camera-man

A camera-man sets up his tripod on the city sidewalk.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who operates a camera professionally: "camera-man" refers to an individual whose job is to operate a film or video camera, especially in the production of movies, television programs, or news broadcasts.
   • A photographer: In some contexts, "camera-man" can also mean a person who takes photographs, such as a press photographer or a photojournalist.

Usage Examples

• (The camera operator prepared the equipment for filming.)
• (A professional operator filmed the nature footage.)
• (A press photographer was assigned to take pictures.)

Advanced Usage

• "camera-man" as a specific role: In film production, the "camera-man" may be distinguished from the "cinematographer" (who designs the visual look) and the "camera operator" (who physically moves the camera). However, in informal use, "camera-man" often covers all these roles.
  • The camera-man was praised for his steady hand during the action scene. (The operator's skill was highlighted.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cameraman (n): an alternative spelling (more common in modern usage) with the same meaning.
  • The cameraman filmed the entire speech without interruption. (Same role as camera-man.)
• Camera operator (n): a more formal term for a person who operates a camera.
  • The camera operator followed the actors through the narrow corridor. (A professional term for the same job.)
• Camerawoman (n): a female camera operator.
  • The camerawoman won an award for her documentary footage. (A gender-specific variant.)

Synonyms

• Operator: a person who controls a machine or device.
• Photographer: a person who takes photographs (more specific to still images).
• Cinematographer: a director of photography (a higher-level role in filmmaking).

Related Idioms

• "Behind the camera": referring to the work of a camera-man or director, as opposed to being in front of the camera.
  • She prefers to work behind the camera rather than acting. (She enjoys the technical role of filming.)
• "Camera shy": describing someone who is uncomfortable being filmed or photographed (not directly about the camera-man, but related to camera work).