4 answers
Sophia
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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What type of jobs are there for a camera operator and what would a typical work day look like?
I’m a student from Crane Middle School and I want to learn more about what it would be like to become a camera operator. I’m interested in becoming a camera operator because I love creating and using videos as a way of expressing ideas and entertaining. I love recording videos on my phone of trips or events that I go to. I want to be able to apply that interest in my work life through this career path; however I want to learn more about the career before I seriously consider pursuing it.
My question is, what kind of jobs are available for a camera operator, and what would a typical work day look like? I want to understand what job opportunities I would have in this career and what task would be expected of me to complete.
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4 answers
Jacob Steiner
Cinematographer
18
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Jacob ’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
My question to you is if you want to be a cam op or a DP. A camera operator is someone who is an expert at operating a camera on multiple types of tripod heads: fluid-heads, gear heads and more. They are pin-point accurate and know how to hit their marks. There's even a union just for camera operators called IATSE Local 600. The normal work days on a filmset is about 12 hours, and on television shoots it can be up to 14-16 hours. If you're shooting for a television station, you may get an 8-hour day if you're in a station, and if you're doing live sports, it's most likely a full work day as well. Your main job is to hit your marks and obtain the shot sizes that you're tasked with.
Now, if you like creating videos and operating the camera, perhaps being a Director of Photography (aka cinematographer) would be the better path for you. Your options are pretty vast. You can do television shows, movies, commercials, documentaries and more. As DP, you get to shoot creatively and operate the camera. The hours are still 12-16 hour days. Your job in this role is to creatively oversee the camera department, lighting, camera movement and shots while working with the Director.
Here's an example of a DP: https://theasc.com/articles/cynthia-pusheck-asc-awards-honoree
I hope this helps.
My question to you is if you want to be a cam op or a DP. A camera operator is someone who is an expert at operating a camera on multiple types of tripod heads: fluid-heads, gear heads and more. They are pin-point accurate and know how to hit their marks. There's even a union just for camera operators called IATSE Local 600. The normal work days on a filmset is about 12 hours, and on television shoots it can be up to 14-16 hours. If you're shooting for a television station, you may get an 8-hour day if you're in a station, and if you're doing live sports, it's most likely a full work day as well. Your main job is to hit your marks and obtain the shot sizes that you're tasked with.
Now, if you like creating videos and operating the camera, perhaps being a Director of Photography (aka cinematographer) would be the better path for you. Your options are pretty vast. You can do television shows, movies, commercials, documentaries and more. As DP, you get to shoot creatively and operate the camera. The hours are still 12-16 hour days. Your job in this role is to creatively oversee the camera department, lighting, camera movement and shots while working with the Director.
Here's an example of a DP: https://theasc.com/articles/cynthia-pusheck-asc-awards-honoree
I hope this helps.
Thank you for responding! I never really thought of becoming a DP but know that you’ve pointed it out I realize that it fits my interests more. Do you have any advice for what I could do right now if I want to be a cinematographer?
Sophia
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
119
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Exploring the technical side of filmmaking as a camera operator is truly exciting. While the days can be long and challenging, the rewards are immense. It's important to learn about the equipment and the different platforms available today. Stay updated with new gear, understanding what each offers. You can find a lot of information online and use AI resources to deepen your knowledge. However, don't stop using the camera you have. Practice telling great stories through how you frame and light your scenes. If you have access to lighting gear, use it to enhance your work. Watch many movies, read about behind-the-scenes processes, and learn how movies and TV shows are made. Keep shooting and enjoy the journey!
Thank you for your advice! I knew practicing my camera work was important but now I want to look into studying behind-the- scenes or processes to improve my own skills. Do you have any recommendations for resources I should look into?
Sophia
There are always behind the scenes segments produced for TV shows... Normally found in the EXTRAS menus of the streaming services. But you can also do a search on THE MAKING OF... segments for movies and other tv shows as well. You will learn a lot about the various craftsmen and people who make it happen behind the scenes.
Steve Jacobson
Patrick Phillips
screenwriter
32
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi, Sophia! Steve and Jacob already gave you some great feedback, I can't really add to it. As far as the job of a camera operator goes, it has changed dramatically. In addition to all the tech stuff, camera operators are almost a part of the cast in some of today's television shows. If you watch The Office or Parks & Rec or those "documentary" style-shot shows, you will notice the camera operator is a very important part of the scene. Not just recording, but actively waiting and anticipating looks from actors, a key piece of action, or being included in something no other cast member can see or hear. The show and its format and its desired comic effect doesn't work without the involvement of the camera operator.
So, in addition to mockumentary still comedy tv, also consider camera operator in sports television! Yes, picture yourself in the BIG open spaces of arenas and stadiums! Live television, as it happens! Your job is the same; capture the action in front of you. But think of all the venues and places you will see; you'll be field level at a championship football game. Or in the stands for a basketball playoff game, witnessing a buzzer beater in the final seconds! Or covering the Olympics, or...
