How To Make Money As A Cinematographer
Turn Your Cinematography Skills into a Thriving Business
By Charles Haine
Filmmaker, Professor & Podcaster
Learn how to shoot better video, make money from your gear, get more clients & raise your rates.
4.9 (564) reviews
75 Insightful chapters
8+ Hours of video training
50+ Exclusive resources
Struggling to find consistent work and attract better clients?
For many cinematographers, the journey to financial stability is filled with uncertainty. You know how to shoot great videos, but booking better clients, pricing your services confidently, and navigating the complexities of running a business feel like uphill battles. The competition is fierce, and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which gear is worth the investment.
You’re passionate about filmmaking, but it’s not a full-time living?
That’s where we come in!
You could pay $100,000 to go to film school, and they won’t teach you this ...
Instead of spending tens or even hundreds of thousands on film school, why not invest in a course that teaches you how to turn your cinematography skills into a profitable business?
In How to Make Money as a Cinematographer, you’ll unlock the secrets to achieving financial independence, building a stable career in filmmaking, and gaining the creative freedom to shoot the projects you’ve always envisioned.
After completing this course, you’ll know exactly how to …
- Enhance Your Filmmaking Techniques to Shoot Better Video
- Stand Out in the Industry
- Market Your Skills to Better Clients
- and Negotiate for the Rates You Deserve
Make your passion profitable and start shooting with confidence.
Testimonials
What our community says
No Film School is the perfect blend of practical advice and inspiration. Whether you're just starting out or trying to break into the industry, this platform offers everything you need.
Rachel Adams
"As a freelance filmmaker, I depend on No Film School for guidance on everything from networking to camera gear. Their content keeps me competitive in the industry."
Sarah Kim
"I couldn’t afford traditional film school, but No Film School gave me all the tools I needed to succeed. The advice on cinematography, storytelling, and budgeting has been a game-changer."
Sam Hunter
"What sets No Film School apart is their focus on indie filmmakers. I’ve learned not just technical skills but also how to market myself and my work effectively."
Chris Jenkins
"No Film School has completely transformed my understanding of filmmaking. The in-depth guides, real-world examples, and supportive community have been essential in helping me navigate the film industry as an indie filmmaker."
James Mitchell
"No Film School gave me the confidence to launch my filmmaking career. The knowledge I’ve gained here is better than anything I learned in my formal education."
Isabella Davis
Ready to Ditch the 9-to-5?
Go Pro and Build Your Cinematography Career
STEP 1
Enhance Your Filmmaking Techniques
- Shoot Better Videos
From mastering camera movement and composition to lighting and camera movement, we guide you through the creative and technical aspects of shooting better video.
STEP 2
Turn Your Passion into Profit
- Maximize Profits
Master the business side of cinematography — maximize profits, attract higher-paying clients, save money on gear, and build a thriving career doing what you love.
STEP 3
Achieve Financial Stability
- Ditch the 9-to-5
Achieve financial stability from consistent client work and unlock new revenue streams, while pursuing the projects you’re passionate about — giving you the freedom to create your best work.
STEP 4
Climb the Industry
Ladder
- Enhance your career
Stand out, climb the crew ladder to the role of Director of Photography, and lead with confidence on set. Take your career — and your day rate — to the next level.
Get Access to Essential Tools That Helps You:
- Secure Your Clients
- Streamline Your Workflow
- Boost Your Revenue
50+ Resources
Your Roadmap to Success (Free Tools and Resources)
Supercharge Your Cinematography Career With Invaluable Resources
Alongside 75 chapters and 8 hours of expert-led video content, you’ll gain access to over 50 exclusive resources. From checklists and gear lists to templates, lighting diagrams, calculators, and more—these tools are designed to give you a competitive edge in the industry, helping you streamline your workflow and maximize profits from every project.
Bonus
From Concept to Finish Script
A Bonus Gift to Fuel Your Filmmaking Journey
As part of your enrollment, we’re offering a free eBook: How to Write a Screenplay in 10 Weeks. This step-by-step guide is packed with actionable tips, industry insights, and practical exercises to help you develop compelling stories for the screen. If you’re interested in not just filming stories but writing them too, this eBook will guide you from concept to finished script.
Budget Calculator
Start Securing Better-paying Clients
Take the Guesswork Out of Pricing with Our Budget Calculator
As a cinematographer, you have the talent to create stunning visuals, but when it comes to pricing your services, things can get complicated.
