Camera Operators

Career summary

# 3/26/19 lh

Camera operators film:

• Documentaries
• Movies
• Music videos
• News events
• Special events
• Training sessions
• TV shows

Camera operators work in a variety of settings. They work for:

• Independent TV stations
• Large cable or TV networks
• Small production companies

Camera operators who film movies often move while filming. They use cameras in any of several different camera mounts. For example, the operator may stay in place and shoot whatever passes in front of the lens. The camera may be mounted on a track, and the operator and camera move to shoot the scene from several angles. Sometimes operators sit in cranes and follow the action while crane operators move them into position. Steadicam operators wear a harness and carry the camera. This provides a steadier picture as they film the action.

News camera operators work as part of a reporting team. They go to news events and film them as they occur. They are also called electronic news gathering (ENG) operators. ENG operators may edit raw footage on the scene and relay it to the TV station. They also clean, maintain, and repair broadcasting equipment to make sure they are working properly.

All camera operators begin by observing the set or situation to determine the filming requirements. They consult with the director or technicians about lighting needs and desired effects. Operators select the proper film and equipment. They set up the camera and accessories, such as special lenses. On large projects, they instruct camera assistants how to set up the equipment. 

Operators adjust the camera position or mount before shooting film. They also adjust the camera controls for exposure, distance, and other variables. They review film sequences to be sure they have the effect they want and make adjustments if needed.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Audio-Visual Specialists
• Broadcast Technicians
• Film and Video Editors
• Movie Projectionists
• Photographers
• Producers and Directors
• Sound Engineering Technicians

Military careers

• Audiovisual and Broadcast Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to camera operators.

• Operate television or motion picture cameras.
• Observe set or location to determine filming and lighting requirements.
• Control lenses, filters, and camera mounts for various effects.
• Test, clean, and maintain equipment to make sure it works.
• Film and edit footage on location and relay to TV station for broadcast.
• Work as part of a production team with directors, audiovisual technicians, and other crew members to compose and frame each shot.
• Watch for potential filming and lighting problems on sets.
• Select cameras, accessories, equipment, and film for filming. Use knowledge of filming techniques to select the proper equipment.
• May instruct camera assistants in equipment setup.
• Use charts and math to select equipment settings.
• Prepare film for processing and maintain film inventories.
• Set up cameras and related equipment to produce special effects.
• View film to resolve problems such as exposure control or subject and camera movement.

Common work activities

Camera operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Use computers
• Control machines and processes
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Handle and move objects
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Document and record information
• Assist and care for others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Develop goals and strategies
• Coach others
• Develop and build teams
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Teach others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Process information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, camera operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They spend most of their time with directors, technicians, assistants, and subjects.
• Are responsible for the safety of others working around filming equipment.
• Sometimes deal with conflict situations in which there may be unpleasant, angry, or rude people. This is especially true when filming news.
• May be responsible for the work done by camera assistants.
• Use email and make phone calls almost daily. Occasionally write letters and memos.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors, but often work outdoors for certain projects.
• Work in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions often.
• Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are uncomfortable.
• Work near other people, but have a few feet of space separating self from others.

Work performance

• Make decisions and set tasks and priorities without consulting a supervisor. Their decisions impact their organization's reputation.
• Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is exact. Filming errors could waste time and money.
• Meet strict deadlines daily.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week if employed by government agencies, TV or film studios, or ad agencies.
• May work long, irregular hours if employed as a news camera or ENG operator.
• May work part time or full time.
• May travel to film on location when filming TV programs or movies.

Physical demands

Camera operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for camera operators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for camera operators to be able to:

• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Camera operators need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
• Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
• Broadcast Journalism
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Film Studies
• Multimedia and Intermedia
• Photographic, Film, and Video Technology
• Photography
• Radio and Television

Training

To work as a camera operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree in camera operation or videography.

Education after high school

Most camera operators have a bachelor's degree in camera operation or videography. In these programs you study equipment operation, photographic processes, and camera techniques. A bachelor's degree program that includes business classes is good preparation for this occupation.

Work experience

You can get related experience through summer or part-time employment. Good places to work are cable networks, TV stations, movie studios, or camera and video stores.

Look for internship programs while you are in school. These offer good experience and contacts.

On-the-job training

As a beginning camera operator, you learn to set up the lights, cameras, and other equipment. You get routine assignments, such as making camera adjustments and deciding what subject matter to film. As you gain experience, you advance to more demanding assignments. 

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be photographic specialists or audiovisual broadcast technicians. These specialties include camera operation. Training lasts seven to 52 weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Film and Videotape
• Photography
• Photojournalism
• Physical Education

Many camera operators are self-employed. If you think you might want to run your own business some day, you should also consider taking:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually seek camera operators with a "good eye" and artistic ability. Imagination, creativity, and good eyesight are also important. Jobs with news teams at TV stations often require a bachelor's degree.

Camera operators should be patient, accurate, and enjoy working with details. Camera operators need good verbal skills in order to communicate with directors, actors, and technicians. They must also have the ability to hold a camera for long periods of time.

In the film industry, camera operators usually are hired based on recommendations from people they worked with in the past. They may also be hired through interviews with the producer.

Many workers begin part time or on call, and work into a full-time position or gain enough experience to be hired by another company. Experience can also be gained through internships at video production companies or volunteering at community television stations.

Tips

Network with people in the field. Develop solid writing skills and excellent computer skills.

Costs to workers

Some workers are required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. Some workers join professional associations or trade groups, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer. Wages also vary based on the camera operator's skill and reputation. Many camera operators who work in film or video are freelancers. Their annual earnings tend to change from year to year.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time camera operators may receive benefits such as vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Part-time camera operators usually do not receive benefits. Self-employed camera operators must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 26% of camera operators are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Television stations
• Film and movie production companies

Most camera operators work in large urban areas.

National outlook

Job growth will be faster than average. Internet and streaming services are providing new outlets for film productions which may lead to more jobs for camera operators. 

Competition for jobs will be strong. This is especially true for people who want to get into the broadcasting and motion picture industries. People who have experience at a TV station or on a film set will have the best job opportunities.

Other resources

American Society of Cinematographers 
PO Box 2230
Los Angeles, CA 90028

American Society of Media Photographers 
PO Box 31207
Bethesda, MD 20824
877.771.2767

IATSE Local #15 
2800 First Avenue, Suite 231
Seattle, WA 98121
206.441.1515

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the US, Its Territories, and Canada 
207 West 25th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212.730.1770

National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-Communications Workers of America 
501 - 3rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.434.1254

National Association of Broadcasters 
1771 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.5300

School Journalism Website 
(for youth from the American Society of Newspaper Editors)

Showbizjobs.com 

Society for Cinema & Media Studies 
640 Parrington Oval
Wallace Old Science Hall, Room 300
Norman, OK 73019

TV Jobs 

TVTechnology 

Washington Filmworks 
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture (27-4031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Camera Operator (143.062-022) 
• Camera Operator, Animation (143.382-010) 
• Camera Operator, Title (976.382-010) 
• Director of Photography (143.062-010) 
• Optical-effects-camera Operator (143.260-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Artistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Arts Skilled