographer you are supposed to exercise the ability by working on film and still photography to determine what suits best in terms of composition of shots. Discuss having a break to filmmaking to focus on recording as much video and photographs as possible and only take lighting jobs in the business.

Step 3- Find out how to operate your equipment.

Cinematographer is a person who is skilled in using cameras and other lighting materials. As well as being taught how to use these devices, you should also know how to manipulate them so as to achieve your artistic ideal.

Step 4- Build connections

A business in the entertainment setting involves a lot of hustling and networking. Participate in industry gatherings to get acquainted with people and be ready to talk about your employment and movie experience any time.

What it takes to become a Cinematographer?

Being a Cinematographer can be successful with the following skills:

  1. Cinematography Positions require high technical skills and experience in the field.
  2. A Cinematographer should also be well equipped in terms of technical skills and knowledge of cameras and lenses.
  3. Major experience and skills in shooting and lighting.
  4. Technical skills to establish a mood by use of color, light and shadow.
  5. Being a Cinematographer, one has to be committed to his career and must enjoy what he does.
  6. A cinematographer must possess a good understanding of aesthetics.
  7. A cinematographer is required to possess good creativity and judgment.
  8. There are also the need to have good interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
  9. To be a good cinematographer, one needs to have creativity as it is a required skill.

 Prospects in the career of a cinematographer

The next person in the hierarchy of voices is the cinematographer after the director. They work side by side with the director during preproduction up to postproduction contributing to the creation of the visual style and tone of the entire picture.

The cinematographer reports to costume designers, hair stylists, makeup artists, and production designers all, in preproduction, they do not work independently but collectively come up with ideas together before commencing work. The collaboration between them creates the general look of the film. The camera operator, first and second assistant cameras, gaffers, electricians, and key grips are also under the care of the cinematographers.

It is possible to attend one of the large film houses or become the assistant of some senior Cinematographer in the project to gain some working experience.

Once he or she has acquired some job exposure it is possible to take his own assignment as a Cinematography in a movie.

Cinematographer Salary

Money with an experienced cameraman has no limit as far as an individual can earn as long as he or she has received some exposure and has worked with at least a few well-known directors. This all will be determined by whether he can be creative and how successful his work will be financially.
There are those who earn millions through cinematography and others work at free jobs hoping to eventually be networked into a bigger project or get union notice.
A Cinematographer in a feature picture will certainly be remunerated more in terms of his/her time and talent than in a short picture/ad.
Cinematographers in an independent or low-budget film will receive fewer wages as compared to those in a bigger production company.
In the case of a cinematographer being employed as assistant to a senior colleague, he/she may be paid between Rs. 30,000/- to Rs. 40,000/- as assistant. Such a payment may differ considerably according to your level of expertise and whether the production firm has a high or a low budget.
One should always keep in mind that due to the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, a Cinematographer can be without a job weeks or months. Consequently, individuals who want to pursue a career in cinematography have to be taught how to manage to budget during the times when they might be making little or no money.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cinematographer, also known as a director of photography, is responsible for capturing visual images for films, television, and digital media.
You can become a cinematographer by studying film techniques, learning camera operation and lighting, assisting professionals, and building a strong showreel.
Formal education in film or cinematography is helpful, but hands-on experience and a strong portfolio are more important.
Key skills include camera operation, lighting, composition, storytelling, technical knowledge, creativity, and teamwork.
Cinematographers should learn to use professional cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, stabilizers, and editing tools.