Top 10 Cinematography Schools for Aspiring Cinematographers

Do you want to become a cinematographer or director of photography? Choosing the right film school can give you more than access to cameras, lenses, lights, soundstages, and production equipment. A strong cinematography program can put you in the room — and on the set — with working cinematographers who understand how lighting, composition, lens selection, exposure, camera movement, color, and collaboration come together to tell a story visually.

The United States has many outstanding film schools, but not every great film school offers the same level of cinematography training. For this list, we looked specifically at cinematography education: dedicated cinematography programs and concentrations, current cinematography faculty, hands-on production opportunities, professional equipment and facilities, connections to the film and television industry, student accomplishments, and faculty affiliations with organizations such as the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).