Becoming a Cinematographer

How to Become a Cinematographer Cinematographers are the painters of light, and the most skillful of them know where, when, and how to apply it in order to tell the story. Build relationships with production managers, producers and directors. Shoot as much as you can as soon as you can. Cut a reel of your STEP 7 STEP 1 best work and build a website to host Watch movies, study lighting, and follow your reel. STEP 6 talented STEP 2 cinematographers. STEP 5 STEP 3 STEP 4 Once you've shot a ton and have years of experience, shoot Study photography. Learn about exposing film and composition. ---- ---- some more. Take film, photography, and cinematography classes, but having a solid reel are more valuable than a diploma.