Being a good Cameraman

Donald Harvey

Donald Harvey

Active member
I run camera for the local cable company in my area, I love running camera, it is my favorite thing to do any day, everyday. I love running camera for sports, in studio, for short films, long films, etc. I absolutely love it. I don't know if anyone has or is running camera for a sports games but if you have, my favorite position is shoulder cam, right on the field, up close and personal to the players. That's when you can get the greatest shots. Love capturing the moments, during a football game for example, when the ball is thrown towards me and the players are charging towards me. I don't flinch, and I stay still, unless I know that I have to move, and get that perfect shot!! The best thing after it happens is when you hear your Director say, NICE SHOT! I look forward to every film, game, in studio, event, or anything. I enjoy picking up my camera and shooooting anything and everything!

Wow...sorry about the life story there. I will get to my question now. I want to be the best cameraman there is, every aspect of running camera, to steadicam (which I have been practicing almost everyday at school) to running it on my shoulder at games, or to push myself to the absolute limit to get that one perfect shot, that may only last for 1 sec.

Again sorry for the life story..

If there is anyone out there who does run camera for a living, especially in films, I would absolutely love some advice, stories, wisdom (same as advice), facts, well whatever from ya to help me be the greatest cameraman I can be!! I know this whole thing sounds pretty dumb, and sorry for writing so much, but what the hell...

Thanks!
 
1. don't call it "shoulder cam", it marks you as a noob. Call it a "hand held" or "mini" camera.

2. pop quiz! when you are running hand held on the sidelines,
how are you holding the camera?
Obviously one hand is on the zoom rocker, but where's the other?
Here's where it shouldn't be...on the viewfinder.
Doing that will mark you as a noob as well, and will cause the crew chief to worry if you can really shoot.
(Hint: put your thumb and forefinger on the focus ring and then wrap the rest of your fingers around the the end of the lens shade and use that to steady the front of the camera.)

3. get your arms down by your side for stability and control.
4. if your arms get tired tuck you left fist under your right elbow that's support the camera. At least then you can zoom.
5. do alot of core training so you can stand for long periods of time with the camera on your shoulder holding a steady shot.
6. practice running the camera off your shoulder. Low angle, high angle, learn to adjust the viewfinder on the fly.

Once you get that down find out who the local freelance sports crewer is in town and give him a call.
Tell him you've run some handheld and that you'd like to pick up some freelance work.
Don't oversell yourself, don't tell him your life story. Less is more.
If you're lucky you'll get a call for a job, and then go make $300-450 for a 10 hour day running camera at a sporting event.
Fast forward to age 45 when your back and knees are shot and you wish you would've learned how to be a TD/EVS Op/A2, etc...instead.

Good luck.

BTW - I forgot the most important thing!
Don't EVER, EVER key your mic to argue with a director. Get the shot he/she wants, and shut up.
If you want to lose work starting talking on headset and arguing with the director.
 
RollItTakeIt said:
BTW - I forgot the most important thing!
Don't EVER, EVER key your mic to argue with a director. Get the shot he/she wants, and shut up.
If you want to lose work starting talking on headset and arguing with the director.
Click to expand...
The one thing I have learned, and try to remember- Don't talk when shooting! The on camera mic won't pick up anything directly in front of it, but it is guaranteed to pick up whatever comments you have clear as a bell. One of the first gigs I did on my own, I had a second camera guy with me and we were just chatting quietly about something. Fortunately, I also edited the footage, and was able to eliminate a smartassed comment. Learned my lesson there.
 
There isn't a "Steadicam Certification" program. Some Steadicam workshops give you a certificate of completion, but I know neither the Tiffen nor the SOA workshops "certify" one to use a Steadicam.

Personally, I love live work, though I'm generally stuck behind the camera op with a roll of cable in my hand, or setting up/fixing equipment during the show. Both jobs are a lot of fun though nonetheless. Just be nice to your cable puller. :)
 
Obviously knowledge is key and you need to know what you are doing, but I think attitude plays a huge role. An open minded approach to things is the way to go and that seems to be where you are heading. I mean who wants to work with someone who only tries to make you seem stupid to feel better about them self. And how stupid does a knowledgeable well equipped person in this field look when he is out done by someone he views as "unequal" regarding knowledge and equipment. Talent is harder to gain than knowledge. Work with others who know more than you and have good attitudes stay away from the type of people I have been talking about. Don't assume because someone knows less than you that they could not be an important asset in any project. Be creative and have a goal you are working towards at all times be it big or small. BE RELIABLE. Since your on this board I assume you like video and it is more than a job so stay focused and when you no longer love doing it don't unless it is your main income.
 
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