8 Traits to Look for in a Top Baltimore Cinematographer
Great films are the result of experienced cinematographers that possess a wide range of skills, characteristics and traits. Before you work with a cinematographer, you should carefully examine the traits that he or she has to ensure theyâve got what it takes to be successful in this highly competitive field. Every Baltimore cinematographer should possess certain traits or characteristics that make him or her an ideal candidate for the job. Things like creativity and drive are important, as are various other traits.
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Weâve listed several of them below:
1. Persistence
Filmmaking is hard work and there are almost always things that can (and will) and do go wrong on the film set. Persistence is a key quality for any Baltimore cinematographer to possess.
The show must go on, and having persistence will ensure that no matter what happens, no matter what kind of obstacles get in the way, the show will go on!
2. Communication
The cinematographer is responsible for communicating the creative vision to each party on the film set. They must communicate well with the actors and crew and theyâve got to be able to equally communicate their needs or the crew needs to other parties too.
Without great communication and the ability to clearly articulate what they expect, cinematographers would not be nearly as successful.
3. Drive
The film set is typically a 12 hour or longer day followed sometimes by many hours after the fact working on paperwork, reviewing footage, or otherwise being involved in the production.
A great Baltimore cinematographer must have the drive to keep going, when tired or overwhelmed or otherwise feeling like they canât go another step.
4. Leadership
Before hiring any Baltimore cinematographer you should make a list of the top traits that youâre looking for and leadership should certainly be in the top 10.
Great leadership is important because the cinematographer is responsible for leading the production crew, the camera crew, and the talent to ensure the creative vision is delivered on film. Itâs a big role.
5. A Decisive Attitude
A great cinematographer is NOT someone that says âi donât know.â or âIâm not sure.â they know what they want and how they want it. They are highly decisive and able to make decisions without question.
6. Attention to Detail
Even the finest details are important with filmmaking. Think about it — have you ever watched a film and noticed that from one scene to the next, something was out of place?
You instantly caught that the filmmaker forgot something, hair or makeup was different, lighting changed — something had changed that should have been the same.
The cinematographer didnât have enough attention to detail — and the audience will see it in a heartbeat. This is an absolutely vital trait for a cinematographer.
7. Flexibility
They may not be flexible with their decisions, but theyâve got to be flexible in other ways because on the film set, anything can change on a momentâs notice.
A great Baltimore cinematographer will have flexibility to adapt and pivot as needed to ensure that the cameras keep rolling and that the show goes on despite hurdles.
8. Stamina
After a long day on the set, a great Baltimore cinematographer is prepared to do whatever it takes to finalize the shoot — and that stamina is vital.
There are days where filmmakers work 20 hours. There are times when the work is in extreme conditions (heat or cold, rain or snow). Stamina is an important trait for a cinematographer to possess in this highly competitive, highly rigorous position.
