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Also known as: Director of Photography, DP, Camera Operator, Film Photographer
You arrive at the downtown loft location in Atlanta before dawn, the city lights still twinkling. The grips and electrics are already offloading equipment. Your day starts by checking the Arri Alexa LF camera body, ensuring the O’Connor fluid head is smooth, and conferring with your gaffer about the day’s first lighting scheme. The aroma of stale coffee and sawdust fills the air as you review the shot list for the opening scene.
The outlook for Cinematographers is stable through 2035. Many begin their careers as camera assistants or grips, learning on set. With experience, you can advance to roles like a Film Director or Production Designer, specializing in different aspects of visual creation.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$52,000 - $96,000 per year
Estimated for US-wide average
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Film/Cinema/Media Studies
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Photography
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Documentary Production
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Digital Arts
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Commercial Photography
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years