What Does a Camera Operator's Job Involve?

When circumstances require it, some camera operators edit their own raw footage,

Unseen and unheard, camera operators record the visual images that tell stories created for commercials, motion pictures, TV and video programs. No production would exist without them. Camera operators often must work lengthy, irregular hours, sometimes under unpleasant conditions, to meet production deadlines. They also need the ability to anticipate technical issues that might spoil a shot and, in some cases, the alertness to shoot in potentially dangerous situations.

Project Environments

News camera operators must become accustomed to working on short notice.

The work environment for a camera operator depends upon the project, but creates the need for a high degree of creative intuition and technical ability. Videographers record things such as business and ceremonial events, while studio camera operators videotape their subjects from fixed positions during TV productions. TV news camera operators accompany live reporting teams to record events for future broadcast and distribution. Motion picture camera operators, sometimes known as cinematographers, specialize in shooting images that help tell entertaining stories and can find themselves shooting in environments that range from indoor studios to exotic outdoor locations.

Hours and Conditions

Camera operators work under many different types of conditions.

Long, irregular hours are the norm for many camera operators. News camera operators may travel locally or regionally to help reporting teams cover live or scheduled events. This often requires them to work in dangerous or unpleasant climates when accidents, crimes or natural disasters are involved. Motion picture camera operators can endure similar conditions and may also have to carry heavy equipment for extensive time periods. Lengthy hours spent setting up are not unusual.

Ability to Adapt

TV studio camera operators must remain in stationary positions for long periods.

Not every assignment puts a premium on creativity, so the ability to take direction is crucial for camera operators to succeed, according to Tim Wessel, a 20-year industry veteran. This quality is needed for many studio productions, which require little creative input, let alone camera movement, from operators listening to a headset.

Skilled Assessment

Camera operators spend much of their time determining what to leave in or out of shots. This requires walking the set to check for reflective surfaces, extraneous objects and other distractions that may ruin a potentially good shoot, according to director of photography and camera operator Art Adams. When directors are preoccupied, the camera operator must deal with issues such as actors missing their marks, or being able to find a body posture that accommodates the execution of a difficult shot, says Adams.

Vigilance

Any shot can change drastically. Adams says that, because camera operators are the only crew members who cannot judge distances accurately, they need to know that someone nearby is looking out for them when things go wrong. Camera operators consult other production team members when scenes involve dangerous stunts that include things such as explosive charges or blanks. By raising their concerns, camera operators help directors and producers eliminate problems.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Television, Video and Motion Picture Camera Operators and Editors
• New England Film: How To Be A...Camera Operator
• ProVideo Coalition: Stunning Good Looks

Resources

• American Society of Cinematographers
• International Cinematographers Guild
• Society of Camera Operators