Director of Photography Job Description

What is the job description of a Director of Photography? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Director of Photography? What does a Director of Photography do?

Job description of a Director of Photography

A Director of Photography works alongside a Film Director and is responsible for a film's visual elements. Their primary duties include developing a film's visual style, determining lighting and composition and planning camera angles.

This Director of Photography job description example includes the list of most important Director of Photography duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Director of Photography profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Director of Photography Duties and Responsibilities

Director of Photography job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Developing a film's visual style.
  • Determining lighting requirements on set.
  • Deciding on the best camera angles and frames for scenes.
  • Determining camera aperture settings.
  • Controlling natural or artificial lighting conditions.
  • Liaising with electricians to ensure adequate electrical supply.
  • Ordering and testing lighting and camera equipment.
  • Supervising a camera crew and directing camera movement.
  • Selecting the appropriate film stock.
  • Determining elements such as filters, shutter angles, focus, depth of field and camera distance.
  • Editing visual elements in post production.

Director of Photography Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Director of Photography job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Degree in Film, Art or Photography advantageous.
  • A reel of visual work.
  • Creative visual thinking.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Good technical camera operating skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Director of Photography starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Director of Photography job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Director of Photography may also reference it in preparation for the interview.