Behind the Lens #1 - How to Get the Most Out of Your Director of Photography on a Music Video

How to Get the Most Out of Your Director of Photography on a Music Video

"One of my favorite parts of filmmaking is watching a director's vision come to life. Recently I worked on a low-budget music video that reminded me how important communication is between a director and their director of photography. The experience wasn't about expensive gear or a big crew—it was about learning how the creative relationship between a director and DP can completely shape a film."

A Director of Photography Does More Than Operate the Camera

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that a DP is simply the person holding the camera.

In reality, my job starts long before anyone yells "Action."

As a DP, I'm thinking about questions like:

• What emotions should the audience feel?

• Is this scene lonely, energetic, mysterious, or hopeful?

• Should the lighting feel natural or stylized?

• What camera movement best supports the music?

• What lens helps tell this story?

• Should we incorporate special filters or in camera effects?

The camera is just one tool. My real job is translating the director's vision into images.

Share the Vision, Not Just the Shot List

A shot list tells me what we're filming.

It doesn't always tell me why.

Before production, I love hearing things like:

"I want this performance to feel isolated."

or

"This section of the song should feel chaotic."

or

"I want the audience to feel like they're dreaming."

Those conversations influence every creative decision I make—from lighting to composition to camera movement.

References Are Worth a Thousand Words

One of the easiest ways to communicate your vision is through references.

That might include:

• still photographs

• scenes from movies

• other music videos

• paintings

• color palettes

Sometimes one image communicates more than thirty minutes of conversation.

Schedule a One-on-One with Your DP

If there's one piece of advice I'd give every director, it's this:

Spend an hour with your DP before the shoot.

Not the entire crew.

Just the two of you.

That conversation lets us walk through:

• the story

• the emotional arc

• the shot list

• lighting challenges

• locations

• ideas that may improve the film

It's also where trust begins.

Once I understand how a director thinks, I can make creative decisions that support their vision instead of constantly asking for direction.

Great Prep Creates Creative Freedom

This particular project came together beautifully because everyone adapted and trusted each other.

My gaffer and I have worked together for years, so we already had a rhythm. Once the director communicated the vision on set, our team could focus on solving problems instead of figuring out roles.

That's something experience gives you.

But experience shouldn't replace preparation.

The better we communicate before the shoot, the more creative freedom we have once the cameras start rolling.

Final Thoughts

One of the things I love most about filmmaking is that every project teaches me something new.

This music video reminded me that a DP isn't just responsible for creating beautiful images—we're creative partners in telling the story.

When directors invite their DP into the process early, everyone wins. The shoot runs smoother, collaboration improves, and the final film becomes stronger because every visual decision supports the same vision.

Behind the Shot

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/ffec14_95349c7a20f449bebccf120de7632dca/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Some of my favorite moments on set are the ones you never plan.

For this scene, the director shared a reference frame featuring heavy smoke and a strong backlight that silhouetted the artist. We knew the location and time of day wouldn't help us recreate that overall look, so our goal was to capture the same mood while making it our own.

As my gaffer, Tehan Davis, was positioning a 1K light, he adjusted it so the beam would peek through a narrow opening. While making the adjustment, the light accidentally shifted and swept across the artist during prep.

The moment I saw it, I stopped and said, "Do that again."

What started as a complete accident instantly transformed the shot. The moving beam of light created a sense of energy and motion that made the performance feel alive. It gave the frame a dynamic quality we hadn't planned for, and everyone on set immediately recognized that we had found something special.

It's a reminder that preparation is essential, but staying open to unexpected moments is just as important. Sometimes the best creative decisions aren't on the shot list—they happen because your team is paying attention and willing to explore what unfolds in front of the camera.

Continue the Conversation

Thanks for reading.

Every project teaches me something new, and these articles are my way of sharing the lessons I pick up along the way. If you're a filmmaker, artist, or producer, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What has been one of your biggest lessons on set?

Until next time,

– Jordan Skipper