Camera Operators, Television, Video, & Film

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Camera Operator, Cameraman, Television News Photographer, Videographer

What they do:
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
On the job, you would:
  • Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
  • Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
  • Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.

Knowledge

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Communications

  • multimedia
  • telecommunications

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include creating, designing, and making your own rules.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Video creation and editing software

  • Adobe After Effects Hot Technology In Demand
  • YouTube

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software Hot Technology In Demand
  • Adobe Illustrator Hot Technology

Analytical or scientific software

  • Litchi
  • Pix4D Pix4Dcapture

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
associate's degree or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about camera operators, television, video, and film.