Director Of Photography

Directors of photography (DoPs) manage lighting and camera crews on TV and film productions to create the right look and feel for images.

Typical Salary

Typical Hours

39 to 41 irregular

freelance / self-employed away from home

How To Become a Director Of Photography

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
working towards this role
specialist courses run by private training providers

College / University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject. Examples include:

photography
art
drama
film studies

a foundation diploma in art and design

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equiva

You can take a college course to develop your camera skills before looking for work. Relevant courses include:

Level 2 Diploma In Creative Media Production and Technology
Level 3 Certificate in Media Techniques
Level 3 Diploma in Photography

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and a creative subject

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You could work your way up from being a:

runner
camera operator trainee
lighting trainee

It's also helpful to have experience of working as an assistant director. You'll need a lot of experience before you can move on to become a director of photography.

You can improve your prospects by developing specialist filming skills like aerial, night-time or underwater photography.

Other Routes

You may be able to get training through one of the new entrant training schemes that broadcasters and film bodies offer, for example:

You could also take short courses in camera operation run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
knowledge of media production and communication
to be flexible and open to change
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

As part of your role, you will:

visit a location before filming, known as a 'recce', to check its suitability
hire filming and lighting equipment
test equipment before filming
manage all aspects of filming, sometimes operating a camera
supervise the camera crew to decide on any special camera moves
work closely with the lighting team to decide on lighting techniques
review film footage with the director

Working Environment

You could work on a film set, at a film studio or at a TV studio.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could work on TV and film productions with bigger budgets, or become a director or producer.

Volunteering Opportunities

It'll help if you can get paid or unpaid experience with:

community film productions
amateur or student film projects
independent film production companies or camera equipment suppliers

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join an organisation like the British Society of Cinematographers for industry news and latest developments in camera techniques and technology.

Further information

You can get more advice about working as a director of photography from ScreenSkills.

You can also find out more about working in the creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.