Our Budget Calculator is designed to help you understand exactly what you should be charging based on your costs, the scope of the project, and the value you bring to your clients. No more undercharging or second-guessing yourself—this tool empowers you to price confidently, ensuring you’re paid what you’re worth while staying competitive in the market.
Know Exactly What To Charge
Know exactly what your peers are charging and raise your rates
There’s never been a place you could go to find out what other video freelancers are charging to do your job, in your region… until now.
Using No Film School’s unrivaled worldwide reach, we surveyed DPs, videographers, editors, operators, ACs, gaffers, G&Es, colorists, VFX workers, and still shooters all around the world… and the results are in.
This EXCLUSIVE module will help you know exactly what to charge — and will help you negotiate with clients. You won’t find this information anywhere else. Gain full access when you enroll today!
Worldwide Survey
Meet Your Instructor
From No Film School, the world’s most popular filmmaking website for 15 years
Charles Haine is a filmmaker and entrepreneur working in the motion picture industry since 1999. Since completing his MFA at the USC School of Cinema Television in 2006, he has worked as a freelance director and cinematographer of numerous award-winning commercials, music videos, web series, and feature films.
Haine also works as an educator and author. He is currently the Acting Program Director at the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Brooklyn College in New York City. He recently published two books with Focal Press, “Business & Entrepreneurship for Filmmakers” and “Color Grading 101.” He has written for frame.io, Boris FX, and many other online platforms, and has been a prominent contributor to all of No Film School’s platforms (articles, videos, and podcasts) since 2016.
RYAN KOO
No Film School's Founder
Now, we’re finally doing it with HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A CINEMATOGRAPHER. We can’t wait for you to experience the course we’ve created for you. Thank you for being a part of the future of No Film School!”
Worked with —
Course Video Content
Get full access to 75 chapters and 8 hours of expert-led video content, helping you streamline your workflow and maximize profits from every project.
Section 1: Introduction
Section 1: Introduction This section opens the course with a word from No Film School’s Founder & CEO, Ryan Koo, followed by an introduction to your instructor, Charles Haine, with an overview of your career as a cinematographer.
Welcome from NFS Founder Ryan Koo
Opening remarks from No Film School’s founder, Ryan Koo.
Meet Your Instructor Charles Haine
Charles Haine welcomes you to the course and provides an overview of the contents, features, and resources that are available to you.
Your Career As A Cinematographer
Explore the philosophical aspects of being a cinematographer, the lifestyle, and other important considerations for success in the film industry.
Section 2: Getting Your Start
Section 2: Getting Your Start Learn the essential steps for kickstarting your cinematography career. From freelancing and landing your first paid gig to identifying market trends and exploring various niche areas, you’ll discover proven strategies for establishing yourself as a cinematographer.
Getting Your Start Intro
A high-level overview of the Getting Your Start section of the course.
Introduction to Freelancing
Discover both the advantages and challenges of freelancing, including the flexibility and creative freedom that it can offer.
Landing Your First Paid Gig
Learn how to identify the right opportunities, demonstrate your readiness, and secure your first paid gig.
Cinematography Career Tracks
An overview of the various growth paths you can choose from as you pursue your career as a cinematographer.
Cashflow Jobs vs Ambition Jobs
A discussion on the difference between cashflow and ambition jobs, with tips for achieving the balance you desire.
Identifying Market Trends
Learn how to identify and keep up with changing market trends to remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry.
Videography & Events
Tips for breaking into the cinematography world and building traction via experience with videography and events.
Weddings
Learn the essentials for kickstarting your career in wedding videography - from client communication to equipment, attire, and more.
Adult Content
Learn about the historical connection between shooting adult content and whether it’s a viable path for transitioning to mainstream filmmaking.
Stock Footage
Gain an understanding of the potential benefits and considerations of working with stock footage, including its diverse applications.
Getting Your Start Takeaways
Closing remarks on the Getting Your Start section of the course.
Section 3: Growing Your Career
Section 3: Growing Your Career Learn how to build a strong professional reputation, market yourself effectively, and leverage social media and press coverage to expand your network and attract higher-profile clients. We’ll also cover strategies for establishing multiple revenue streams, so you’re never strapped for cash.
Growing Your Career Intro
A high-level overview of the Growing Your Career section of the course.
Be Good, and Easy To Work With
Understand the impact of on-set dynamics, personal temperament, and the significance of positive collaborations and recommendations.
Moving on to Bigger & Better Clients
Actionable steps for securing more prestigious and better-paying opportunities as you progress through your career.
Marketing Yourself: Reels
Learn how to compile and market a strong cinematography reel to showcase your work, including standard and "sizzle" reels.
