camera operator
Behind the lens
A camera operator is the person who physically operates a film, television, or video camera during production.
The role involves framing shots, following action, and executing camera movements as directed by the cinematographer or director.
In news and documentary work, camera operators often work more independently, making compositional decisions on the fly.
The camera operator tracked the actor across the room.
Wheeled moving platform
- steadicamFilm stabilization apparatus
- tracking shotCamera movement alongside subject
- crane shotElevated moving camera angle
- jibTriangular sail forward
panning · tilt · handheld · gimbal · director of photography · gaffer · grip · key grip
Stabilizing support structure
- lensLight-focusing curved glass
- viewfinderCamera's composition window
- apertureAdjustable optical inlet
- shutterHinged window covering
DSLR · mirrorless · gimbal · rig · monitor · battery · memory card · filter
Structural or contextual shaping
- compositionArranged elements forming whole
- rule of thirdsComposition using nine-section grid
- depth of fieldZone of acceptable sharpness
- exposureState of being unprotected
rack focus · over-the-shoulder · wide shot · close-up · tracking · push in · pull out · reveal
Creative professional's workspace
- liveTo exist or dwell
- newsReports of recent events
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- teleprompterElectronic script display device
control room · switcher · feed · on-air · producer · director · transmission · streaming
Elevated, or signal-catcher
- droneUnmanned flying machine
- underwaterBelow the surface
- SteadicamCamera stabilization apparatus
- motion controlPrecise movement management
helmet cam · body cam · action cam · documentary · wildlife · sports · concert · virtual production
dolly
Wheeled moving platform
- steadicamFilm stabilization apparatus
- tracking shotCamera movement alongside subject
- crane shotElevated moving camera angle
jib · panning · tilt · handheld · gimbal · director of photography · gaffer · grip · key grip · best boy
tripod
Stabilizing support structure
- lensLight-focusing curved glass
- viewfinderCamera's composition window
- apertureAdjustable optical inlet
shutter · DSLR · mirrorless · gimbal · rig · monitor · battery · memory card · filter · shoulder mount
framing
Structural or contextual shaping
- compositionArranged elements forming whole
- rule of thirdsComposition using nine-section grid
- depth of fieldZone of acceptable sharpness
exposure · rack focus · over-the-shoulder · wide shot · close-up · tracking · push in · pull out · reveal · establishing shot
studio
Creative professional's workspace
teleprompter · control room · switcher · feed · on-air · producer · director · transmission · streaming · floor manager
aerial
Elevated, or signal-catcher
- droneUnmanned flying machine
- underwaterBelow the surface
- SteadicamCamera stabilization apparatus
motion control · helmet cam · body cam · action cam · documentary · wildlife · sports · concert · virtual production · motion capture
- AV Techniciansaudio technician, lighting technician, sound engineer, sound mixer, field tech
- Camera Crewcinematographer, director of photography, DOP, loader
- broadcastingbroadcasting, TV, radio, television, news
- entertainment jobsactor, actress, producer, director, singer
- film crewcinematographer, director, gaffer, editor, grip
- film jobsdirector, actor, actress, producer, cinematographer
camera operatoractor
One who portrays characters
performer · subject · actress · film star · leading man
camera operatordirector
One who leads
film director · showrunner · executive producer · auteur · director of photography
camera, operation, operator, operating, operative, cameras, operated, cameraman, operates