The Leap of Faith " God First, movement Second"
Deciding to go full-time as a cinematographer is a bold and exhilarating step. It's a transition from viewing your passion as a side gig or hobby to embracing it as your primary profession. This shift can be both daunting and liberating, requiring a blend of creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking.
The Creative Liberation " Unbound"
Freedom to Explore
Going full-time grants you the freedom to fully immerse yourself in your craft. Without the constraints of a 9-to-5 job, you can dedicate your time and energy to exploring new techniques, experimenting with styles, and pushing the boundaries of your creativity. There have many cases where I've wanted to perform frequent camera testing and in the beginning I started to believe that I was loosing passion for being a cinematographer but came to realize I was just tired from a long day at work. Burning the candle on both ends slowly takes your away from your Plan A, even when you are supporting yourself with Plan B.
Deepening Your Craft
With more time to focus on filmmaking, you can deepen your understanding and mastery of the art. Whether it’s perfecting your camera work, enhancing your editing skills, or understanding the nuances of lighting, the opportunity to specialize and excel becomes more attainable. It's an opportunity to put immerse yourself in the landscape of creating and focusing on your strengths and weaknesses.
The Bright Side of the Journey "Your Why"
Fulfillment and Passion
The most rewarding aspect of going full-time is the fulfillment that comes from pursuing your passion. Every project, no matter how challenging, is an opportunity to create something meaningful. The joy of seeing your ideas come to life on screen is incomparable.
Impact and Influence
As a filmmaker, you have the power to tell stories that resonate with audiences, provoke thought, and inspire change. Your work can leave a lasting impact, making the challenges of the journey worthwhile.
Continuous Growth
The journey of a filmmaker is one of continuous growth. Every project teaches you something new, pushing you to evolve as an artist and professional. This perpetual learning curve keeps the work exciting and dynamic.
The Creative Challenges "The Opponent"
Unpredictable Workflow
One of the first challenges you'll encounter is the irregularity of work. Unlike a traditional job with a steady paycheck, filmmaking projects can be sporadic. There will be times of intense activity followed by periods of quiet. This ebb and flow can be unsettling, especially when financial stability is at stake. As fearful as it is the state of the industry only increased this challenge as the industry continues to recover from 2020 and the rise of streaming platforms.
The Transition "The Process"
Establishing a Brand
Developing a strong personal brand is crucial. Your brand is what sets you apart in a competitive industry. Create a portfolio that showcases your unique style and vision. Maintain an active online presence through a professional website and social media platforms to attract potential clients and collaborators.
Financial Planning
Financial stability is a major concern during the transition. Save up a financial cushion to buffer the initial months, and consider diversifying your income streams. Freelancing, teaching workshops, and selling stock footage can provide additional revenue.
Conclusion
Going full-time as a filmmaker or cinematographer is a path filled with challenges and rewards. It requires courage, dedication, and a deep love for the craft. While the road may be unpredictable, the creative liberation and the joy of pursuing your passion make the journey incredibly worthwhile. Embrace the process, stay resilient, and let your unique vision shine through your work. The world is waiting for your stories.
CinemaDOP Minimal Poster Now Available!
Support the journey by getting your "CinemaDOP Posters," for 20% off by using the promo code: OHKAY20
Sale expires August 16th!!!
"All glory to God and peace on your filmmaking journey"
Carlos Bradley is an Atlanta based filmmaker, and the founder and President of the Society for Cinematographers of Color. His work can be seen on network digital platforms, and in various publications. Be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram and reach out — "I love meeting new filmmakers!"
Comentarios