Everything an aspiring cinematographer needs to know
A cinematographer or Director of Photography (DOP) is the one in charge of shooting a video, a movie, or a short film. He’s responsible for how the lighting, props, performers, and everything else you see on screen will appear in front of the audience. A motion film isn’t possible without a cinematographer. This is a creative field which is financially rewarding too. Students who love movies, have a flair for photography and videography and have a very strong visual imagination may love to wear the hat of a DOP. Here’s how they can pursue this career.
Courses available
Students interested in pursuing cinematography can enrol themselves in the following undergraduate programmes after 12.
The undergraduate course (3 years) includes:
- B.Sc. in Cinema + Diploma in Cinematography
- B.Sc. in Cinematography
- BA in Cinematography
- BFA in Cinematography
- BA (Hons.) Direction & Cinematography
Institutes for studying cinematography in India
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. Kolkata, The Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, New Delhi, Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Annapurna College of Film and Media, Hyderabad, Whistling Woods International, School of Filmmaking, Mumbai and Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), Noida are a few of the most well-known institutes in India where students can pursue cinematography.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must have completed Class 12 with a minimum of 50% aggregate from an Indian recognised board. They may be required to take entrance exams and qualify personal interviews/group discussion rounds, as required by different colleges and universities.
Attributes required in a cinematographer
Majority of cinematographers begin their careers as assistant technicians. They can go on to work independently if they continue to work under established cinematographers and obtain the necessary expertise and skills. Some attributes required in a cinematographer are:
- An eye for detail
- Thorough understanding of lighting techniques, light colour, shade, etc.
- Strong technical knowledge of cameras and the film production process
- Communication and team management skills
- Conceptualisation and creativity
Roles and responsibilities of a cinematographer
A cinematographer decides on the film's visual style and approach, which will be determined by the story and tone. He also figures out how each scene will be lit. In a film, lighting establishes the scene's visual mood. A cinematographer must use it to support the atmosphere by enhancing the contour, contrast, and depth of the image.
Subjects taught in cinematography
Lighting, framing, composition, camera movements, camera angles, film selection, lens options, depth of field, zoom, focus, colour, exposure, and filtration are the various aspects of cinematography. Cameras for motion picture, transfer of film to video, shooting through mirrors, underwater shooting, colour theory, film history and theory, digital film production, film and digital laboratory, cinematography analysis, digital post production and colour correction are the important subjects taught to students at the undergraduate level.
Career options and Placement opportunities
Students who have successfully completed this course can get hired for private projects or start working independently. They can also be roped in as camera assistants, video editors, and cinematographers in existing production houses and studios.