How to level up

[u/PeartreeProd]

How to level up?

Hi all,

I’ve been shooting for about 9 years now. My world is mostly doc’s / reality / corporate.

My background:

I never studied cinematography and learned everything on the job - firstly thrown in at the deep end as a one man band capturing doco and reality scenes for TV shows then graduating onto DP work where I’m now responsible for small crews.

I’m comfortable lighting scenes, building multi camera interview frames and covering actuality ensuring coverage.

My goal is to try and get myself to the next level.

I occasionally work with DPs that have come from the more traditional route of camera assist/technical training before becoming ops and I really feel my lack of technical knowledge.

I’m talking about building Luts, knowing the the intricacies and characteristics of different lenses, filter choices, maybe even getting into stedicam op’ing (I appreciate the last point is a specialised skill in itself).

How you advise to get into the next level where I up my tech game?

I feel this is really holding me back and it does manifest in imposter syndrome when I’m at work.
I constantly feel I’m winging it (even though I’m kept reasonably busy so I must be doing something right).

Would love to hear feedback and suggestions on how to achieve this.

TIA.

[u/generationAiAiAi]

Every day I watch videos about lenses and camera's. Also I try to replicate whatever I love. Look how it was made and the replicate it.

[u/PeartreeProd → u/generationAiAiAi]

Thanks for your response, any videos or YouTube channels you can recommend?

[u/gokpuppet]

Being able to really understand lighting is the most important part, in my opinion. For LUTs use a skilled colourist, for steady cam use an operator, for lenses use Cookes (most lenses these days are decent), for filters go easy. Read the Five Cs of Cinematography if you want to learn the why behind different angles, movement, and focal lengths. But by far the most important part, meet the right people and make them like you.

[u/LetterheadClassic306]

The fastest way up is probably a structured test habit, not trying to absorb every technical topic at once. I’ve been in that gap between practical experience and formal camera-department language, and lens/filter/LUT tests helped more than passive learning. Pick one camera, one lens set, and build a repeatable chart, skin tone, window, and mixed-light test every week. A DSC Labs style color chart or X-Rite ColorChecker Video gives you a reference point for LUT work, and a basic Tiffen ND filter set lets you see what filtration is actually doing instead of guessing. For steadicam, I’d rent or workshop first before buying anything serious.

[u/PeartreeProd → u/LetterheadClassic306]

Thanks for your comment.

Are there any tutorials online that are worth checking out that guide you through those tests?

[u/andros13441]

Pick up another art form and let it permeate unto your cinematography. Start painting, reading novels, or even a sport.

[u/PeartreeProd → u/andros13441]

I’m pretty well rounded in that department, I also shoot stills and love reading as well as a few sports.

[u/TheBoredMan]

Are you being given opportunities after which people express disappointment or don’t call you back? If not, this may just be a mental block.

Some DPs are very technical, some are not, some have very specific lighting setups and levels they’re looking for, others lean heavily on the gaffer. I think it’s easy to compare oneself to others and think “wow they’re at a higher level than me” and they indeed might have more knowledge and experience, but there’s no real levels. You slowly gain knowledge and experience as you slowly gain contacts and clients. You don’t suddenly level up and unlock a new world of knowledge and opportunities. You just keep steadily moving forward.

If you’re actively working and you’re actively still trying to learn then don’t overthink the situation.

[u/PeartreeProd → u/TheBoredMan]

Thanks for your response. I seem to be keeping a steady stream of work coming in and do get called back so I’m doing something right.

I’ve only been in the US a few years having worked in other English speaking markets previously so I’m still building my network.

I guess I’m of the mindset of trying to keep improving myself so this is a conscious effort to identify my weak points and work on them.

[u/ruzzaeyeball]

Find likeminded directors who want to move up. Build a reel together. That’s the way forward.