The videography trade is a competitive one. The first ever video that was filmed, was back in the year 1832. A man named Joseph Plateau was able to simulate images that were moving. Over the years, the video medium has grown in importance. Both businesses, as well as individuals, are trying to make use of videos to tell stories for their customers and help brands build awareness.
This is why the demand for videographers has been consistently growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for videographers is expected to increase by around 22% by the year 2029. Now is the perfect time to start your career as a videographer – but how do you do it?
How Can You Become A Videographer
There are different types of career paths that you can follow, even as a videographer. You could choose to focus on filming weddings, or you could want to become a travel videographer as well. To enter into any of these career paths, you will first need to build your foundational skills as a videographer.
So what should you place your focus on, if you want to become a videographer?
1. Learn The Basics
You don’t need to have a degree in videography to become a videographer. You could have studied something unrelated to videography as a student, and decided that you wanted to enter this career path later. But to be a successful videographer, you’ll need to learn the essential skills of the trade.
You should know how to work with different cameras, as well as how to edit your videos. There are different editing styles that you should know about as well. Try to create your own personal style as a videographer. When you’ve mastered the basics, the work you can do will be of higher quality. Delivering quality work is essential to finding success as a videographer.
2. Get Your Gear
You may think that you should only buy expensive equipment before you can be a videographer. However, this isn’t always the case. If you’re just getting started in your videography career, then invest first in the key equipment that you need, to build your career. Your first priority should be getting a quality camera.
You’ll likely need a DSLR camera to become a videographer. DSLR cameras, although expensive, are available in various price ranges. So you’re likely to find something that fits into your budget. Look at what equipment the videographers you admire are using. If that equipment is out of your reach now, then try to save money so you can purchase them later on.
3. Start Creating Videos
Even if you don’t have quality equipment, start creating videos with what you have. A lot of content creators on platforms like YouTube didn’t start out with best in-class equipment. They saved money over time and bought better equipment. But earlier on, they made use of what they had. Do the same for yourself and use what you have to start making videos.
The more videos you make, the better you’ll get at your job. You should also learn how to add sounds and graphics to your videos, as well as learn various editing techniques.
Consider investing in videographer insurance as well. This is as career as a videographer can leave you exposed to several career risks, such as getting sued by unhappy clients. When you have videographer insurance, you gain the coverage you need to protect both your career as well as your finances. If you would like to learn more about videographer insurance, then click here.
4. Promote Your Services
Once you’ve gained some confidence in your skills as a videographer, it’s time to start marketing your services. Share your videos on platforms like YouTube, and even Vimeo. You can also attend videography meetups, to meet others in the field. You’ll get to meet people who have more experience than you, and might be able to learn new skills from them as well.
Build business social media profiles for your videography business as well. Keep samples of your work updated on your social media profiles, in case prospective clients chance upon your account. Consider getting a business website for yourself as well, that clients can use to contact you when they want to hire you.
You can also join freelancing platforms like Upwork, in an effort to start earning as a videographer. Meanwhile, promote your services both online as well as locally. Ask your professional network for referrals as well. When you provide quality work, with time, you’ll be able to get regular work as a videographer.
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Conclusion
Becoming a videographer can be a very rewarding experience. But to enter this career path, you’ll need the right equipment, and should also develop your filming and editing skills. This guide can help you learn what you have to do, to get started as a videographer.