4 answers
Ryder
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What is the daily life for a camera operator can someone describe it to me?
Im a senior in high school and What’s the day in the life of a camera operator/videographer for a film company or in any editing firm?
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4 answers
Daryl Parker
Free lance instructional designer consultant
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daryl’s Answer
Rod's answer was fantastic! I'd like to suggest that you think about volunteering on a film set. Many student and indie films welcome volunteers with open arms. You may not work directly with the videographer, but helping out with various tasks on set will show you the roles and talents of each crew member. Plus, it's generally a fun time, and you'll likely enjoy free food and a valuable, real-world learning experience in the world of video.
Look for advertisements for volunteers needed on independent films.
Daryl recommends the following next steps:
Rod Kirby
1
Answer
Updated
Rod’s Answer
Hello!
A camera operator or Videographer ‘s day-to-day will vary based on the industry that they work. Camera operators can work up to 18 hour days on movie sets or 8-12 hour days on TV news sets. There are also camera operators that film sports games like basketball and baseball. These professionals work predominantly on weekends and during special events. It’s important to note that there’s rarely any video editing involved when you’re a camera operator. Your job is to manage the camera and get the shot. That differs from the role of a Videographer who is usually responsible for filming, editing, and producing videos from start to finish. Their day-to-day will vary as well depending on if they’re working for a corporation, shooting music videos, or working with freelance video clients. Either way, both jobs require you to know the ins and outs of camera gear, be able to life up to 50 pounds, and stand for long periods of time. As a freelance Videographer, my days typically include promoting my past work to secure new clients. Once I have a new client I get on a phone call to understand their project, get it scheduled, filmed, and then edited. I don’t work everyday because I work for myself, but some weeks are busier than others. I hope that answers your question!
A camera operator or Videographer ‘s day-to-day will vary based on the industry that they work. Camera operators can work up to 18 hour days on movie sets or 8-12 hour days on TV news sets. There are also camera operators that film sports games like basketball and baseball. These professionals work predominantly on weekends and during special events. It’s important to note that there’s rarely any video editing involved when you’re a camera operator. Your job is to manage the camera and get the shot. That differs from the role of a Videographer who is usually responsible for filming, editing, and producing videos from start to finish. Their day-to-day will vary as well depending on if they’re working for a corporation, shooting music videos, or working with freelance video clients. Either way, both jobs require you to know the ins and outs of camera gear, be able to life up to 50 pounds, and stand for long periods of time. As a freelance Videographer, my days typically include promoting my past work to secure new clients. Once I have a new client I get on a phone call to understand their project, get it scheduled, filmed, and then edited. I don’t work everyday because I work for myself, but some weeks are busier than others. I hope that answers your question!
Carlos R. Diazmuñoz AMC
Director of Photography/Cinematographer
10
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Carlos R.’s Answer
Hi there!
Rod and Daryl's responses are both super useful and packed with learning opportunities.
I'm thrilled to answer your fantastic question from my viewpoint as a seasoned cinematographer. My work often involves operating cameras and also taking on the roles of a videographer and editor for certain productions I choose to work on.
Being a camera operator means spending your days on bustling film sets, handling incredible motion picture cameras and specialized film tools like dollies, cranes, remote heads, and gimbals. These could be top-notch professional or consumer-grade cameras, paired with a variety of film equipment to execute camera movements. It's a physically demanding job but also allows for creative expression. As a camera operator, you're responsible for the movement and framing that goes into creating beautiful moving images, whether in digital cinema or traditional film. Plus, once you've made a name for yourself in the industry and built a strong network, you'll get to travel to many exciting places and countries.
On the other hand, a videographer has more control over the entire project, from operating the camera and setting up lighting to editing, if that's what the client needs.
If you're considering a job in an editing firm, be prepared to spend long hours in an office, in front of monitors, reviewing footage, choosing the best clips, piecing scenes together, and even editing sound. I personally enjoy editing with Davinci Resolve, which offers free software for you to experiment with once you have some footage. The editing process can make or break a project, and the visual narrative you create after spending countless days and hours on a single project is truly invaluable.
However, it's important to note that this is a highly competitive industry, and there's a potential threat from AI in the future. That's why continuous networking and staying updated with new technologies are crucial daily tasks when you're not busy filming or capturing digital cinema.
I hope your high school studies are going smoothly, or maybe you've already graduated and are now in college, given that your question was posted in December 2022.
Rod and Daryl's responses are both super useful and packed with learning opportunities.
I'm thrilled to answer your fantastic question from my viewpoint as a seasoned cinematographer. My work often involves operating cameras and also taking on the roles of a videographer and editor for certain productions I choose to work on.
Being a camera operator means spending your days on bustling film sets, handling incredible motion picture cameras and specialized film tools like dollies, cranes, remote heads, and gimbals. These could be top-notch professional or consumer-grade cameras, paired with a variety of film equipment to execute camera movements. It's a physically demanding job but also allows for creative expression. As a camera operator, you're responsible for the movement and framing that goes into creating beautiful moving images, whether in digital cinema or traditional film. Plus, once you've made a name for yourself in the industry and built a strong network, you'll get to travel to many exciting places and countries.
On the other hand, a videographer has more control over the entire project, from operating the camera and setting up lighting to editing, if that's what the client needs.
If you're considering a job in an editing firm, be prepared to spend long hours in an office, in front of monitors, reviewing footage, choosing the best clips, piecing scenes together, and even editing sound. I personally enjoy editing with Davinci Resolve, which offers free software for you to experiment with once you have some footage. The editing process can make or break a project, and the visual narrative you create after spending countless days and hours on a single project is truly invaluable.
However, it's important to note that this is a highly competitive industry, and there's a potential threat from AI in the future. That's why continuous networking and staying updated with new technologies are crucial daily tasks when you're not busy filming or capturing digital cinema.
I hope your high school studies are going smoothly, or maybe you've already graduated and are now in college, given that your question was posted in December 2022.
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Videographer, Producer, Assistant Director
65
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hi Ryder!
The daily life of a camera operator is both creative and hands-on, and it can be really exciting! They usually start their day by checking the shooting schedule and making sure all the camera equipment is ready to go, like lenses, rigs, and stabilizers. On set, they work closely with the director and cinematographer to capture the right shots, whether it's a movie, TV show, or even a live event. Camera operators are responsible for framing the shots, moving the camera, and making sure everything looks right, all while coordinating with other crew members like the lighting and sound teams. Throughout the day, they have to be ready to solve problems—maybe a piece of equipment breaks or the lighting changes, so they have to adjust on the fly. The job can be physically demanding, too, since they might have to hold or move heavy gear for long periods. At the end of the day, they help pack up the equipment and sometimes review the footage to make sure it looks good for the next shoot. It’s a job that combines creativity, technical skills, and teamwork, and no two days are exactly the same!
The daily life of a camera operator is both creative and hands-on, and it can be really exciting! They usually start their day by checking the shooting schedule and making sure all the camera equipment is ready to go, like lenses, rigs, and stabilizers. On set, they work closely with the director and cinematographer to capture the right shots, whether it's a movie, TV show, or even a live event. Camera operators are responsible for framing the shots, moving the camera, and making sure everything looks right, all while coordinating with other crew members like the lighting and sound teams. Throughout the day, they have to be ready to solve problems—maybe a piece of equipment breaks or the lighting changes, so they have to adjust on the fly. The job can be physically demanding, too, since they might have to hold or move heavy gear for long periods. At the end of the day, they help pack up the equipment and sometimes review the footage to make sure it looks good for the next shoot. It’s a job that combines creativity, technical skills, and teamwork, and no two days are exactly the same!