3417 — Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators

What this occupation covers

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

Typical duties

selects subject and conceives composition of picture or discusses composition with colleagues

arranges subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones

inserts lenses and adjusts aperture and speed settings as necessary

operates scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulates image to achieve the desired effect

photographs subject or follows action by moving camera

takes, records and manipulates digital images and digital video footage

controls transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identifies and solves related technical problems

checks operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment, and mixing and dubbing equipment

operates equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes

manages health and safety issues

operates sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound

maintains, repairs, programs and operates unmanned aircraft to provide aerial photographs and video

Entry routes and qualifications

There are no set academic requirements although entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades, A levels/H grades and are able to demonstrate proof of pre- entry work experience. A variety of diplomas, degrees and postgraduate qualifications are available. Vocational qualifications in Photography are available at levels 1,2 and 3.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

Temporary Shortage List: Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators. Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued before 31 December 2026.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

Find this code and estimate salary

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