What is Cinematography & How Do You Get Started?

Written By Jessica Tolliver

Before we dive in, I think it's important to define what a cinematographer actually is, especially for the newer filmmakers. Why? Because it took me forever to actually realize that this is what I wanted to do. Why? Because I had no idea what a cinematographer was. I was DP'ing before I realized I was DP'ing, and I was DP'ing bad because I didn't know how to DP.

What is Cinematography? 

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Usually, Google has my back, but the way Cinematography is defined here is hella bogus. So I want to share with you what my personal opinion is on the definition of cinematography. 


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I think a good analogy for a cinematographer is you're essentially a graphic designer of a film project. You are responsible for designing the frame. In this case, the director creates the overall voice and brand, and it's your job to take that information, and design a shot that clearly and aesthetically communicates that brand effectively (Fun fact! Roger Deakins initially went to school for Graphic Design).


Graphic Designers don't get enough credit. They do a ton of stuff to make a flyer or a magazine spread look good. A TON. They have to carefully plan the composition, the typography, color palette, and imagery to name a few. In addition, they have to know how to properly use tools like Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc. to execute these ideas. And finally, all these things have to be in alignment with each other so that the right "feeling" or emotion is expressed. When your shot is a "vibe" or the audience feels something--then you're on the right track. 

So, it's not as simple as learning Photoshop to be a designer. Like it's not as simple as shooting with a RED to be a DP. Because I know we've all seen a huff flyer, and I know we all have seen a huff project shot on a RED.

Cinematography is very similar. A lot of decisions have to be made before you hit record. What is the feeling of the story? What is the feeling of the scene? (Mood, tone, vibe). How can we express it? (Framing, Lighting, Movement)? What tools do we need to be well versed in to execute the director's intended vibe? (Camera, Lighting, Lenses). Cinematographers also work closely with Production Designers and Hair/Make-up to determine elements like color palette and materials.

I believe building familiarity with all these things is a good start. But I also wanna emphasize that if you want to DP, you should be in it for the long haul. It's an ever-evolving art with a million different challenges. You can never learn or practice too much. I've been doing this for a while, and I have barely scratched the surface. Consider yourself a life student, and never a master. 

Where to get started:

Okay, Whoo! Now that we got that out the way. Let's talk about where to start. How can one begin to learn Cinematography? I want to give you both some actionable steps you can take right away, and steps you can take over time. 

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1) Learn Lighting

If I had to pick which one to learn first I would definitely say lighting. I personally started which camera, because--like most people, I thought it was the most exciting topic. But the reason why learning light first is so important is because more than any other tool, lighting is what sets the tone for that "vibe" I was talking about. Once you understand and are able to control light, you can really begin do your thing as an artist. 

  • https://www.youtube.com/user/aputurephoto/videos - Aputure is a company that makes LED lights. But their lighting demos and tutorials are applicable to any lights. Best part, it's all free. 

  • Lindsay Adler's Lighting Courses. - Lindsay Adler is actually a photographer, but this girl knows lighting. For easy to understand courses on how lighting works, check out her site lindsayadlerphotography.com. A ton of her courses are also on a site called CreativeLive.com. Finally, she's also on Youtube, here's a cool tidbit here for example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXho3aZxwzc

  • https://wanderingdp.com/ - His podcasts and blogs are amazing. He also does shot breakdowns and a patreon where he goes even more in depth on all aspects of cinematography. 

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2) Get A camera

Doesn't have to be fancy. Doesn't need to have 4K or anything like that. I encourage getting a DSLR camera. Something where you can shoot and record video manually. (It’s time to learn Manual mode!) You can also take it a step further by getting a camera with interchangeable lenses. Once you have it, start learning these things. 


3) Practice

Video tutorials and research can only do so much. The best way to learn honestly, is to simply do it. Grab a friend and shoot them in different environments. Study how the light behaves outdoors vs. indoors. Shoot them by the window, shoot them in the shade. EMBRACE YOUR MISTAKES! If you shoot something for fun and it sucks, that is A-OK. Study light, turn the knobs on your camera, experiment. Even if you never watch a youtube video, this final step alone will help you learn just fine.

Jessica Tolliver