How can I become a Camera Operator / Director of Photography / Cinematographer?
If you own a nice camera you can start working as an operator on indie short films pretty much immediately. Indie camera operators often have their own gear, although you can also rent gear as long as you take the time to learn to use it before getting on set with it. You can rent gear or take classes from filmmaker resource groups- I dunno about Utah, but in my city, for instance, you could get gear and take weekend classes from places like this or this. Perhaps there’s something similar in your area. If you decide to learn as you go, you could put ads describing your gear & skillset on Craigslist, Mandy, and anywhere else non-union filmmakers congregate. Pitch it like, “Camera operator available, extreme locations welcome. I have XYZ gear, ABC skill set, and want to do some shooting. Here’s my portfolio & demo reel. If you need an operator drop me a line.” You can work for free
