We surveyed 425 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.
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.