A camera operator is responsible for maintaining camera angles and composition throughout a scene. They work closely with directors to make technical and creative decisions. Good skills for a camera operator include physical stamina, expertise with camera equipment, communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team. Relevant qualifications include degrees and certificates in media production and practical training programs. Camera operators can work in various conditions from studios to outdoor locations.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_operator
Camera Operator (cinematographer)
The operator would be in charge of maintaining the composition and angle throughout the
scene or shoot, this can be a physical job so good stamina and strength could be helpful. In
narrative filmmaking the camera operator will usually calibrate and help with technical and
creative decisions.
Skills:
Important skillsfor a camera operator include:
Good practical skillsand knowledge of camera equipment
An interest in photography, film and video
Good communication and 'people skills'
The abilityto carry out instructions accurately and with attention to detail
Good colour vision
Calmness under pressure
The abilityto work as part of a team
Patience and concentration
Good levelsof stamina, for holding and moving camera equipment and working long
hours
. Qualifications:
Relevant courses include:
City & Guilds Diploma (7501) in Media Techniques (Level 1, 2 and 3 Award, Certificate
and Diploma in Media Techniques (7601) from September 2010)
BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Media Production
BTEC HNC/HND in Media (Moving Image)
Degrees in media production, media technology or photography
Trainee courses run by the GBCT (camera guild).
The most useful courses to take if someone wants to be a cinematographer to take are ones
that offer practical experience and may include work placements, Getting more practical and
hands on experience will make an individual stick out more and seem more eligible for the job.
Income:
Income can have a wide range depending on the type of work/ production a person is doing and
it can be based on the individual’strack record. If they’re well known and good at their job with
few slipups they will be paid more than someone will lessexperience whose messes up more.
Working hours/conditions:

2. Most working hours are irregular, depending on what scenes are being shot that day and how
many re-takes are needed till the director or the operator is happy. Many schedules would have
to be flexible andbe able to work at short notice, for things such as the news
A camera operator could work anywhere from studios to outside locations in all weather
conditions. You may have to work at heights on cranes or scaffolding.
Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas. News camera jobs may involve working
under difficultor dangerous conditions such as riots or war zones.
Work activities:
Work could involve:
Setting up and positioning camera equipment
Planning and rehearsing shots
Following a camera script and taking cues from the director or floor manager (inTV
studio recording)
Choosing the most suitable lensesand camera angles
Solving practical or technical problems such as lighting
Working closely with other technical departments such as lightingand sound.
Sometimes an operator may only be using a small, portable camera and be working as part of a
team. On things such as feature films and TV drama productions an operator may be part of a
large crew with a specific role. These could include:
Second assistant camera (clapper loader) – loading and unloading film, counting the
takes and helping the camera crew
First assistant camera (focus puller) – judging and adjusting the focus on each shot
Grip – building and operating any cranes and pulleysneededto move a camera during
shooting.