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Camera Operator, Director of Photography, Motion Picture Camera Operator, Videographer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Cinematographers use lighting, lens selection, filtration, exposure, and focus to create a particular look. They may work on motion picture film stock, videotape, or digital files. Standard and high-definition video and film are used as original media for documentaries, national commercials, feature films, movies of the week, and television series.
A cinematographer’s primary responsibility is to define an appropriate look and determine how best to achieve it. Cinematographers must rely on their knowledge and experience to anticipate the effect production decisions will have on the final image.
In general, cinematographers may be expected to:
Depending on the size and scope of the project, cinematographers may also operate and set up camera and lighting equipment themselves. When working as directors of photography on big-budget, dramatic feature films or television projects, cinematographers:
Cinematographers experience a variety of working conditions. These may depend on the type of production (for example, documentary or television series) and where a film is being shot. They may work on location in all kinds of weather or indoors on a sound stage.
Hours of work vary greatly. For example, cinematographers may have to photograph dawn over the foothills or twilight on a mountain lake. Those employed in motion pictures may work long hours (12-hour days or more) with short deadlines. Travel is often required.
The work can be stressful when last-minute changes are required or when people have conflicting expectations.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating and overseeing all aspects of camera work and lighting for motion picture, video and television productions
Interest in determining lighting specifications, lenses, camera angles, backgrounds and other elements to achieve desired visual effects
Interest in supervising camera operators and other crews in setting up cameras and lighting equipment; and in instructing crews on technical aspects of filming such as focus settings, distances of shots and changes in lighting; may set up and operate cameras to film scenes
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Cinematographers need:
They should enjoy directing and coordinating camera and lighting work, finding innovative ways to do things, working with equipment, collaborating with others, and leading teams.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 26 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 02, 2022 and Apr 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Organize and co-ordinate production | 16 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 16 |
| Tasks: Edit motion picture film and arrange film segments into sequences | 15 |
| Tasks: Interpret scripts, select the cast and advise in the interpretation and delivery of the performance | 15 |
| Work under pressure | 14 |
| Tasks: Determine treatment, scope and scheduling of production | 14 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate and direct the photography of production | 14 |
| Tasks: Supervise staff or team | 13 |
| Tasks: Plan, organize and direct the artistic aspects of production | 12 |
| Tasks: Determine lighting, lenses, camera angles and backgrounds | 12 |
Cinematographers need a solid grounding in both the theoretical and technical aspects of the work. It is still possible to enter the field by gaining practical experience. For example, an individual may work as a videographer or as a part of the camera department within sectors such as film and television. However, advancing through this path can take many years.
There are no post-secondary programs specifically in cinematography currently offered in Alberta.
The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) offer courses in cinematography on an as-needed basis. Post-secondary schools also may offer related continuing education courses.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
For those seeking certification as a director of photography, the requirements and application information can be found on the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG 669) website.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most cinematographers are self-employed artists who work on a contract basis for:
To gain experience, aspiring cinematographers may work as lighting or grip technicians, camera assistants, or camera operators. Or they may volunteer on independent film or video productions or with local cable production companies. With experience, they may find work as camera assistants for established cinematographers. The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) serve as resource centres for inexperienced cinematographers who wish to gain experience by volunteering for film projects.
Large production houses such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the National Film Board (NFB) have a few full-time cinematographers on staff. Most often, though, they contract work out to freelance cinematographers.
For those on contract, work may be erratic depending on the needs of the market.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group, 76.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Cinematographers’ incomes depend on their talent and experience. Freelance cinematographers negotiate contracts on a job-by-job basis. Incomes may vary considerably from person to person, and from year to year. For those working within a union such as the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Local 669, wage guidelines are set out in the union agreement.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.44 | $37.96 | $31.41 | $32.00 |
| Overall | $20.89 | $46.61 | $39.29 | $43.14 |
| Top | $26.84 | $50.35 | $42.21 | $44.77 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $78,713 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $79,493 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,424 |
| Public Administration | $91,850 |
Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) website: www.csif.org
Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) website: www.csc.ca
Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) website: fava.ca
International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Local 669 website: icg669.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 17, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