Marketing Yourself: Websites
Explore the benefits of having your own domain, options for website design and platforms, tips for creating an effective bio, and more.
Identifying Market Trends
Learn how to identify and keep up with changing market trends to remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry.
Marketing Yourself: Business Cards
We’ll discuss the ongoing importance of physical business cards in the film industry today, along with tips on design and using your cards effectively.
The Industry Glamour Effect
Prepare yourself for an inevitable encounter with the ‘Industry Glamour Effect’.
Leveraging Social Media
Tips for maintaining a professional social media presence based on your unique goals as a cinematographer.
Providing Recommendations
Advice and a warning on how the quality of the recommendations you make can impact your reputation and career progression.
Getting Press
Learn how to make your press releases more appealing, how to make it easy for press to engage with you, and much more.
Inventing Gear
We’ll discuss the benefits of inventing - or causing the invention of - new tools and technologies during your career as a cinematographer.
Multiple Revenue Streams
Strategies for creating multiple revenue streams within the film industry to balance out irregular income and constant expenses.
Growing Your Career Takeaways
Closing remarks on the Growing Your Career section of the course.
Section 4: Gear
Section 4: Gear Invest in gear with confidence. Learn how to make informed decisions about the gear you buy. We’ll explore different camera systems, drones, stabilizers, lenses, and other essential tools. We’ll also share our best tips for renting out your gear to generate even more revenue.
Gear Intro
A high-level overview of the Gear section of the course.
Investing in Gear
Learn the decision-making process and key considerations for owning camera gear as a cinematographer.
Cameras
A discussion on the most important factors to consider when purchasing and using cameras.
Drones
A discussion on the most important factors to consider when purchasing and using drones.
Stabilizers
A discussion on the most important factors to consider when purchasing and using stabilizers.
Steadicams
A discussion on the most important factors to consider when purchasing and using steadicams.
Sliders
A discussion on the most important factors to consider when purchasing and using sliders.
Lenses
A discussion on the most important factors to consider when purchasing and using lenses.
Monitor/Recorders
A discussion on the most important factors to consider when purchasing and using monitor/recorders.
Light Meters
A discussion on the most important factors to consider when purchasing and using light meters.
Renting Out Your Gear
We’ll cover insurance, tips for listing your gear on rental platforms, the "little white lie" of gear ownership, and much more.
Gear Takeaways
Closing remarks on the Gear section of the course.
Section 5: Mastering The Craft
Section 5: Mastering The Craft Learn the skills that pay the bills. We’ll delve into various lighting techniques, shot composition, capturing specific scenes, executing plans effectively, managing image workflow, and working with colorists. You’ll also gain insights into avoiding rookie mistakes and following a structured process for more consistent results.
Mastering the Craft Intro
A high-level overview of the Mastering the Craft section of the course.
Three Point Lighting
An overview and demonstration of three point lighting.
Smart Side Lighting
Tips and tricks and a demo of smart side lighting.
Night Scene Lighting
Advice for lighting night scenes.
Product Shots
Strategies for capturing product shots.
Interviews
Considerations for great interview compositions.
Before You Shoot
A discussion on design preparation, crew hiring, gear rental, testing ideas, tech scouting, and creating shot lists and overhead diagrams.
While You Shoot
Learn about the responsibilities of a DP on the shoot day, including working closely with the rest of the crew and thinking on your feet.
Coverage
We’ll discuss the bare minimum shots you must deliver, catching key details in the script, adding "gravy" shots, and more.
Controlling Your On-Set Image
This lesson covers practical lights, the role of digital post-production tools, and the use of special lights to save time on set.
Executing a Plan
Understanding the challenges of maintaining the original visual plan amidst numerous demands and compromises.
After You Shoot
A discussion on the expectations and involvement of a DP after the shoot, both immediately and over time.
Managing Image Workflow
Gain an understanding of image workflow and the cinematographer's role in each step.
Managing Your Dailies
Understand the impact of dailies on your reputation and client perception, and how to manage and process your files accordingly.
Working With A Colorist
Learn the language and how to communicate with colorists, embracing the iterative nature of the revision process in post-production.
Doing Your Own Final Grade
Learn the basics of color grading and how to do a final color grade yourself as a multi-talented cinematographer.
Avoid These Rookie Mistakes
We’ll provide you with strategies to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls that rookie cinematographers often encounter.
Follow The BLRTS Process
We’ll teach you BLRTS, a highly efficient method used to effectively cover scenes in low-budget independent productions.
Mastering The Craft Takeaways
Closing remarks on the Mastering The Craft section of the course.
