What does a Camera Operator do?
Camera operators are the ones behind the scenes operating film or video cameras to capture footage for televisions shows, commercials, documentaries, events, and film. Many camera operators specialize in shooting footage for a specific industry, such as those working in the film industry or those working for an advertising firm shooting commercials.
Job Description of a Camera Operator
Camera operators shoot footage with television or motion picture cameras to capture scenes for a director. They would need to be knowledgable in composition and lighting techniques to ensure the angle, lighting, and story of the scene is conveyed as intended. They would also use various lenses and filters when necessary to accurately capture the moment.
Camera operators work closely with others on the project such as directors, sound technicians, and lighting personnel as these all aspects must come together when it’s time to shoot. If there is movement to the shot, they may also need to plan out how their camera will move with the subject in order to produce a high-quality shot. Some camera operators also edit the footage for the project after the camera shoot.
What Soft Skills Will Help You Succeed in This Career?
Will you make a good camera operator? The answer to this question depends on whether you have specific soft skills. These are personal qualities you were either born with or acquired through life experience. Camera operators must be creative. They need excellent visual skills and eye-hand coordination. The ability to pay attention to detail is also essential. Camera operators collaborate with producers and directors, making superb listening and speaking skills a necessity.
What Employers Will Expect From You
Here are some requirements from actual job announcements found on Indeed.com:
- “Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time”
- “Can carry up to 50 pounds”
- “Ability to work flexible schedule, including nights and weekends”
- “Ability to work from a standing position for a 2-3 hour period”
- “Must be eager for unique camera shots”
- “Ability to multi-task and work in a high pressure fast paced environment, usually with tight and changing deadlines”
- “Must be available to work all shifts, including early mornings, evenings, holidays, and weekends”
- “Dedication, patience, and stamina are needed”
What skills are needed?
- Communication skills. Camera operators must communicate with other members of a production team, including producers and directors, to ensure that the project goes smoothly.
- Creativity. Camera operators should be able to imagine what the result of their filming or editing will look like to an audience.
- Hand-eye coordination. Camera operators need to be able to move about the action while holding a camera steady.
- Physical stamina. Camera operators may need to carry heavy equipment for long periods, particularly when they are filming on location.
- Visual skills. Camera operators must see clearly what they are filming or editing in the post-production process.
What is the career outlook?
Overall employment of camera operators is projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The number of Internet-only platforms, such as streaming services, is likely to increase, along with the number of shows produced for these platforms. This growth may lead to more work for editors and camera operators.
Pros & Cons of Being a Cameraman
Being a cameraman is exciting, but it does have its moments of tedium. It’s a unique career choice for someone who is physical, focused and likes to be around action. Camera operators use digital equipment to capture live action for different forms of broadcasting. Having a background in photography or engineering is handy. College degrees are also helpful but not always required.
Pro: Close to the Action
Working as a cameraman can position you very close to the action. Camera operators are hired to capture live events for film or live broadcast. You could be called upon to film anything from a local flower show to a professional sports game. Cameramen see new and interesting things nearly every time they accept an assignment. You could be sitting across from a local celebrity one day and filming from the football sidelines the next. Operators are hired for jobs with conventions, news broadcasting and racing events. The field keeps you hopping and you’ll likely not have much time for just standing around.
Con: Long Work Hours
Since a cameraman is called upon to record live events, he usually works a fair share of evenings, weekends and holidays. Assignments can last over a period of days and a camera operator is usually needed to film various activities during that short period of time. When camera operators are hired for special events like weddings or graduations, they’ll work weekends too. It’s also hard to escape working holidays as many action-oriented events, like important games, happen around those times of the year as well.
Pro: Autonomy
While some camera operators are employed full-time by organizations, it is also a career that allows you to work as an independent contractor. Working independently affords you the ability to deny or accept assignments based on your needs and availability. When you work for yourself, you can choose the assignments that pay more or involve filming events that interest you. Once you build up a clientele, you may also be asked back by the same organizations when the events are repeated, thereby building in your own sense of job security.
Con: It’s Physical
Operating a camera for a living has its grueling moments. Often times, standing on your feet for long hours is expected. For example, filming a sporting event could require four or more hours on your feet just filming the game alone. In addition, many camera arrangements require setting up for several hours before the actual event takes place. Camera operators are usually expected to participate in all of these activities which also require carrying heavy equipment before, after and during the occasion.
Cinematographer jobs
(Also known as Director of Photography)
A cinematographer (or Director of Photography) is the person responsible for turning the Director’s creative vision into a production-feasible reality on screen.
The cinematographer or Director of Photography (DOP) is regarded as one of the most senior and most important people in the film creation process. The cinematographer must interpret the director’s instructions for obtaining a certain aesthetic for a film production, and use their technical skill to deliver against these demands by using specific film production, camera and lighting techniques to achieve a certain mood for the film.
Cinematography literally refers to the combined art and science of using a moving image camera. The cinematographer will take charge of camera and lighting crews, general responsibility for lighting the set, filtration and composition. The camera operator will still make their own calls on lens choice, but the DOP will consult with the Director to make final decisions on all visual aspects of the film.