How to Hire a Director of Photography

Hiring a Director of Photography is one of the most important decisions on any video project. The DP owns the look, the lighting, the camera package, and often the pace of set. Get it right and post-production is easy. Get it wrong and no colorist can save you.

Start with the reel, not the resume

Ask for a reel and, more importantly, unlisted samples of work most similar to your project. A commercial reel is different from a documentary reel. If you are shooting corporate interviews, look for calm, controlled lighting and clean sound. If you are shooting a product launch, look for texture and motion.

Confirm what is included in the day rate

Some DPs charge a body rate and rent everything else. Owner-operator DPs bundle a camera, lens, lighting, and audio package into the rate. Ask exactly what is included, what is billed separately, and whether they carry insurance.

Ask about crew and travel

Even if the DP is a one-person kit for your day, they should have relationships with local ACs, gaffers, and grips in the markets where you shoot. On travel jobs, ask about travel days, per diem, hotel, and freight for their kit.

Budget expectations

West Coast DP rates typically run 1,500 to 3,500 per day for the shooter, with a kit fee on top when the DP owns gear. Established commercial DPs with agency credits will land higher.

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