“Cinematography is a writing with images in movement and with sounds”, says the legendary French film director Robert Bresson. This encapsulates the essence of motion pictures which began when man leaped from still photos to moving pictures with sounds. What started as a small industry in the late 19th century has come a long way to become one of the most enjoyable mediums in the world. The multi billion dollar industry of film/motion pictures seeks professionals in cinematography who can bring to life. If your passion lies in cinematography and you could bring about powerful art on to the screen, then there are many cinematography courses to help you achieve your dream.
What is Cinematography?
In simple terms, cinematography is the art of motion-picture photography using modern technology. It uses techniques to create images in a cinematic way such as choices of camera, lens. filters, camera placement, lighting of the set, movements. All of this integrated together makes it special.
Who can pursue Cinematography courses?
- You love the art of storytelling and are no stranger to telling stories through shots
- You have great visualisation skills
- You are a team player
Does this sound like you, then cinematography courses are for you.
Also Read: Free Cinematography Certification Courses
Eligibility Criteria for Cinematography courses
For UG Cinematography courses, you must (10+2) qualification from a recognised board with a minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Some institutes offer seats based on merit (10 +2 marks). You might have to crack entrance exams for other institutes.
For PG Cinematography courses you should have a masters in a relevant field/discipline, with a minimum 55% aggregate marks.
For cinematography diploma courses you must have (10+2) qualification from a recognised board with a minimum 50% aggregate marks.
You can also opt for online Cinematography courses to enhance your skill set.
UG Cinematography courses
- B.A. in Cinematography
- BVA in Cinematography
- B.Sc. in Photography and Cinematography
- Bachelor of Film and Television Technology (Cinematography)
Diploma Cinematography courses
- Undergraduate Diploma in Cinematography
- Advance Diploma in Cinematography
- Diploma in Film Technology and Television Production (Cinematography)
PG Cinematography courses
Entrance Exam for Cinematography courses
- Film & Television Institute of India (FTII JET)
- Whistling Woods International Entrance Exam (WWI)
- NIMS University Rajasthan
Important skills for Cinematography courses
Creativity and Innovation
- Basic IT skills
- Analytical and logical skills
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
What will you learn in Cinematography courses?
Some of the important topics are:
- Colour Correction
- Colour Theory
- Digital Postproduction
- Underwater Shooting
- Transfer of Film to Video
- Different Types of Film Cameras
- Introduction to CGI
- Film and Digital Laboratory
- Introduction to 3D
Popular Cinematography certification courses
Course | Offered by | Duration | Fee |
Introduction To Film Studies (DSE6)
| Doon University, Dehradun via Sharda University, Swayam | 3 months | Free |
Career Opportunities after Cinematography courses
You work closely with the director and bring his/her vision onto the screen. You also work closely with designers, sound technicians, producers, actors. If you are the chief cinematographer, you supervise the camera operator.
Average Base Salary p.a.: Rs. 3,60,004/-
You are in charge of editing the raw footage into the final product. You seamlessly combine the shots, the graphics, sound effects and special effects once every team has worked on their respective sections (graphics, sounds). Thus you work closely with the director and the entire technical crew to make the perfect film.
Average Base Salary p.a.: Rs. 3,20,614/-
Camera man
You operate the camera and record television, movie, or live events. You handle the maintenance of the camera equipment (assembling, setting up and disassembling)
Average Base Salary p.a.: Rs. 4,00,000/-
Salary Trends
Average Base Salary of a Cinematographer based on experience
Experience in years | Average Base Salary p.a. |
< 1 | Rs. 2,70,000 /- |
1 - 4 | Rs. 3,60,000 /- |
5 - 9 | Rs. 4,00,000/- |
** Source of Salary Details: Payscale
Note: The given salary details may vary depending on experience, skills, company, location.
Popular Specializations
Scope after Cinematography courses
This multi billion dollar industry offers innumerable possibilities. From fictional movies to non fictional series or documentaries, there is a high demand for professionals. Cinematography is not just limited to making fictional movies. It also includes non fictional series, documentaries, educational/instructional content.
So armed with some of the top cinematography courses, you will be good to go.
Top Recruiters
20th Century Fox | Marvel Studios | Paramount Pictures |
Columbia Pictures | Walt Disney | Universal Pictures |
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FAQs
Q: Do careers in cinematography pay well?
A: Yes. There is a demand for high quality professionals such as cinematographers, film editors, camera man. These professionals in the beginning will earn entry level salary (3-4 lakhs) With experience and skills the salary will increase
Q: What are cinematography courses?
A: The course teaches you technical skills such as: Colour theory, 3D, Types of film cameras, CGI.
Q: How can I pursue online cinematography courses?
A: Luckily many institutes offer online cinematography courses. You can get certification online. These courses can help you get an overview or can help you master a specialisation. However it is better to enroll into a full time degree course as this way you will be able to cover everything.
Q: What is the duration for different cinematography courses?
A: There are cinematography certification courses that you can complete in a few months. But if you go for UG cinematography courses, then it will take three years to complete and for PG it will be two years.
Q: What can I do after completing cinematography certification courses?
A: Once you complete cinematography certification courses, you can work in the motion picture industry (tv,film) or for companies (educational, corporate). Here you could work as a cinematographer, video editor, camera man.
Q: What is the average fees for cinematography courses?
A: There are online cinematography courses which could be either for free or under 1 lakh. Then there are UG, diploma, PG cinematography courses which can cost up to 4-5 lakhs or more depending on the institute and the course.
Q: Which Course is best for Cinematography?
A: Some of the best Certification Courses for Cinematography are mentioned on our website. There are various types of certification courses one can pursue such as free courses, bootcamp courses and regular online courses.