Is a bachelor's degree from an art institute respected as much in the industry as one from a traditional four-year university?

I agree in large part with Mr. Isaac, who has already written some comments. Especially the watch as many films as you can part. Old films, silent films, Eisenstein, black and white films, documentaries, whatever. Another great way to study light is to look at paintings in museums, books, online. And look for composition and movement and how different artists and filmmakers combine all those elements. The point of having all these references is so that you aren't limited to duplicating the same kind of stuff that is commercially available and in-style at a given place and time. A great cinematographer finds solutions and matches for various projects and situations that go beyond the "standards". And yes, find a way to make images using lighting and objects and time. And keep working at it.

If you have sufficient money, or can qualify for at least a partial scholarship, there are several positive aspects to attending a film school, art school that contains a strong film/video component, or a related program. One great benefit of this is that you have tools at your disposal and you learn how to use them. An even bigger benefit is that you have other people around you and you can cook up ideas with them and try different things. A few smart people learning together can generate a great deal of energy and support for each other, and, occasionally, some great work.

"Respected by whom?" would be my question to you. Here's the thing - and I speak only for me and my experience, not the rest of civilization: A degree in anything allows you to stand in the line. Why would you want to stand in the line? People are rarely hired because of what they know. How could they be? How could I possibly know what you know? You are hired (as in - get to work in the field of your choice) by making good contacts in that field, networking with them, making more contacts, etc. until you get to the person who says, "I like you - want to work for (or with) me?"

There is nothing you can learn at a college that you can't learn on your own. Nothing. There is no magic. No secrets.

Well, maybe one secret: You need to be driven to work in a creative field. I mean driven. Nothing stops you. Nothing discourages you. And you always sign on for the long game. It's not driving two miles to the grocery store. It's crossing the Mongolian Steppe in an old car with a balky engine. Without enough fuel. In Winter. With a sinus infection.

Go to the place where you want to be a cinematographer. Ask to apprentice. Beg, if necessary. Have enough money saved or work a part-time job to not die. Read as much as you can. Watch as many films as you can -- and study them. Look at the lighting. Play around with lights - even the ones in your apartment. Take still photos with a cheap camera. Look at them. Make changes. Make them better. Make them amazing.

Most graduates of film school do not end up working in the industry. And while they're sitting in a classroom, you could be on set, on location, dripping in experiences.

I'm just sayin'...

P.S. I taught filmmaking at a four-year college for five years.

Hi Chance, yes, Mister Isaac is correct. The best you could do in college is to learn who you are, and what you do desire as your inner dream. You have to begin to skillfully express yourself with confidence and awareness and compassion that will thrill the pros. It ain't easy for most of us. And none of us want to live cold and hungry on the streets. As a tech director who just graduated, my salary at the Company Theater and then the New Artef Players was $100, but my rent was $90. Everybody I knew worked another part-time job. At least now, you can use the Network for insights and auditions, such as Twitter and Studio 32, and Variety which also provides blogs. It's also important to meet pros on the network and clubs. They're friendly, most of them, and might give you their email addresses. But it's a tough life for quite a while, so some of us do pray or meditate or stroll along the beaches for the lucky chance.

If your question is more about a BFA at an arts school versus a BA liberal arts degree, it all depends.

I chose to get a liberal arts degree, because I wanted to learn about lots of things, not just my small concentration. Then, I went to grad school to further focus.

But concentrating on your craft right off the bat can yield amazing rewards. You've got energy and youth on your side when you get out.