Chapter 2 Working in the Television Production Industry
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camera operator: The
person who runs the
piece of equipment
that captures the video
images of the program.
Camera Operator
The camera operator runs the piece of equipment that captures the
video images of the program, Figure 2-5. Camera operators are responsible
for framing shots that are visually pleasing to the viewers. The director
may often call for a particular shot—the camera operator must not only
provide the shot requested, but must frame the shot so that annoying or
inappropriate background information does not detract from the image.
Photographer
The photographer, often called photog or “shooter,” is the cameraper-
son who goes into the fi eld on location with a reporter in a news operation.
The photog’s responsibilities include all things technical—transporting
the camera, tripod, mic, all the cabling, and any batteries necessary. While
shooting, the photog monitors the audio of both the reporter and the inter-
viewee through headphones. Setting up and tearing down the equipment
is also the responsibility of the photog (reporters often help, but these tasks
offi cially fall to the photog).
Photojournalist
The photojournalist is a photographer who regularly performs duties
of both the photographer, as well as the reporter. A photojournalist is a one-
man band. It is a good idea for anyone who wants to be a reporter to also obtain
Figure 2-5. The camera
operator captures the
shots that the director
requires. Camera
operators never sit down
when operating a camera
mounted on a tripod and
never let go of the pan
handles without making
certain the camera is
locked and stable.
photographer: The
cameraperson in
the fi eld, on location
with a reporter in a
news operation. Also
commonly called photog
or shooter.
photojournalist: A
photographer who
regularly performs
duties of both the
photographer, as well
as the reporter.