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The
major fields of Film and Photography
Television, video, and motion picture camera operators
produce images that tell a story, inform or entertain an audience,
or record an event. Film and video editors edit soundtracks, film,
and video for the motion picture, cable, and broadcast television
industries. Some camera operators do their own editing.
Making commercial
quality movies and video programs requires technical expertise and
creativity. Producing successful images requires choosing and presenting
interesting material, selecting appropriate equipment, and applying
a good eye and steady hand to assure smooth natural movement of
the camera.
Camera
operators use television, video, or motion picture cameras
to shoot a wide range of subjects, including television series,
studio programs, news and sporting events, music videos, motion
pictures, documentaries, and training sessions. Some film or videotape
private ceremonies and special events. Those who record images on
videotape are often called videographers. Many are employed by independent
television stations, local affiliates, large cable and television
networks, or smaller, independent production companies. Studio camera
operators work in a broadcast studio and usually videotape their
subjects from a fixed position. News camera operators, also called
electronic news gathering (ENG) operators, work as part of a reporting
team, following newsworthy events as they unfold. To capture live
events, they must anticipate the action and act quickly. ENG operators
may need to edit raw footage on the spot for relay to a television
affiliate for broadcast.
Camera operators
employed in the entertainment field use motion picture cameras to
film movies, television programs, and commercials. Those who film
motion pictures are also known as cinematographers. Some specialize
in filming cartoons or special effects. They may be an integral
part of the action, using cameras in any of several different camera
mounts. For example, the camera operator can be stationary and shoot
whatever passes in front of the lens, or the camera can be mounted
on a track, with the camera operator responsible for shooting the
scene from different angles or directions. Other camera operators
sit on cranes and follow the action, while crane operators move
them into position. Steadicam operators mount a harness and carry
the camera on their shoulders to provide a more solid picture while
they move about the action. Camera operators who work in the entertainment
field often meet with directors, actors, editors, and camera assistants
to discuss ways of filming, editing, and improving scenes.
Photographers
produce and preserve images that paint a picture, tell
a story, or record an event. To create commercial quality photographs,
photographers need both technical expertise and creativity. Producing
a successful picture requires choosing and presenting a subject
to achieve a particular effect and selecting the appropriate equipment.
For example, photographers may enhance the subject's appearance
with lighting or draw attention to a particular aspect of the subject
by blurring the background.
Today, many
cameras adjust settings like shutter speed and aperture automatically.
They also let the photographer adjust these settings manually, allowing
greater creative and technical control over the picture-taking process.
In addition to automatic and manual cameras, photographers use an
array of film, lenses, and equipmentfrom filters, tripods,
and flash attachments to specially constructed lighting equipment.
Photographers
use either a traditional camera or a newer digital camera that electronically
records images. A traditional camera records images on silver halide
film that is developed into prints. Some photographers send their
film to laboratories for processing. Color film requires expensive
equipment and exacting conditions for correct processing and printing.
Other photographers, especially those who use black and white film
or require special effects, prefer to develop and print their own
photographs. Photographers who do their own film developing must
have the technical skill to operate a fully equipped darkroom or
the appropriate computer software to process prints digitally.
Recent advances
in electronic technology now make it possible for the professional
photographer to develop and scan standard 35mm or other types of
film, and use flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories to
produce computer-readable, digital images from film. After converting
the film to a digital image, photographers can edit and electronically
transmit images, making it easier and faster to shoot, develop,
and transmit pictures from remote locations.
Using computers
and specialized software, photographers also can manipulate and
enhance the scanned or digital image to create a desired effect.
Images can be stored on compact disk (CD) the same way as music.
Digital technology also allows the production of larger, more colorful,
and more accurate prints or images for use in advertising, photographic
art, and scientific research. Some photographers use this technology
to create electronic portfolios, as well. Because much photography
now involves the use of computer technology, photographers must
have hands-on knowledge of computer editing software.
Some photographers
specialize in areas such as portrait, commercial and industrial,
scientific, news, or fine arts photography. Portrait photographers
take pictures of individuals or groups of people and often work
in their own studios. Some specialize in weddings or school photographs
and may work on location. Portrait photographers who are business
owners arrange for advertising, schedule appointments, set and adjust
equipment, develop and retouch negatives, and mount and frame pictures.
They also purchase supplies, keep records, bill customers, and may
hire and train employees.
Commercial
and industrial photographers take pictures of various
subjects, such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and
landscapes. These photographs are used in a variety of media, including
books, reports, advertisements, and catalogs. Industrial photographers
often take pictures of equipment, machinery, products, workers,
and company officials. The pictures then are used for analyzing
engineering projects, publicity, or as records of equipment development
or deployment, such as placement of an offshore rig. This photography
frequently is done on location.
Scientific
photographers photograph a variety of subjects to illustrate
or record scientific or medical data or phenomena, using knowledge
of scientific procedures. They typically possess additional knowledge
in areas such as engineering, medicine, biology, or chemistry.
News
photographers, also called photojournalists, photograph
newsworthy people; places; and sporting, political, and community
events for newspapers, journals, magazines, or television. Some
news photographers are salaried staff; others are self-employed
and are known as freelance photographers.
Fine
arts photographers sell their photographs as fine artwork.
In addition to technical proficiency, fine arts photographers need
artistic talent and creativity.
Self-employed,
or freelance, photographers may license the use of their photographs
through stock photo agencies or contract with clients or agencies
to provide photographs as necessary. Stock agencies grant magazines
and other customers the right to purchase the use of photographs,
and, in turn, pay the photographer on a commission basis. Stock
photo agencies require an application from the photographer and
a sizable portfolio. Once accepted, a large number of new submissions
usually are required from the photographer each year.
Search
our Online College Directory for a Film School or Photography School
near you
Camera Operators
Film and Video
Film and Video Production
Mass Communication and Journalism
Photographer
Photographer's Assistant
Recording Arts
TV Production
Video Production
Search
our College Directory for a College near you that offers Film and
Photography Degrees
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