What Do Camera Operators Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Camera Operators operate television, video, or motion picture camera to record images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures. They also compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.

Other tasks include:

• Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
• Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
• Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
• Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
• Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
• Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.

We asked Camera Operators how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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68% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 49% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Camera Operators reload camera magazines with fresh raw film stock. They label and record contents of exposed film and note details on report forms.

A typical day for a Television, Video and Motion Picture Camera Operator will also include:

• Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
• View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
• Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
• Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
• Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.

We asked some Camera Operators a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	56% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	82% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	77% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	41% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	7% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	59% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Camera Operators also prepare slates that describe the scenes being filmed. They may also operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Camera Operators Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming. They might also Design graphics for studio productions.

In addition, they Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Direct studio productions.

To some Camera Operators, it is also their responsibility to Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.

Working life

Less than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Television, Video and Motion Picture Camera Operator, you can expect to work less than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm

http://www.editorsguild.com/