Piloting a drone! That's right, cam ops can also make good drone pilots! Same idea, but now you're in charge of a super hi-tech flying rig that captures the action in ways never seen before. Did you see this past Olympics? Incredible drone shots of skiing, etc. This career path involves the usual camera knowledge but also requires an FAA pilots license (for drones), plus some good tech and engineering skills -- you might have to repair your drone on the fly, etc.
So, there's some other good cam op stuff for you to consider. Good luck, Sophia -- can't wait to see your work!
Best,
Patrick
So, in addition to mockumentary still comedy tv, also consider camera operator in sports television! Yes, picture yourself in the BIG open spaces of arenas and stadiums! Live television, as it happens! Your job is the same; capture the action in front of you. But think of all the venues and places you will see; you'll be field level at a championship football game. Or in the stands for a basketball playoff game, witnessing a buzzer beater in the final seconds! Or covering the Olympics, or...
Piloting a drone! That's right, cam ops can also make good drone pilots! Same idea, but now you're in charge of a super hi-tech flying rig that captures the action in ways never seen before. Did you see this past Olympics? Incredible drone shots of skiing, etc. This career path involves the usual camera knowledge but also requires an FAA pilots license (for drones), plus some good tech and engineering skills -- you might have to repair your drone on the fly, etc.
So, there's some other good cam op stuff for you to consider. Good luck, Sophia -- can't wait to see your work!
Best,
Patrick
Thank you for your response! I knew there were different types of camera operators but I never really thought about being a drone pilot. Thanks for widening my view!
Sophia
Jacob Steiner
Cinematographer
18
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Jacob ’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
I'm answering your question but with a new comment because I was limited to 800 characters...
STEPS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW.
1. Set some time to sit down and watch a few movies that you really like and study them. The best artists watch other artists, imitate them and then create their own style. This is the time when learn what you like or don't like. This ranges from lighting, to camera movement and even lens choice. The lens may be a little too wide or lighting a little too harsh, and you may say that you either like those choices or not.
2. Start making your own movies. Part of being a cinematographer is seeing the shots ahead of time. If you can shoot and edit your own stuff, you'll start to to get an understanding of how you like to things. After that, I recommend that you start working with others as this is a collaborative medium, and your choices will be weaving in and out of the director's choices. You two will be deciding on shots together. I'd even recommend reading scripts just to understand how you'd want to shoot things.
3. Get on a set. If there are any sets in Arizona, I recommend doing Production Assistant work just to learn. Come in with zero expectations of doing anything high end, and just observe. Even though Tom Cruise is not a DP, as an actor when he started out, would ask all the department members what they were doing and why. He loved to learn how everything worked.
4. Plan ahead to the best of your ability. Film school is really important if you want to meet your potential future colleagues. This is the place where you become really close with people and potentially meet some of your closest friends that you'll work with in the future. But, to get in you need to get good grades and set your eye on the goal. So, I would say lay the foundation for yourself by learning as much filmmaking as you can right now, get good grades and then if you still want to go to film school, you'll be ready to go.
5. Have fun. Filmmaking is an art, craft and business. But, if you're not having fun doing what you love, then it can be a drag on you. So, have fun learning, and enjoy the process.
Bonus:
6. Read ASC Magazine. It's the best Magazine for cinematography around, and there are tons of cool insights in there.
I'm answering your question but with a new comment because I was limited to 800 characters...
STEPS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW.
1. Set some time to sit down and watch a few movies that you really like and study them. The best artists watch other artists, imitate them and then create their own style. This is the time when learn what you like or don't like. This ranges from lighting, to camera movement and even lens choice. The lens may be a little too wide or lighting a little too harsh, and you may say that you either like those choices or not.
2. Start making your own movies. Part of being a cinematographer is seeing the shots ahead of time. If you can shoot and edit your own stuff, you'll start to to get an understanding of how you like to things. After that, I recommend that you start working with others as this is a collaborative medium, and your choices will be weaving in and out of the director's choices. You two will be deciding on shots together. I'd even recommend reading scripts just to understand how you'd want to shoot things.
3. Get on a set. If there are any sets in Arizona, I recommend doing Production Assistant work just to learn. Come in with zero expectations of doing anything high end, and just observe. Even though Tom Cruise is not a DP, as an actor when he started out, would ask all the department members what they were doing and why. He loved to learn how everything worked.
4. Plan ahead to the best of your ability. Film school is really important if you want to meet your potential future colleagues. This is the place where you become really close with people and potentially meet some of your closest friends that you'll work with in the future. But, to get in you need to get good grades and set your eye on the goal. So, I would say lay the foundation for yourself by learning as much filmmaking as you can right now, get good grades and then if you still want to go to film school, you'll be ready to go.
5. Have fun. Filmmaking is an art, craft and business. But, if you're not having fun doing what you love, then it can be a drag on you. So, have fun learning, and enjoy the process.
Bonus:
6. Read ASC Magazine. It's the best Magazine for cinematography around, and there are tons of cool insights in there.
Thank you for responding and expanding on your answer! I really appreciate the help to learn what I can do right now and will definitely try to apply these tips.
Sophia
You're welcome!
Jacob Steiner