Alejandra

Molina

Director of Photography

Job
Description
The look of a film or television production is a vital part
of the storytelling process which shares emotions. A
photography director, also known as the
cinematographer or first camera operator, is in charge
of lighting a set and filming a movie or television
production. They are expected to transform the authors
and or directors concepts into visual images to
transmit a message or saying into the audience. During
shooting, directors of photography are the next most
important people on the set after the director. They
must pay close attention to every second of film or
video that is shot.

Working
Conditions
A director of photography works wherever film or
television productions are being shot: outdoors on
location or indoor on sets. DPs work in all conditions,
from hot sun to cold wind, in all seasons, depending on
production requirements. They also carry equipment
and set up, these kinds of working conditions can be
physically demanding. Mental stress can be cause by
working to meet strict deadlines and very tight
schedules.

Earnin
gs
DPs earnings vary widely.
Income depends on talent, experience,
the scale of the productions they work on, and whether they have
won any awards. It can also depend on how many hours a day
they can work. In general, DPs earn somewhere between $30,000
and $100,000 a year. Very successful DPs can earn more.
Level of
Experience

Hourly

Annual

Entry Wage

$14.79

$30,750

Median
Wage

$21.92

$45,600

Experienced
Wage

$32.77

$68,160

Education
There are no strict educational requirements for this career. The best thing a DP can offer is a
mix of creativity and technical expertise. Establishing the perfect visuals for a scene are
important so you will need good vision and a sense in color. To be able to acquire the
necessary technical skills is to take courses that include photography training, or you could
join a photography club. It is important to learn how cameras and lenses work, how to frame
pictures, and how to properly light a shot. You could also buy or borrow a video camera and
start practicing with moving images. Being able to work as a team, being determined and self
motivated will be a huge part of this career.
Performing Arts Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
Film/Cinema/Video Studies
Photography
Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician and Assistant

Sample Title

Camera Operator

Earnings

$20,000 to $45,000 a year

Proven technical ability

Requirement Experience working as a grip/production assistant and camera
s
assistant
Creative ability to design shots and operate many cameras
Responsibilit Designing and executing shots in association with the director and DP;
ies
handling all aspects of camera operation.
Level 3
Sample Title

Director of Photography

Earnings

$45,000 to $60,000 a year

Requirement
s

Experience on sets and in studios working with film and video

Experience as a camera operator
Ability to design, light, and execute shots, as well as design shot
sequences

Designing and lighting shots and sequences with the director; ensuring
Responsibiliti things go as planned; helping to keep the production on time and on
es
budget; managing up to a 40-person crew; developing expertise in a
certain area such as aerial shots or commercials.
Level 4
Sample Title

Specialized DP

Earnings

$60,000 to $120,000 or more a year

Related Careers
Art Director
Broadcast Technicia
n
Camera Operator
Director
Film and TV Crew
Film Editor
Lighting Technician
Photographer
Photographic Proces
sor
Photojournalist
Producer
Set Designer
Sound Technician