It is often said that the secret to any great film or television show or even a documentary or advertisement film is good photography. Good camera work is what makes a show move up from average to great. Even a well-directed film or television program can come out as a boring affair if it is not creatively shot. Similarly, a moderately directed film or TV Show can become a big hit due to the creative touch of a cameraperson. The camera is one of the most important elements of an audio-visual program because it gives the program a certain look. It is a perfect combination of art and technique.
Camera operators record images, set up equipment, plan shots, and sort
technical and lighting issues.
What does a TV or film camera operator do?
Camera operators record moving images for film, television,
commercials, music videos or corporate productions. They operate film or
digital video cameras, usually under instruction from the director or director
of photography. On a typical job, you'll:
- set up
and position camera equipment
- choose
the most suitable lenses and camera angles
- plan
and rehearse shots
- follow
a camera script and take cues from the director, or floor manager if in a
TV studio
- solve
any practical or technical problems
- work
closely with other technical departments, such as lighting and sound
You may be the only camera operator and use a portable
single camera, or you could be part of a TV studio camera team. On feature
films and TV drama productions, you'll be part of a larger crew with a specific
role. This might be:
- 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 cranes and pulleys needed to move a camera during
shooting
You'll normally specialize in either film or television
work, as the equipment and techniques can differ. However, with the growth in
digital cameras and HD technology, it’s becoming easier for camera
professionals to work across all formats.
What do I need to do to become a TV or film, camera
operator?
Employers will be more interested in your technical skills
and practical experience than academic qualifications. In practice, many camera
operators take a college or uni course to develop their camera skills before
looking for work.
It may give you an advantage if you can find a course that
offers practical experience and possibly a work placement. You can also get
practical experience and build up your contacts through:
- community
film projects
- working
for a camera equipment hire company
- finding
work experience as a runner or camera assistant with a production company
Where could I be working?
You 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 world. News camera jobs may involve working under difficult or dangerous conditions, for example in war zones.Colleges and Universities Offering Certificates in Photography and Audio Visual(Photography) in Kenya
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Africa Film and Television Talent Training Institute, Nairobi
Course Name: Certificate in PhotographyCourse Study Duration: 6 Months
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VisualDo Institute of Photography, Nairobi
Course Name: Beginner photography course.Lessons:
Light and The Photographer
Exposure Triangle & White Balance
Focus, Composition & DOF
Photographic Light Source
On Camera Flash Photography
Portrait Photography
ND Filters, UV Filters, Colour Filters
Photo Editing: Adobe Photoshop
Photography Project
Cameras, Lenses & Equipments
Camera Controls & Settings
Course Duration: 2 months
Fees: Ksh. 35,000
Requirements:
- Non-refundable application fee Ksh 2000.
- Application form (Can be filled at our admission office or at our website online).
- 1 Passport size photo
- High School Leaving Certificate or Letter of recommendation.
- Pay all the term school fees or atleast 60%.
- Copy of National Identity Card or Birth Certificate.
Course Name: Advanced Photography
Lessons:
Histograms, Stops & Light
RAW vs JPEG, Sensors & Resolution
Reflectors & Light Modifiers
Landscape Photography
Sports Photography
Advance Techniques and Tricks
Photo Editing: Adobe Lightroom
Off Camera Flash Photography
Photo Editing: Photoshop
Wedding Photography
Studio Photography
Wildlife Photography
Starting a Photography Business
Photobooks & Mounting
Course Duration: 2 Months
Fees: Ksh. 55,000
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Africa Digital Media Institute, Nairobi
Duration: Full-time day – 1 Semester
Tuition fee: Ksh 93,000 (EA) & Ksh 111,000 (International) per term
Course outline:
-Introduction to Photography
-Visual Literacy – Storytelling
-Composing and Design
-Adobe Photoshop
-Studio Light / Lightroom
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Kenya Polytechnic University College, Nairobi
Admission requirements
-Candidates must have attained a D+ in KCSE or its equivalent
Course duration
-1 year
Mode of study
-full time
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Milestone Institute of Professional Studies, Thika
Exam body: (Internal)
Requirements: (Open)
Duration: 3 months
Fee per term: 17,000
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Kenya Institute of Professional Studies, Nairobi
Duration :3 months
Exam body :KIPS
Duration :3 months
Entry requirement: KCSE Certificate
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Wates Music Concept, Kitengela
Our studios equipped for photography and Audio production practical exercise
Digix Computer Centre, Langata
Talanta Institute, Nairobi
Ora Digital Marketing Training, Westlands
- Africa College of Social Work, Nairobi
- Moi Institute of Technology, Rongo
East African Media Institute, Nairobi
- Uzuri Institute of Technology and Development, Thika
- Eldoret Splendid College of Computer Training, Eldoret
Universities Offering Certificate in Photography and Audio Visual(Photography)
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Technical University of Kenya , Nairobi
Admission requirements
-KCSE C- and above
Duration
-2 years
Mode of study
-full time