Cinematographer
Captures a film, TV show or advertisement on camera according to the director's vision.
Overview
A Cinematographer is responsible for capturing a piece of media (usually movies, TV shows or advertisements) according to the wishes of a Director. A cinematographer is therefore an artist who uses his camera to paint with scenes.
Where they work
- Media and Entertainment conglomerates
- Production houses
- Film making agencies/organisations/studios
Work environment
You have to work both outdoors or indoors depending on the location of the shoot. Work hours will be in shifts.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have a creative bent of mind
- You have a unique perception of the world
- You like to have clear instructions to follow
- You pay attention to minute details
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree (B.Sc./B.A.) in Mass Media/Film Studies or Film Making, followed by Master's in Mass Communication or Film Studies
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in any subject of your choice while simultaneously receiving training in photography and videography.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Media and Film Studies. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Maharashtra
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Kolkata Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute, Cuttack, Odisha
- Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute, Changsari, Assam
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Asian Academy of Film and Television, New Delhi
- Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Techno India University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- CMR University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
- Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Assistant Cinematographer
- 2Cinematographer
- 3Assistant Director
- 4Director
Expected income
₹20,000 – ₹50,000 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Cameraperson
Operates the film or video camera that captures the footage for a film or TV show.
Film Director
Is in charge of making a film — directs the actors and has the final say on every creative matter.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Savita Singh — Graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) with a degree in Cinematography and has hence been director of photography in several renowned Bollywood films such as Hawaizaada, Ventilator and so on. She ascribes her sense for cinematography to the voracious reading habits of her childhood and the imaginative faculties the same inculcated within her. Savita is one of the founding members of IWCC and has just completed her first film as a Director-DoP titled 'SONSI'.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 83 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cinematographer-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.