Aaron Kumpel

To you too.

Thanks Miguel, this is really helpful.

That's what I thought. I'd prefer to advance through the lighting department and teach myself everything there is to know about cameras, lenses etc as I go along. There are plenty of books and video tutorials to help as well. Thanks for your answer Stuart. Perhaps someone else has something they want to add? It would be great to have as many perspectives as possible.

Hi there, I'm a second year student at the Manchester Film School and I'm specializing in set lighting, particularly as a lighting technician. However, my ultimate goal is to be a director of photography/cinematographer and I'm writing a report to answer the question I have stated in the 'Topic Title'. I know in the United States it's commonplace to advance through the camera department but I'm certain there are cinematographer's out there that advanced through the lighting department instead. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Kind Regards, Aaron