Wynn Hammer, Top-Notch Still Photographer on TV and Movie Sets, Dies at 97

Wynn Hammer, the veteran still photographer who worked behind the scenes on such acclaimed movies as Bound for Glory, The Deer Hunter and Invasion of the Body Snatchers as well as on dozens of TV shows, has died. He was 97. Hammer died Sunday of congestive heart failure in a hospice facility in Glendale, his family announced.

A still photographer is hired to take shots on the set for publicity purposes. The best in their field find a way to get close to the action, avoiding light stands and movie cameras, without disrupting the filmmaking process. Read More.

Society of Camera Operators Announces Geoffrey Haley, SOC, Cherry and Jim McConkey, SOC, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel As Camera Operators of the Year

The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) just announced the recipients for Camera Operator of the Year in Film is Geoffrey Haley, SOC and in the Television category: Jim McConkey, SOC. The award recipients were celebrated among industry peers and colleagues during the virtual 2021 Camera Operator of the Year Awards and Creative Vision Celebration on Sunday April 11, 2021.

Hundreds of viewers from around the globe tuned in Sunday evening to the SOC’s annual award show. For the first time in the event’s history, the award show was hosted through a virtual platform due to the current world pandemic, offering a refreshing and innovative viewing experience.

Geoffrey Haley, SOC took home the title of Camera Operator of the Year in Film for his work on Cherry. Haley topped a talented group of nominees in the film category including: Don Devine, SOC & George Billinger, SOC (Greyhound); Jason Ellson, SOC (Mulan); John “Buzz” Moyer, SOC (The Hunt); and Sasha Proctor, SOC (The Outpost).

Jim McConkey, SOC was awarded Camera Operator of the Year in Television for his work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The TV category nominees included: Don Devine, SOC (Perry Mason); Simon Jayes, SOC (The Mandalorian); Andrew Mitchell, SOC (Ratched); Henry Tirl, (Wandavision).

Bringing the community closer together than ever before, the virtual experience showcased a look through the last year, including a segment reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as featuring bloopers, behind the scenes moments, live interviews during the show, inspiring stories of perseverance, education, and more. It was an inspiring and emotional evening with many tears shared during the award’s ‘Tribute to Toasts’ live segment, where the SOC acknowledged the many deaths from the last year with a toast and personal tributes.

In addition to celebrating the achievements by the exceptional film makers and crews, the SOC Awards proudly welcomed Dr. Thomas Lee from the Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to center screen to the salute to the success of the SOC’s continued charitable efforts for the charity group, including filming the charity’s fundraising videos.

Following the award show, guests, nominees, and award recipients were invited to a virtual after party. Hosted by different nominees, the after party featured four breakout rooms, allowing attendees to select their desired after party room and not only chat (virtually) to the breakout room host, but also to others in attendance.

Upcoming Events

June SOC Happy Hour

June 6 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm PDT

Join the SOC for this informal Zoom gathering on the first Saturday of the month from 4:30–6:00pm ...

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Vision: A Look into Eyesight and Eye Care for Camera Operators

June 19 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT

Join the SOC session and discussion presented by Thomas C. Lee M.D. and Simon Jayes, SOC.

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Cine Gear Los Angeles

September 23 - September 25

Over 300 exhibits, new product and service introductions, 30+ complimentary seminars led by industry...

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SOC Membership Resources and Portal Launched

The Educational Committee has been busy over the last few months providing online sessions over sixty hours currently. We saw the need to set up a membership portal for current members of all categories to access this material. We are proud to announce that the membership portal is launched.

Each member is responsible to set up their own username and password If you are a current member, you received an email with the account set up information. For further assistance, please email SOCOffice@SOC.org.