Reddit reviews The Visual Story: Seeing the Structure of Film, TV and New Media

Depends on where you live.

1. Get on sets as much as possible. At 19 I had 1700 hours set experience.
   That will allow you to learn how to manage sets, which is a good 70% of what cinematography is. As well, you'll learn tons of tricks and cheats. Plus, the experience you get typically comes with free food and use of equipment you could never afford to buy or rent. To finding sets. I joined an awesome youth studio. (I can link you to it if you're interested) That got me the initial experience. Craigs list is a scary but useful way as well. I met some neat people that way.
   
   
2. Read. There are TONS of glorious bits of information out there. For a starter, try Bruce Block. He breaks down visual structures pretty well.
   http://www.amazon.com/The-Visual-Story-Seeing-Structure/dp/0240804678
   
   
3. Study Film. Find films you like and break down everything. Overheads, shot lists, visual design breakdowns, the whole gamut. You'll learn a lot on what it takes to light and stage. May i recommend THE CONFORMIST. As it is an extreme example of what is possible.
   
   
4. As said elsewhere, Take Pictures. The quality of the camera is not really important as long as it has 8+ stops of dynamic range and manual settings. What is important is lights. Everything you shoot should be lit. Save for those first. Chinese ripoffs of ARRI 650 Watt Lights work well enough. (about $600)
   
   
5. For University, I personally study Film Prod. Though, it's not about the classes. Those are not really that useful. What is Useful is taking those above and beyond and then hitting sets every weekend. That way you'll find what you truly enjoy.
   
   
6. Practice being charismatic. Books are also helpful for this. Try books on Influence, charisma, rationality, etc.
   
   Hopefully that's a good start.