Director of Photography in the UK: what a DoP does, skills, duties and real-world rates.

What is a Director of Photography

A Director of Photography, often called a DoP or cinematographer, is the creative and technical lead for the moving image. They shape the look and feel of a project through choices about framing, lenses, movement and light, and they do this in close partnership with the director. In practice that means developing the visual language of the story, planning the toolkit and crew that will realise it, and steering image quality from the first scout to the final grade.

At Crew Studio we work with experienced DoPs across film, television and commercials. If you need help finding the right fit for your script or brief, our production team can book trusted cinematographers and crew across the UK.

Core skills to expect from a DoP

• Artistic vision with an eye for composition, colour and light
• Technical fluency with cameras, lenses, filters, monitoring and workflows
• Lighting mastery together with grip craft to shape tone and mood
• Leadership and teamwork across camera, grip and lighting
• Planning discipline from camera tests to lighting breakdowns and shot lists
• Calm judgement when conditions change and time is tight

These align with ScreenSkills guidance for the role, which highlights script analysis, collaboration with the director, research and testing, and the supervision of camera, grip and lighting teams.

What a Director of Photography actually does

During pre-production

• Breaks down the script and develops a visual approach with the director
• Scouts locations and evaluates light, access, power and control
• Chooses the imaging system including camera body, lenses, filtration and monitoring
• Plans lighting and grip for key scenes and builds a practical equipment list
• Runs tests to confirm texture, exposure, colour and movement choices
• Builds the team by working with a gaffer, key grip, camera operator and assistants

ScreenSkills describes this phase as defining the look and translating creative ideas into practical plans and crew needs. 

On set

• Designs shots with the director and agrees blocking, movement and coverage
• Leads lighting to set mood and depth while staying efficient and safe
• Supervises camera operation and checks focus, exposure and continuity
• Adapts quickly when weather, time or performance requires a new solution
• Monitors rushes and image integrity through the day

A DoP is responsible for the photographic core of the production, which includes directing the work of camera, grip and lighting teams. 

In the grade

• Works with the colourist to finalise contrast, colour and texture
• Checks consistency across scenes and formats
• Protects intent so that the final image reflects the plan made with the director

The National Careers Service notes that hours and working patterns vary and that many DoPs freelance, which means involvement can continue through delivery.

A quick creative example

Roger Deakins, celebrated for his lighting craft, discussed using computer controlled and highly practical lighting strategies on Blade Runner 2049, which helped the team adapt on set while protecting a distinctive look. It is a useful reminder that innovation often starts from clear visual intent and rigorous planning.

DoP versus camera operator

The DoP sets the visual strategy and leads camera, lighting and grip. The camera operator focuses on the physical execution of the shot and the movement of the camera, working under the DoP’s direction, particularly on larger shows. On smaller sets one person may cover both responsibilities. UK guidance describes camera operators as the people who capture the action and manage composition and movement, which complements the DoP’s wider creative and supervisory role.

How much a Director of Photography costs in the UK

Rates vary with sector, scale, schedule, kit responsibilities and reputation. There is no single fixed figure, so productions usually benchmark against union guidance and market surveys, then negotiate scope and terms.

• BECTU publishes rate cards and guidance across feature film, TV drama, factual and short form. These help frame expectations, although individual deals still apply. 
• In advertising and short form, the APA Crew Terms and Rate Card set out overtime structures and regular updates to recommended rates that many crews reference when budgeting commercials. 
• The BECTU Camera Branch also shares guidance and notes that cinematographer rates are commonly negotiated individually, which reflects the seniority and variability of the role. 

As a practical takeaway, productions often budget a DoP on a daily or weekly fee, then agree separate costs for camera and lighting packages if the DoP supplies any kit. Overtime, prep and tech days, travel and grade attendance should be set out in the deal memo from the start. The common TV drama day pattern is ten working hours plus one hour for lunch, while major features often contract for eleven plus one, which influences weekly totals and overtime triggers. 

If you would like a reality check for your project, Crew Studio can help you scope a fair DoP fee for your scale and schedule, and can also source camera, grip and lighting packages to suit.

Getting started as a DoP in the UK

• Build strong camera and lighting foundations. Assistant roles and lighting team work are proven routes in.
• Shoot short films and proof-of-concepts. Test lenses, filtration and lighting ideas, then refine your eye.
• Join the community. ScreenSkills provides skills checklists, training and pathways. The British Society of Cinematographers is a hub for events, learning and professional profiles.
• Be visible. Keep a current reel and credit list. Producers hire through work they can see.
• Keep learning. New sensors, colour pipelines and virtual production tools reward curiosity.

Final thoughts

A capable Director of Photography will elevate story, pace and performance through light and camera. If you are exploring a shoot and want a cinematographer who fits your tone, budget and schedule, Crew Studio can help you hire a Director of Photography in the UK and provide full production support from tests to grade.