The Start of a Cinematographer

[Joshua Yap]

Dear Forum,

 

I am serious into getting a start into the cinematography business, what is the FIRST thing i should ever do?

[Kenny N Suleimanagich]

The first thing I would do is avoid thinking of it as a business, and perhaps instead as an art form or science (or both).

[Ben Matthews]

Education either school (university) or self education (books) with as much practical as possible. Maybe get an old camera, DSRL are a good starting point. I agree with above too... If you think of it as a business your heading in the wrong direction. You'll have to master the art before you'll make any money, and that can take years.

[Mark Kenfield]

The first thing to do (after reading a book or two to start understanding the basics) is volunteer your time to work on films, so that you can watch what a DP does and learn from the choices he makes and the solutions he comes up with.