Navy NEC · Aviation
A18A Aerial Cameraman
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
An Aerial Cameraman performs in-flight duties, using photographic equipment and techniques to obtain still and video imagery. The cameraman integrates with crewmembers through Crew Resource Management, maintains strict safety standards, and has knowledge of aircraft airframes, applicable equipment, emergency and flight procedures, and related gear checks.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- aerial photography
- aerial videography
- camera system operation
- flight crew coordination
- crew resource management
- aviation safety
- preflight and postflight checks
- emergency procedure compliance
- visual media documentation
Civilian Software & Tools
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Apple macOS
Civilian Career Paths
- Commercial Aviation
- Unmanned Systems
- Public Affairs
Training & Development
Getting Started
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Adobe Certified Professional in Photoshop
- Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere Pro
Career Growth
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Also Common
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
What the Work Involves
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
Related Occupations
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
- Graphic Designers
- Special Effects Artists and Animators
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
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Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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