Camera Operator / Cinematographer / Director of Photography / Photographer
These are all different names for the same person.
The cinematographer sets up shots, plans camera movements and decides how to light scenes in consultation with the director. He or she has to work well with the director and understand the purpose of each shot.
The job is highly skilled and intuitive. The director may use hand signals or touches to guide the camera operator to move the camera frame in order to change the centre of attention, or to zoom in or out to capture the emotion of a speaker. In this age of hand-held camera, the camera operator must also be intuitive about where the action is and responsive enough to adjust to changes in the scene. The rapport between the director and the camera operator is very important in realizing the director’s vision of the film.
The cinematographer may be involved with location scouting, and will assist with planning lighting, film, shot composition, etc. How much creative control is given to the cinematographer depends on the director. Sometimes the cinematographer will be given complete control over camera functions and composition, in other cases the director will make all the decisions and the cinematographer is only required to make them happen.
Required Skills
An in-depth knowledge of camera functions, lenses, lighting and other cinematography skills
An understanding of photographic composition and design
Creativity
Computer skills are necessary for many editing and other related tasks
Responsibilities ::: Camera operator is familiar and effective with:
all shot types
all camera movements
creating shot list
various lighting situations
all camera capture modes, exposure, manual focus, and storage media
Tips before you shoot:
http://player.vimeo.com/video/17853099?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0