How to become a DP?

A

acoelho1

Well-known member
Hello all... I am relatively new to the production field and I feel somewhat lost in all the technology jargan I read in all these posts. But first a little background... I do have a degree in Communication with a concentration in media production; however, I would say I did not get my money's worth in terms of learning the techical aspects in this field. I worked mostly on a Canon GL1 and FCP for my editing but it was more teach myself kind of situation. My main problem is going from hobby to being paid for it. I have thought about going back to a school like the Washington Arts Institute but I rather use my money to buy equipment. Basically if anyone could share their wisdom to how I should proceed. BTW...I just finished reading The Filmmakers Handbook which was very informative.
 
There's no formal route for somebody to take.

A common route is to work your way up on lower budget films where you don't get paid.

A good route is: PA ---> 2nd assistant camera ---> 1st assistant camera ---> camera operator ---> DP

or: PA ---> electrician ---> best boy ---> gaffer ---> DP

It really just depends. You can always skip these steps and just market yourself as a DP if you have a good reel.

If you don't have tons of knowledge about lighting, composition, cameras, and also leadership it's going to be tough to get paid much money to be a DP.

First step is to gain the knowledge, and I recommend hanging out on these boards if you are looking for that. Also, get more filmmaking books that are more focused on cinematography.
 
HorseFilms said:
Shoot everything you can and learn from your mistakes.
Click to expand...

That's my theory as well, I'm no accomplished cinematographer or anything, as I'm fairly new to all this as well, I learn something new everytime I turn on my camera.

But I am a firm believer than any good DP will have to start off just shooting as much as he/she can and learning from their mistakes. You can read all the books and tutorials you want, but when it comes down to it, nothing beats experience when it comes to pretty much anything.

Just get out there and film, film and more film.... Sooner or later you'll realize "Hey, that looks pretty good. I should get into doing this for a career". Once you get your own style and comfortable with all your equipment, it's just a matter of getting yourself out there, and perfecting your craft.

Good luck, and happy shooting!
 
Thank you all for your comments. I to believe practical experience is better then reading books. I am currently working on my first short since leaving school and I am sure my learning curve will improve. I would like to upgrade my camera to maybe to a HVX 200 but since Red will be coming out with a affordable 3k camera, I will wait. Also, in terms of working on other people's production, I don't even know where to start looking. If anyone lives in the Washington DC metro area and need an assistant on their project... I would be glad to help for free.
 
While you are learning just use what you have camera wise. Want to make an investment? Buy some lights. And stands. And flags, and reflectors, and everything else that makes and shapes light. Practice with those. Good lighting will look good on any camera.
 
buy a still camera, take photos, then take a sculpture class.

mix. simmer for a couple years.....
 
HorseFilms said:
Shoot everything you can and learn from your mistakes.
Click to expand...

I always find this advice a bit ridiculous.. especially with digital in a WYSISWYG environment you should be able to correct these 'mistakes' before you are shooting.. in a set environment... 'mistakes' in lighting should be fairly obvious when you look at a production monitor.

What about learning and researching photography first... starting with basics. Learn about the different mediums (film / digital).

If that sounds boring to you, I would think being a DP wouldn't be a good career move.

Timur also has good advice.

Learning doesn't always involve making a ton of mistakes to get better.. you can prepare yourself to do things properly from the get-go.
 
Loki, I see your point about the value of research in any field you wish to enter and I have read many books on production and in fact I just ordered the 5 C's of Cinematography. I think learning still photography is a good idea since it will give me a good foundation. I guess my issue is taking those lessons along with practical experience and making a living in it. How to make that transition from amateur to professional is something that I would like to accomplish in the near future. I would love to hear everyone's personal experience.
 
How to become a DP?

Be a DP.


Shoot everything you can get your hands on. Stop wondering how to become a DP and start being one. Learn from your mistakes, and practice new techniques on different projects.

Maybe the appropriate question is how to become a professional.
 
All of the above suggestions are good. For study, something I did was watch a lot of films I like with the sound off, scrutinizing the images closely. Shooting 35mm still film is a good idea. With digital video cameras you can learn how to light, but there's a whole alchemical side to 35mm film that you need to get familiar with. Film isn't going anywhere just yet, although chances are when starting out you'll mostly shoot on some digital format.
 
Maybe the appropriate question is how to become a professional.
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Yes... I would think you would already infer that by my question. Clearly any donkey can call him self a DP with a camera but question really is the process envolved to get to that professional level. Yes I get it... shoot... shoot...shoot and learn from your mistakes. Then what? How do you get your clients and how do they find you?
 
It is kind of an interesting story with me . . .

Back in college, I got involved in television production. I really liked it but always longed for movie-making. I thought, "Gee, I love working with video. If only there was some way they could make these video cameras' footage look more cinematic."

Then the DVX100 came out. Holy jeeeezums! I watched it closely for about a year after its release.

About this time, my friend(s) wanted to shoot some short films. I was the only one among us who knew anything even vaguely about professionally operating a camera. Then we had a sudden opportunity to shoot a documentary across country. I had no job and no money. However, I did have plenty of credit. I don't advise anyone to do this BUT . . . I went ahead and had AmEx invest some thousands in a DVX100A (which had just been released) and related gear.

We went and shot that documentary, which I now consider more of "practice" than anything. It was a great experience but given the opportunity to do it again, I would've done many, many things differently.

Eventually I got an HVX200. Later, I got a Brevis35. I remember the world of 35mm adapters seemed so daunting. I was so used to a fixed lens camera. It wasn't until I had my adapter in my hands and started putting my Brevis rig together that the cloud of mystery began to lift. :) Now, it's hard for me to shoot without it!

Gradually I started shooting more and more projects. I studied up on things. I learned as much as I could from as many sources as I could. I still do! My projects got bigger and more ambitious. And what was always "no pay" became "some pay" and "damn good pay!"

I just sorta evolved into a cinematographer. I like it a lot. Always challenging. I like working with the camera (P2). I have a gaffer that has his own lights. We struck up a great working relationship. He has tons of knowledge and together we create the lighting set ups on various projects.

Ultimately, I think I'd still like to direct. But DP'ing is always great. :)
 
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working as an AC for a talented much more experienced DP is another route. he will show you the ropes.
 
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