Lessons From Roger Deakins

   Roger Deakins is unquestionably one of the most notable and talented cinematographers of today and recent years. Working on films like The Shawshank Redemption, No Country for Old Men, Fargo, Doubt, Skyfall, Revolutionary Road, True Grit, Prisoners, and Unbroken (just to name a few), Deakins clearly does not need to prove himself. However, he has a vast amount of wisdom to share with aspiring filmmakers and film students.
   These pieces of advice, as found in several articles, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Each filmmaker must find his own style- In this Deakins explains that to be a great cinematographer, you cannot just copy others' work. You have to be creative and develop a style that you like and that sets you apart. No two photographers should ever be the same and you should be able to tell their work apart. 
• "Cinematography is more than a camera"- Ultimately cameras are all basically the same. They do the same things and produce similar types of images. What makes cinematography is how you use that camera to create your compositions, and how you use lights. 
• Filmmaking never gets any easier- You will never get over nerves and intimidation, no matter how big you get. In fact, almost the opposite. The more jobs you are given and the more notable you become, the more is expected of you, so your nerves may be even higher than when you were first starting and trying to prove yourself. 
• It's your job to figure out how to work with others- Every director has different needs from his DP and it is the job of the cinematographer to figure out what those needs are 
• Contacts are a door knock/phone call away- To get jobs, you have to put yourself out there. Find a name in the credits, call their assistant. Knock on people's doors. Make it known that you want to work and will bust your tail. 

   Deakins' advice and wisdom can often apply to other situations outside of the film world, or just life in general. But as film students, it would do us good to listen to someone as experienced and successful as he.