Kameramies

Kameramies is a term used in the Swedish film, television, and video industry to refer to a person who works with cameras on set, typically a woman. The word forms the feminine counterpart to kameraman. In contemporary usage, many prefer gender-neutral language, but kameramies remains in use to highlight female practitioners in the camera department.

On set, a kameramies can perform as a camera operator or as an assistant in the camera department. Responsibilities include preparing and operating the camera, composing shots, adjusting focus, exposure, and white balance, selecting lenses, changing media, and handling camera accessories such as tripods, rigs, and filters. The kameramies coordinates with the director of photography (DP) to realize the visual plan, communicates with the director, and ensures safety around cameras and electrical equipment. In some productions, the kameramies specializes in a particular sub-role, such as focus pulling or operating a steadicam, depending on the crew structure.

Training and career paths for a kameramies often involve film school, media studies, or apprenticeship on set. Knowledge of camera systems (for example ARRI, RED, or Sony), lenses, lighting interaction, and safety procedures is essential. A kameramies may advance to lead camera operator, DoP supervisor, or other senior roles within the camera department, or expand into related areas of cinematography and film production.

See also: Kameraman, cinematography, camera department, focus puller, steadicam, director of photography.