If you love visual storytelling and want to pursue a career in TV, film or video production becoming a camera operator may be a great path for you. Camera operators are responsible for shooting the visuals that bring stories to life on screen.
This comprehensive guide covers key topics like
- What a camera operator does
- Camera operator skills and qualities
- Education and training requirements
- Getting camera operator experience
- Finding jobs and building your career
Let’s get started learning how to launch an exciting career operating cameras.
What is a Camera Operator?
A camera operator, also called a cameraman or cameraperson is the member of a video production team who operates the camera equipment during shoots.
The camera operator’s main responsibilities include:
- Setting up, transporting, and handling cameras, lenses, and accessories
- Working closely with directors and cinematographers to frame and capture shots
- Executing camera movements like pans, tilts, and zooms
- Monitoring picture quality and making adjustments during filming
- Collaborating with other crew members like lighting technicians and audio engineers
Camera operators need a creative eye, technical know-how, and great teamwork skills. Their artistic and technical work is vital for shooting television shows, films, music videos, documentaries, commercials, live events, and other video content.
Key Skills and Qualities
Successful camera operators possess certain key skills and personal attributes:
Technical skills
- Expertise using cameras, lenses, rigs, and accessories
- Knowledge of shooting techniques, composition, and camera settings
- Ability to set up, test, and troubleshoot equipment
- Proficiency managing cables, batteries, storage media, and electricity needs on set
Creative skills
- A keen visual eye and aesthetic sensibility
- Understanding of principles like framing, perspective, and camera angles
- Ability to translate scripts and directions into impactful visuals
Collaboration skills
- Working cooperatively with directors, cinematographers, and fellow crew
- Listening carefully and communicating effectively
- Making adjustments smoothly based on feedback
Physical abilities
- Strength and stamina to lift heavy gear and work long hours
- Steadiness and smoothness when moving cameras
Passion for visual media, attention to detail, resourcefulness, and calm under pressure also help camera operators thrive in this fast-paced role.
Education and Training Requirements
While a college degree isn’t essential for camera operators, completing a formal training program provides a leg up.
Helpful education options include:
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Film or television production bachelor’s degree: Provides a foundation in technical skills plus exposure to cameras through coursework and student projects. Useful for learning the art and science behind camerawork.
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Camera operator certificate program: Specialized courses like camera operations, lighting, editing, and videography. Shorter term and focused specifically on building camera skills.
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Apprenticeship or training course: Some camera operator roles support entry through paid on-the-job training or union apprenticeships to learn the ropes from experienced mentors.
Degree programs also allow you to make connections and gain experience through internships or campus media organisations. Self-study through online tutorials, magazines, and cinematography books can further boost knowledge.
On top of education, camera operators need extensive hands-on practice. Becoming intimately familiar with equipment takes time and experience.
Getting Camera Operator Experience
Here are impactful ways to start getting camera experience:
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Volunteer as a camera operator or assistant on student or indie productions. Work for free on low-budget films, local TV shows, web series, music videos, or documentaries to build real-world experience.
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Join the camera team for campus news or sports broadcasting. College studios, clubs, and athletics teams often need help filming content for websites and screens at games or events.
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Get aProduction or rental house job. Gain valuable familiarity with equipment and advice from experts.
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Work as a videographer or corporate video producer. Operate cameras for corporate, wedding, or other private commissions.
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Make your own films. Practice using any camera you can access to experiment and build a reel.
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Complete internships in the camera department. Sit in on real productions to further understand the camera operator role.
Any hands-on shooting experience builds your skills, portfolio, and connections to help get your first camera operator gigs.
Finding Camera Operator Jobs
When ready to pursue professional work, look for entry-level camera operator jobs through:
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Job search sites: Check databases like Indeed, LinkedIn, and EntertainmentCareers for production job listings.
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Industry contacts: Network, share your reel, and ask contacts to recommend or refer you for camera department openings.
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Production companies: Research local TV studios, video production houses, film companies, and ad agencies to inquire about open camera operator positions.
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Freelance platforms: Create a profile on sites like ProductionBeast to get hired for freelance camera gigs.
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Unions: Some camera operator jobs fall under unions like IATSE or Teamsters, which offer job boards and apprenticeships.
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Film festivals and industry events: Attend to connect with producers and directors hiring camera crews.
Entry-level full-time or freelance camera operator jobs include assisting more experienced camera operators, operating C or D cameras, shooting low-budget or corporate footage, and handling basic setup. Build your skills and network to work your way up to operating A or B cameras on higher level productions.
Advancing Your Camera Operator Career
To move up in your camerawork career over time:
- Shoot diverse projects and genres to expand your reel.
- Take continuing education classes on new equipment and techniques.
- Develop specialties like steadicam, aerial, underwater, or remote camera operation.
- Build relationships with successful cinematographers and directors.
- Join professional groups like the International Cinematographers Guild.
- Move to a filmmaking hub like Los Angeles or New York.
With several years of regular work under your belt, experienced camera operators can command higher day rates for more prestigious projects. Top operators in high demand can choose from many exciting opportunities.
Is Camera Operation the Right Career for You?
If you love cinema, have an artistic eye for visuals, and are excited by hands-on, technical work, camera operation may be the perfect creative career for you. Use this guide to start mastering the skills, gaining experience, and pursuing jobs that allow you to help tell compelling stories through your camerawork.
What’s a camera operator good at?
- Photography: have a good eye and understanding of composition, light, colour, focus and framing. You may specialise in certain genres, but you must also be able to adapt to different shooting styles
- Technical knowledge of cameras: have an in-depth understanding of the latest motion picture equipment, cameras, lens, monitors and lights
- Communication: listen, do what’s asked by the producer and director and work as a team with other crew and production staff
- Multi-task: watch, listen, think quickly and problem solve on the go, all whilst carrying out complex technical tasks. Adapt to requirements of different shoots
- Concentration: be patient, maintain focus over long programme shoots and stay calm under pressure
Who does a camera operator work with?
On multi-camera productions, camera operators work under camera supervisors and receive instructions from the director when recording. They sometimes talk to presenters to get the best picture composition. Camera operators work with the grips to move and set up camera equipment and talk to the gaffers about lighting too. They sometimes have a camera assistant working with them. On location, they often work in tandem with a sound recordist and take instruction from the producer director.
The 2 Paths To Become A Cinematographer
How do I become a camera operator?
Enroll in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university. As a large portion of jobs for camera operators exist in the film and television industries, most aspiring camera operators major in film production or videography to ensure they receive training in the skills and equipment they need for their work in the field.
Do you need a film school degree to become a camera operator?
A film school degree isn’t required to become a camera operator, but as is the case with many film jobs, it will help for a few key reasons. First, you’ll be able to gain hands-on experience—many film school tracks require you to work on at least one film before graduating—in an environment where it’s safer to fail.
How to become a cameraman?
Networking is one of the most powerful ways to break into the industry. Think of it as a life hack if you want to know how to become a cameraman. Whenever there is a film-related event, attend it. Whether it’s a workshop or film festival, use them as opportunities to meet fellow camera operators and potential clients or employers.
Is a job as a camera operator for You?
A job as a camera operator may be for you! If you have a passion for something, it’s always worth seeing if you can turn that passion into a fulfilling career. If you have found yourself always drawn to the camera, recording all you can, maybe it’s time to make a career out of it!
