Director Of Photography Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Director Of Photography Do?
Directors of photography are responsible for the visual interpretation of the script and all photography components of the film, including framing, colouring, lightning, style and locations. They create the visual look of the film or television programme and select the filming equipment, including the lens and filters. Directors of photography manage the visual equipment operators and lighting technicians. They work together with the video and motion picture director to achieve the desired effect.
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Where Do I Start?
Film Production Process
The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Director Of Photography
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialFilm Production Process knowledge
The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.
Recommended Books
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EssentialCinematography knowledge
The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials …
Recommended Books
1 bookDigital Cinematography -
EssentialLighting Techniques knowledge
The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAudiovisual Equipment knowledge
The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPhotography knowledge
Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAdapt To Type Of Media skill
Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnalyse A Script skill
Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConsult With Production Director skill
Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Creative Ideas skill
Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Visual Quality Of The Set skill
Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFinish Project Within Budget skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Work Schedule skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialStudy Media Sources skill
Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTranslate Artistic Concepts To Technical Designs skill
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDesign Lighting skill
Design the right atmosphere and an aesthetically appealing film with light. Give instructions on which equipment, settings, and cues should be used.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupervise Camera Crew skill
Supervise the camera crew to make sure they use the right equipment, angles, frames, shots, etc., according to the creative vision.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupervise Sound Production skill
Supervise the creation of sound and decide which music and sounds to use for the movie and theatre production.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWatch Scenes skill
Watch raw scenes and shots after shooting to ensure quality. Decide which shots will be used and what needs to be edited.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork With Motion Picture Editing Team skill
Work together with the motion picture editing team during post-production. Make sure the finished product is according to specifications and creative vision.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork With Pre-Production Team skill
Consult with the pre-production team about expectations, requirements, budget, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 17 displayed)
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OptionalMultimedia Systems knowledge
The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFile-Based Workflow knowledge
The recording of moving images without using tape, but by storing these digital videos on optical disks, hard drives, and other digital storage devices.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalIct Software Specifications knowledge
The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPhotographic Processing Techniques knowledge
The different techniques to develop photographic film such as chromogenic positive, Kodachrome and autotype.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAttend Rehearsals skill
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEdit Digital Moving Images skill
Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEdit Recorded Sound skill
Edit audio footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as crossfading, speed effects, and removing unwanted noises.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate A Camera skill
Capture moving images with a camera. Operate the camera skilfully and safely to obtain high quality material.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Video Editing skill
Rearrange and edit video footage in the course of the post-production process. Edit the footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as colour correction and effects, speed …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRead Scripts skill
Read a playbook or film script, not only as literature, but identifying, actions, emotional states, evolution of characters, situations, different sets and locations, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSelect Camera Apertures skill
Adjust lens apertures, shutter speeds and camera focus.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSet Up Cameras skill
Put cameras in place and prepare them for use.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdapt A Script skill
Adapt a script and, if the play is newly written, work with the writer or collaborate with playwrights.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHire Human Resources skill
Manage the process of hiring human resources, from identifying potential candidates to assessing the adequacy of their profiles to the vacancy.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLiaise With Event Sponsors skill
Plan meetings with sponsors and event organisers to discuss and monitor upcoming events.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise A Script skill
Supervise script preparation, maintenance, and distribution for all productions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork With Playwrights skill
Work with writers through workshops or script development schemes.
Course recommendations coming soon.