What a Director of Photography Actually Does

The Director of Photography, or DP, owns the image. Everything you see on the screen, the framing, the color, the lighting, the movement, ultimately lives with them.

On set

The DP works with the director to translate the script or shot list into actual frames. They design lighting, choose lenses, direct the camera department, and set the pace on set.

Before the shoot

The DP scouts locations, plans lighting, builds a gear list, and hires the camera crew. On smaller productions, the DP is also the operator.

After the shoot

Good DPs stay involved through color grade. They know the intent of every frame and can guide the colorist toward the look the project was shot for.

What a DP is not

A DP is not a director, a producer, or an editor. On tightly-scoped projects, an owner-operator DP can fill multiple roles, but the job is fundamentally about the image.

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