Educational And Career Requirements To Become A Cinematographer

Cinematographers have the ability to translate the ideas of a director into visuals. They play an essential role in the feel, development and look of television and movies. Although there is no set in stone educational requirements in this artistic field, obtaining a bachelor degree is mandatory.  Over the past few years, the number of cinematography schools offering various cinematography programs and courses has extensively increased.

Cinematography Schools


Cinematographers work in different mediums including television production, film and broadcast production. Aspiring cinematographers start their career as assisting camera to become a successful cinematographer

Educational Requirements

Vocational schools, art institutes, community colleges, various colleges, and universities offer a variety of programs and courses in videography and camera operation. Recently, many cinematography specific degree programs and courses have developed to support an advancing desire and need for this creative endeavor.

Although there is no set of educational requirements for becoming a cinematographer, you need to have experience along with education to kick-start your cinematography career. It is not necessary to obtain experience from an employer, but should something you worked on a video reel that can be used to exhibit your artistic ability and skill. Activities such as taking photos, making a short film and joining film clubs offer a good experience. Some of the bob-profit organizations and film clubs, including Film Independent, offer education as well as opportunities to communicate with the experts.

Cinematography Certificate
Through these certificate programs, students work in labs and learn necessary techniques for cinematography. Some of the common learning areas include:
  • Basic cinematography techniques
  • Role of cinematographers
  • Understanding film stocks
  • Using exposure meters
  • Cameras, lens, and lighting

Associate of Arts in Motion Pictures
This 2-year degree program offers aspiring candidate the chance to acquire the basic film and television skills. This program can help graduates in landing entry-level employment while they are still learning how to start their career as cinematographers. Here are some of the course options such as:

  • Directing
  • Cinematography
  • Sound design
  • Screenwriting
  • Editing

Bachelor’s degree in cinematography
In this degree program students will learn about shot framing in hands-on learning environments and film production. Some of the courses are given below:
  • Film crew
  • Lighting techniques and types
  • Shooting and editing effects
  • Production preparation, line production and post-production
  • Animation

Are you searching for cinematography schools in the U.S.? Contact Digital Filmmaking Academy . They offer numerous interesting basic and advanced courses in filmmaking.

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