Attend a film school at a four-year university or technical program. Many cinematographers have at least a bachelor’s degree in film production. The University of Southern California, University of California Los Angeles and New York University all have world-renowned film production departments. The American Film Institute has a four-year program with a specialization in cinematography.
Familiarize yourself with film production, lighting, cameras and camera packages.
This is all part of the curriculum if studying in a film production program. If you are not in such a program, learn all that you can from numerous sources. Read “American Cinematographer” magazine and other film production industry journals. Visit camera equipment facility houses and rent the latest camera and lighting packages. Understand the benefits and limitations to working with film and digital cameras.
Shoot demo spots of commercials. If you are not being paid to shoot the spots, go out and shoot your own commercials for fictitious products. Or, you can shoot unauthorized spots for established products.
Work on student film productions as a director of photography, if possible. The more work the better. It doesn’t really matter what type of project you work on, as long as you are working. Shoot independent music videos if possible, in addition to student films.
Work on a commercial production shoot as a production assistant or assistant cameraman. It can be difficult to land a job as a DP when starting out. Often, production experience is required and the best place to get it is by working on a production in any capacity. Being familiar with the workings of a commercial production set is as important as being able to shoot the commercial.
Compile a “reel” of your work. This includes footage of the best things you have shot. Include your film school work or any shorts or “spec” commercials you did. If you have still photo work, include a few of your best shots as well.
Submit your reel to commercial production companies. Use a directory such as LA 411 or New York 411 to find a list of production companies to contact. Email or call the company and ask if it has a director of production or someone in talent relations who receives unsolicited demo reels. If not, ask to leave your reel with the company anyway.