Section 6: Making Money
Section 6: Making Money In this section, we’ll explore how much money you can make, and take a detailed look at real life day rates broken out by role and location. We’ll also share our best strategies for maintaining client relationships, understanding residual income, managing finances and taxes, and identifying additional revenue streams.
Making Money Intro
A high-level overview of the Making Money section of the course.
How Much Money Can You Make?
From high-end commercials to longer-form work, independent projects, and minor markets, discover the range of day rates and potential income levels.
What Is A Good Day Rate?
This lesson contains our comprehensive and exclusive survey data revealing average and median day rates across multiple regions and job titles.
Maintaining Client Relationships
Learn how to increase the likelihood of securing future work and making yourself unforgettable to your clients.
The Reality Of Residual Income
We’ll discuss the importance of negotiating for upfront pay and treating residuals as a nice bonus rather than a primary source of income.
Tips For Better Bookkeeping
Learn how to simplify essential administrative tasks and streamline the payment process as a freelance cinematographer.
Should You Incorporate?
Discover the benefits of incorporating yourself as a separate business, and weigh them against the costs you might incur when doing so.
Unions
We’ll discuss the mixture of union and non-union work in the industry, as well as the potential benefits of joining a union yourself.
Agents & Managers
Learn the difference between agents and managers in the film industry, and the effect representation can have on your career growth.
Taxes
Understand the distinction between payroll and contract jobs in terms of tax obligations, and how to minimize your tax payments within legal boundaries.
Writing Off Gear/Amortization
Learn about the tax implications of writing off gear purchases, the concept of amortization, and our best tips for keeping more of your money.
Dealing With Receipts
We’ll discuss keeping receipts for reimbursable expenses, the significance of receipts for tax purposes, and how to be prepared for potential audits.
Lawyers & Legal
Understand the importance of contracts and legal agreements, the potential liabilities and risks involved in filmmaking, and more.
Protecting Your Mental Health
A discussion on maintaining work-life balance, dealing with the pressures of the industry, recognizing and addressing burnout, and seeking support.
Making Money Takeaways
Closing remarks on the Making Money section of the course.
Section 7: Conclusion
Section 7: Conclusion This final section wraps up the course with a summary of the key concepts discussed in the previous sections. You’ll receive guidance on the next steps to take in your cinematography journey, and conclude the course inspired and equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to make more money as a cinematographer.
Conclusion & Next Steps
A summary of the key concepts discussed in the course, with guidance on the next steps to take in your cinematography journey.
Free downloads
Gain access to over 50 exclusive downloadable resources. From checklists and gear lists to templates, lighting diagrams, calculators, and more.
An impactful ROI
Any one of the thousands of tips inside can easily pay for the whole course, making it a positive return on investment — fast.
Watch everywhere
75 chapters and 8 hours of expert-led video content helping you streamline your workflow and maximize profits from every project.
Budget Calculator
Stop leaving money on the table and start securing better-paying clients by pricing with clarity and confidence.
Take Control of Your Cinematography Career and Income
Starting Today
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- 75 Insightful Chapters
- 8+ Hours Of Video Training
- Access to 50+ Exclusive Downloadable Resources
- Exclusive Global Day Rates Survey Results
- Lifetime Access To Everything
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Bonus
- Free eBook (Screenwriting) Step-by-Step Guide
- 50+ Exclusive Resources (checklists, gear lists, directories, tutorials, examples, templates, guides, calculators, references, diagrams, worksheets + more)
- Exclusive Global Day Rates Survey Results
- Our Free Budget Calculator
Enroll With Confidence!
7 days money-back guarantee - no question asked
We’re so convinced that this course will help you level up your career that we’re standing behind it with a 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied with your investment in this course, simply let us know within 7 days and we’ll refund you 100% — no questions asked!
In fact, I’m going to share exactly how I started earning over $20k a month as a videographer ...
Step-1
Define Your Ideal Client Profile
- What industry are they in? (Products, Services...)
- How big is their company? (Employees, Revenue...)
- What are their content needs? (Social, Ads...)
Step-2
Make Your Brand
- What branding would your ICP resonate with?
- How is your value proposition?
Step-3
Create Packages
- Example: $5500/month: 4 Videos, 50 Photos, Strategy, Production Day, 2 Locations
- Offer value-driven packages with retainers for steady income.
Step-4
Message Your ICP
- Use LinkedIn for warm introductions to decision-makers.
- Combine cold outreach with personalized emails.
- Focus on building relationships that lead to long-term clients.
... and you can do it too, starting today!
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