Director of photography | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Directors of photography (DoPs) manage lighting and camera crews on TV and film productions to create the right look and feel for images.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.
Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.
Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
Review film,

Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.
Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.
Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
Consult with writers, producers, or actors about script changes or "workshop" scripts, through rehearsal with writers and actors to create final drafts.
Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.
Establish pace of programs and sequences of scenes according to time requirements and cast and set accessibility.
Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained.
Compile scripts, program notes, and other material related to productions.
Perform administrative duties, such as preparing operational reports, distributing rehearsal call sheets and script copies, and arranging for rehearsal quarters.
Resolve personnel problems that arise during the production process by acting as liaisons between dissenting parties when necessary.
Arrange financing for productions.
Perform management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.
Compose and edit scripts or provide screenwriters with story outlines from which scripts can be written.
Negotiate with parties, including independent producers and the distributors and broadcasters who will be handling completed productions.
Cut and edit film or tape to integrate component parts into desired sequences.
Choose settings and locations for films and determine how scenes will be shot in these settings.
Review film daily to check on work in progress and to plan for future filming.
Obtain rights to scripts or to such items as existing video footage.
Write and submit proposals to bid on contracts for projects.
Develop marketing plans for finished products, collaborating with sales associates to supervise product distribution.
Hire principal cast members and crew members, such as art directors, cinematographers, and costume designers.
Hold auditions for parts or negotiate contracts with actors determined suitable for specific roles.
Select plays, scripts, books, news content, or ideas to be produced.
Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
Direct live broadcasts, films, and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.

Average salary
31,440 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Director of photography

Big gender gap

32,868 GBP
25,348 GBP

Average salary for full-time Director of photography

Showing:

31,440 GBP
25,348 GBP
32,868 GBP

Salary over time for Director of photography

Salary for this role has increased over time

28,769 GBP
28,048 GBP
29,032 GBP
29,011 GBP
31,117 GBP
29,573 GBP
31,440 GBP
26,822 GBP
34,264 GBP

Ads

Future outlook for Director of photographys

Balanced outlook

13 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

2% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

37% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Director of photography and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

You can get into this job through a university course, a college course, working towards this role, specialist courses run by private training providers.

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or degree in a relevant subject. Examples include: photography, art, drama, film studies

You can take a college course to develop your camera skills before looking for work. Relevant courses include:

Level 2 Diploma In Creative Media Production and Technology
Level 3 Certificate in Media Techniques
Level 3 Diploma in Photography

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
knowledge of media production and communication
to be flexible and open to change
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Director of photography

Photography

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Not sure if you are in the right job?

Take our career change quiz

Director of photography | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

Similar Courses

Photography Course

Intermediate Photography

Advanced Photography

Begin Photography

Discover Photography

Photography A Level

Portrait Photography

Photography A Level

Travel Photography

Future outlook for Director of photographys

Director of photography - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Director of photography interview

Related jobs

Photography

Photographer

Photography

Photographic technician

Photography

Photographic stylist