Thank you for looking into contributing on our tech team! This article will go over the basics for camera operation and responsibilities.
We believe anyone that can turn on a TV can contributor on our media team. We will equip you with the knowledge of these systems and build your confidence in operating our tech.
Equipment
Each camera station is equipped with a camera, controls, tripod, and chair. Let’s walk through each of these and how it’s operated.
Terms
Responsibilities
Now that the gear has been explained we will go over responsibilities of camera operators.
All Operators
Each camera operator should be aware of the following things throughout each service.
- Call time is 10 minutes before each service. We ask that you be at your camera station at this time. This allows time for directors to communicate changes or needs.
- Cameras should be aware of their headroom during the service, view the provided headroom images to know what’s the correct amount of headroom for cameras. directors will have to ask you to adjust if this isn’t set at an acceptable spot.
- Floating the camera should be happening during all worship portions of the service and stopped at talking points/host/sermon portions.
- You’re given a printed order of service as well as a stage layout/position of the band for reference. It’s your responsibility to know the names of the band members that will be leading songs and where they are on stage.
- You have a comm headset at your station that provides music cues as well as communication with the director. Please communicate with directors and don’t be shy to let them know if you’re having any problems with equipment or emergency situations.
Camera 1
This camera is the most active camera station. This station has an electronic focus system and a manual zoom. These can take a little practice to get comfortable with but it’s nothing to be afraid of.
During worship, after each cut away from your camera you will immediately adjust zoom, focus, or position to provide the director with a variety of unique shots throughout the worship service. During the sermon or host portions you’ll use a frame that is speakers knees up to the top of their head.
Provided are the suggested camera shot frames that will help you to see what kind of shots you’ll be looking for while operating this camera.
Camera 2
This camera will be the ‘Hero’ shot throughout the service. It keeps a close-up frame of the speaker or worship team member that’s leading a song. This camera is used for a majority of the service.
During worship this camera will be staying on the person leading each song. Directors will assist in reminding who is leading prior to each song to keep you in the loop for where you are going. During the speaker portions you will be following the speaker.
Provided are the suggested camera shot frames that will help you to see what kind of shots you’ll be looking for while operating this camera.
Camera 3
This camera is used for dynamics and a versatile shot to be used in transitional points.
During worship this camera is panning the stage all the way to the edges. Occasionally the director may have you stay on two people and stop your pan, but afterwards continue to pan across the stage. During the speaker portions this camera will be following the speaker.
Provided are the suggested camera shot frames that will help you to see what kind of shots you’ll be looking for while operating this camera.