We surveyed 550 cinematographers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical cinematographer. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a cinematographer?

Low

High

Working as a cinematographer typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a cinematographer?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a cinematographer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a cinematographer?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a cinematographer.

Info

Do cinematographers work full-time or part-time?

29% of cinematographers work in full-time roles while 71% work part-time.

Is being a cinematographer stressful?

Low

High

Cinematographers tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a cinematographer?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a cinematographer.

How competitive is the workplace for cinematographers?

Low

High

Cinematographers tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.

Does being a cinematographer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for cinematographers.

Are cinematographers allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Creativity is intrinsic to being a cinematographer, and a highly valuable part of the career.

Do cinematographers have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Cinematographers have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.

Is being a cinematographer physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a cinematographer may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are cinematographers exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Cinematographers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a cinematographer require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a cinematographer.

Does being a good cinematographer require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as cinematographers.