Cinematographer for Hire
Assignment Desk provides professional cinematographers (Directors of Photography) for hire in 24+ US cities. Staff DPs come with a full cinema or broadcast package — Sony FX9, ARRI, or RED — and are available for same-day bookings in major markets.
Used by ESPN, CNN, HGTV, NFL Network, and Fortune 500 production teams. Transparent day rates, no agency markup, confirmed in under 60 minutes.
What a Cinematographer Brings to Your Production
A professional cinematographer is more than a camera operator — they own the visual quality of your shoot.
Camera Operation
Operates the primary camera, selects lenses, and executes every shot to achieve the visual brief — from static interviews to dynamic handheld sequences.
Lighting Design
Designs and executes the lighting plan for every setup: corporate interviews, commercial product shots, broadcast news hits, or cinematic branded content.
Equipment Selection
Chooses the right camera system and package for each production type. Staff DPs arrive with a full broadcast or cinema package — no rental house required.
Crew Direction
Directs camera, lighting, and grip crew to execute the DP's visual plan. Coordinates with the field producer to keep the shoot on schedule and on message.
Technical Quality Control
Monitors focus, exposure, white balance, and codec settings to ensure every clip is deliverable. Handles media management and handoff to post-production.
Client Communication
Translates a client's creative brief into achievable shots. Offers creative input when asked and flags potential issues before they become problems in the edit.
Camera Packages — What Our Cinematographers Bring
Every staff DP arrives with a full equipment package. No rental house, no kit fee surprises.
Broadcast / ENG Package
Sony PXW-Z750 / FX9
Broadcast ENG camera, wireless audio, LED lighting, tripod — standard for news, corporate, and event coverage.
Best for: News, corporate, ENG, live events
Cinema Package
Sony FX9 / RED Komodo / ARRI
Cinema camera, prime/zoom lens set, wireless follow focus, LED lighting package — for branded content and commercial productions.
Best for: Brand content, commercials, short-form narrative
Full Production Package
ARRI Alexa Mini / RED DSMC2
Full cinema camera package, HMI/LED lighting, grip package, monitoring — for multi-day high-end productions.
Best for: Documentaries, multi-day brand campaigns, episodic content
Meet Our Staff Cinematographers
Staff DPs on W-2, available across all 24+ markets.
Hire a Cinematographer by City
Staff DPs and cinematographers available in 24+ US markets. Click any city for local crew profiles.
What Clients Say About Our Cinematographers
“Everything went really well! Crew was fantastic and the end result was great. Thanks for the collaboration as always!”
AKA Media
“Thank you for everything with our two days in Brooklyn, and for rolling with the situations and added needs that sprung up during our two shows”
Stadium
“Thank you and your team for all of their hard work. Especially our last minute requests.”
Brunswick Group
Cinematographer for Hire — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the day rate for a cinematographer?
What is the day rate for a cinematographer?
Cinematographer day rates depend on the camera package, market, and production type. Assignment Desk staff DPs (Directors of Photography) typically range $800–$1,500/day including their full equipment package. Rates are for a standard 10-hour production day. Overtime is billed at time-and-a-half after 10 hours. Markets like New York and Los Angeles run higher; regional markets like Nashville, Charlotte, and Denver are lower. Assignment Desk provides an itemized quote for every booking.
Does the cinematographer bring their own camera equipment?
Does the cinematographer bring their own camera equipment?
Yes. Assignment Desk staff cinematographers arrive with a complete broadcast or cinema camera package: Sony FX9 or equivalent camera body, cinema prime and zoom lenses, wireless audio (Sennheiser lavs and boom), LED lighting, tripod, and grip support. Equipment packages are confirmed before shoot day. Custom gear requests — specialty lenses, drone integration, specialty rigs — can be arranged in advance.
How do I hire a cinematographer through Assignment Desk?
How do I hire a cinematographer through Assignment Desk?
Submit your shoot brief at assignmentdesk.com/hire-a-crew — include the shoot date, city, production type, and any equipment or creative preferences. A coordinator reviews the brief and matches a qualified cinematographer from the local market. You receive a confirmation with the DP's name, credits, and day rate — typically within 60 minutes. Same-day cinematographer hire is available in major US markets.
What is the difference between a cinematographer and a camera operator?
What is the difference between a cinematographer and a camera operator?
A cinematographer (also called a Director of Photography or DP) is responsible for the overall visual look of a production — they make creative and technical decisions about lighting, camera movement, framing, and exposure. A camera operator executes specific camera moves and shots under the DP's direction. For most corporate and brand shoots, a staff DP handles both roles. For larger productions, the DP directs a team of camera operators.
Can I hire a cinematographer for a one-day shoot?
Can I hire a cinematographer for a one-day shoot?
Yes. Single-day cinematographer hire is the most common booking type. The standard rate is based on a 10-hour production day including setup and wrap. For short half-day shoots (under 5 hours), a half-day rate applies in most markets. Multi-day shoots can lock in the same cinematographer across the production for visual continuity.
Ready to Hire a Cinematographer?
Submit your brief — crew confirmed in under 60 minutes across 24+ US markets.