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Step 1
Start by using a camcorder to get acquainted with angles and camera movement. Become familiar with editing, panning and close-ups. Even family videos can be a learning tool for the budding cinematographer.
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Step 2
Post videos on YouTube, MySpace and other sites to get feedback. Even though these sites were once thought of as a bastion for amateurs, many filmmakers now use them to pique interest in their work. You never know who might be watching.
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Step 3
Take a film course at your local college or attend a filmmaking seminar to get a taste of what's in store for you as a professional cinematographer. Seminars are relatively inexpensive and can put you in contact with successful cinematographers and filmmakers.
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Step 4
Attend a film school like the New York Film Academy or L.A. Film School. These schools offer intensive film training without worry about general academic requirements or grade point average. Inquire about financial aid and class schedules, but keep in mind most of these schools don't have dorms, so you will need to rent an apartment.
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Step 5
Learn about the technical components of cinematography. This includes various lenses, including telephoto, wide angle, zoom and macro lenses. Diffusion and color-effect filters are also used behind or in front lenses to achieve special effects.
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Step 6
Study camera movements such as panning, tilting and dollying to achieve a good knowledge of filmmaking.
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Step 7
Work on the set of a movie as a production or technical assistant to learn the ins and outs of a professional shoot. Interact with the cast and crew to study and grasp all the techniques used in modern cinematography.
