{"id":2766,"date":"2020-06-30T16:20:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T23:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww3.ambientskies.com\/what-does-it-take-to-be-an-underwater-camera-operator\/"},"modified":"2023-02-24T12:44:49","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T19:44:49","slug":"what-does-it-take-to-be-an-underwater-camera-operator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/blog\/filmmaking\/what-does-it-take-to-be-an-underwater-camera-operator\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does It Take To Be An Underwater Camera Operator?"},"content":{"rendered":"
From repelling the sides of bluffs to jumping out of an airplane, if there’s a place with deadly risk and a killer view, you can bet that human beings will find a way to document it. And from that newborn need, an advanced ‘specialty operator’ position will naturally be created and followed by a rush of people looking to fill the position. <\/p>\n
The good thing about this is — it turns out most people don’t like risking their lives for a day rate under 1K. That means that your competition will be greatly diminished as the market isn’t saturated. But there’s still plenty of thrill seekers out there who are perfectly comfortable risking their lives for a shot and revel in the challenge of it. So if you’re considering a transition into a specialty operator position that’s on the dangerous side, don’t expect zero competitors.<\/p>\n
One of the more popular specialty op jobs — An Underwater Camera Operator.<\/p>\n
You might hear the low tones of a piano humming the Jaws theme right about now. Obviously the kind of body of water you’re in will determine what level of risk is involved, but if you can’t navigate around the gear, you’re gonna be in deep water — No pun intended.<\/p>\n
We’re going to explore some of the requirements necessary to become and function as an Underwater Camera Operator.<\/p>\n
Let’s dive in!<\/p>\n
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First things first — you need plenty of years experience with standard camera operating. The wider the variety of cameras, the better. You want to be able to assess problems and find quick solutions. You never want to put yourself into a position where your lack of experience holds up a production. Instead, work your way up to it and get plenty of operating time under your belt. This will allow you to transition with confidence and ease. Learn the nuances of camera movement and framing. Figure out the fundamentals of cinematography and apply them to your craft. Once you have built somewhat of a career or reputation — take that plunge!<\/p>\n
There are many routes you can take to become a camera operator on a basic level. The first and obvious choice being film school. But that doesn’t guarantee anything. That just allows you to learn the basic skills and get your feet wet. Another option is mentoring underneath an ENG camera operator. This isn’t the most ideal way to gain experience, but it’s a guaranteed paycheck. And if you don’t like either of these options, you can always go the cost-effective route — Self Education Online. As opposed to 15 years ago, there’s a plethora of places to get educated like Master Class, NoFilmSchool.com or DVXuser.com, etc. These sites offer up great knowledge for you to soak up, but nothing beats on-set experience and that will allow you to truly grow.<\/p>\n
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As long as you’re comfortable squeezing into a wetsuit, you can get a Scuba Diving Certification. You might think since you live nowhere near the ocean that it might be hard to acquire or that it’s associated with travel costs. But if there’s at least a lake or a pool in your state, it’s likely you’ll be able to find somewhere to get professionally certified. <\/p>\n
If you’re having a hard time finding instructors near you by just simply searching google, try out these sites to get local certification information:<\/p>\n
Usscubacertification.com<\/a><\/p>\n Padi.com<\/a><\/p>\n In simple terms, Scuba Diving is a type of underwater diving where a person uses an underwater breathing apparatus that is self-contained and not connected to any air supply at the surface. Scuba Divers carry their breathing gas with them (typically compressed air or the oxygen\/air hybrid Nitrox) for more independent movement while underwater. Through a regulator a diver is supplied with gas and depending on the type of scuba system (open-circuit or closed-circuit), you can spend an extended amount of time underwater.<\/p>\n If you’re looking to become a scuba diver, it goes without saying that if you’re not a strong swimmer, you probably shouldn’t sign up for this career. You need to be comfortable swimming in any kind of water (calm or rough) and you need to acquire a deep understanding of scuba diving etiquette and equipment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Underwater camera housing isn’t rocket science, but it does require some initial guidance and some practice prepping before you bring it out on set and operate for the first time. I recommend two things. 1 — You should take a drive up to LA and visit a company like Hydroflex who build some of the best underwater camera systems on the market, and get some hands-on education from their specialists. 2 — You should take a whole day to prep and practice in a pool to work out any kinks and get comfortable with fully operating.<\/p>\n Here’s a list of some of the best underwater camera housing brands on the market:<\/p>\n Hydroflex<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Gates<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Nauticam<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nTraining On Underwater Camera Housing & Jib (Hydroflex – CA)<\/h2>\n