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Career Exploration

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

Also called: 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Communications

  • multimedia
  • telecommunications

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

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

Artistic

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

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

Video creation and editing software

  • Adobe After Effects
  • YouTube

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator

Analytical or scientific software

  • Litchi
  • Pix4D Pix4Dcapture

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $58,230

Education

Associate's degree or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.