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Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras, operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes and operate drones to provide aerial video and photographs.

Main tasks

  • Maintains, repairs, programs and operates unmanned aircraft to provide aerial photographs and video.
  • Operates sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound.
  • Manages health and safety issues.
  • Operates equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes.
  • Checks operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment, and mixing and dubbing equipment.
  • Controls transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identifies and solves related technical problems.
  • Takes, records and manipulates digital images and digital video footage.
  • Photographs subject or follows action by moving camera.
  • Operates scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulates image to achieve the desired effect.
  • Inserts lenses and adjusts aperture and speed settings as necessary.
  • Arranges subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones.
  • Selects subject and conceives composition of picture or discusses composition with colleagues.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£52,797.92

Average earnings

£28,232.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Communications and Media

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Fine Arts

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 1%
Level 1 3%
Level 2 12%
Level 3 23%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 7%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 45%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 9%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 0%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.