Cameraperson

A cameraperson, also known as a camera operator, is a professional who operates the camera to record moving images for film, television, or other video productions. The term covers individuals who handle framing, camera movement, focus, exposure, and, in some cases, lighting decisions during shooting. In larger productions, the cameraperson may be separate from the cinematographer (the director of photography) who oversees the visual style; in smaller projects, the cameraperson may serve as the principal camera operator or even assume the role of the cinematographer.

Work contexts and responsibilities: In narrative filmmaking, camerapersons work under the director of photography and are responsible for executing the shot list, maintaining continuity, and operating equipment such as tripods, dollies, cranes, Steadicams, and handheld rigs. In documentary and news, camerapersons often perform more improvisational work, gathering footage in varied conditions, and may also assist with lighting or sound. They typically handle equipment preparation, safety checks, and transportation of gear between locations.

Equipment and skills: Modern camerapersons use digital cinema cameras, lenses, stabilizers, and related rigs. They must understand exposure, focus pulling, white balance, color management, and shot composition, as well as the camera's interfaces. Training may come from film schools, apprenticeship programs, or extensive on‑the‑job experience, and effective communication with directors, DPs, and other crew is essential.

Notable usage: The term cameraperson can refer to the general role, or to the 2016 documentary Cameraperson by Kirsten Johnson, which assembles footage collected over decades in several countries to examine the ethics and subjectivity of documentary filmmaking.