How do you get work as a still photographer on feature films?

<p>I've worked in feature films and have always noticed there's at least one still photographer making the rounds of the sets during shooting and while setting up. Is this a particular 'specialty' of photographic work (similar perhaps to live performance photography). Does one get assignments in this field through word of mouth, i.e., friend of the director, producer, actor, etc., or is there a way to market yourself as having this area as a specialty--particularly if you live in an area where there's a lot of feature film shooting? Thanks.</p>

not sure how you land your first job, but if it's anything like the rest of the photography business, word of

mouth and "who you know" is the key. That said, after you get a job under your belt, go talk to your states

film office (you might go talk to them any way), they will have a list of vendors from which film companies

can select if they choose. In my experience, you MUST have prior experience on the scene of a movie,

insured and operating a qualified photography business, to even be considered for a job. Often times

directors and production people have still photographers in their circles so you should start getting to know

who are the movie players in your area . . .

<p>Sadly, you won't find much luck getting in unless you are well connected in that industry.</p>

<p>Let's face a few facts, people that produce motion pictiures are<br>

1) Union-ized...I can't think of any positions that are not.<br>

2) Visual arts people have no difficulty finding someone to shoot stills within their own profession.<br>

3) The person doing the stills often has other duties on/off set.</p>

<p>It's similar to seeing the advertisement section in "The Photographers Market."<br>

Tons of people would love to have a ad agency as a client, but going thru the PM is not how to break in.</p>

<p>I do unit/set photography occasionally on indie films and love it - it's a lot of fun. It's a really competitive field and tough to break into feature films. Most photogs working on big films are in the Cinematographers Guild (Local 600). The ICG has pretty stringent requirements to join and get on the work roster, plus it's expensive to join, around $7K plus annual dues. Also, on these kinds of films, the producers/directors will hire photogs they already know or that their actors are comfortable working with (big factor for major talent). Go check out cinematography.com for more in depth discussion about unit still photography. <br>

With that said, if you are truly interested in doing it, the best way to get some experience is go out and find some indie productions in need of a still photog (shorts are a good place to start). Yes, you are going to work for credit and meals or maybe a minimal amount of pay for a bunch of them to start, but you're there to learn. Everybody and their brother is making films these days, so make connections and you'll find some films to work on. You will also need a sound blimp for your camera or it's really difficult to shoot while filming because of the shutter noise. It's possible to do w/o one to start, but makes things harder.<br>

Many first time filmmakers make the mistake of not having a still photog or just hand someone a camera to casually take photos and they do learn it's a big mistake, since they then have crap for marketing and promo materials. Like any other genre of photography there is a certain style and method, in addition to having/learning good set etiquette (extremely important). Unless you're on a really tiny production, a still photog does nothing but stills since they are taking photos behind the scenes in addition to shots while actually shooting scenes.<br>

Good luck!</p>