How to become a Cinematographer

Also called: Director of Photography

Plans, directs and coordinates lighting, camera angles, movement and composition for films and videos.

Main tasks

• Plans and organises the visual aspects of film or video productions
• Determines the lighting, camera angles and composition for each scene
• Collaborates with the director and other members of the production team to achieve the desired visual style
• Selects and operates cameras, lenses, filters and other equipment to capture high-quality footage
• Supervises the work of camera operators and other members of the camera crew
• Reviews and approves the final footage, including colour grading, to ensure that it meets the artistic and technical requirements

Ways in

• University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA60620); Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020); Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA41120); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $102,700 a year
• About 15,500 people work in this job group now, and about 18,400 are projected by 2035. (+19.1%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Film and Video Editor
• Artistic Director
• Audio or Live Performance Director
• Production Manager (Screen or Live Performance)
• Screen Director
• Screen or Live Performance Designer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Cinematographer?

Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Arts & Humanities degrees; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media; Certificate III in Screen and Media.

How much does a Cinematographer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $102,700 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Cinematographer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 15,500 to about 18,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Cinematographer?

Not always. 40% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Arts & Humanities degrees; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media; Certificate III in Screen and Media.

Will AI change the work of a Cinematographer?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04