What Videographers Need to Produce Great Results for Clients
In this day and age, it’s extremely easy to become an at-home professional videographer. Well, perhaps not extremely easy – you do still need to learn the basics of the craft and come to understand what basic tools will be necessary for you to become familiar with. Here are a few of the beginning steps.
A Camera Setup
Technically, all you need to begin is a camera. If you have that, everything else can fall in place. Not only should you have a camera – you should know what cameras are good for what projects. You, as a hired videographer, probably can use one very good camera with different lenses to adjust to whatever situation you might be hired to film. Make sure to consider location, lighting, angles, and so on. Do the research into what the best camera options are for you, as well as lenses. A tripod is also a must. Tons of videographers on YouTube and Instagram share their tips and tricks for free. So take advantage!
A Video Editing Workstation
Filming is only half the battle. In order to be a professional videographer, you need to become good at editing. And you should aspire to not just be good, but fantastic, if you really want your brand to take off. You’re going to need a good computer, a good editing program, and enough memory to hold dozens of clients’ videos. Different editing programs are available to PC as opposed to Mac, so do the research into which is best for you. You might be able to get by with a free editing program – but if you really want it to look professional, consider paying for a nicer one. You will likely need proper digital storage space beyond that of the default computer as well; unstructured data like video can take up lots of space on your hard drive.
Work the Brand
Being an independent videographer means not only knowing how to film and edit, but how to market yourself. A social media presence is a must. Instagram especially is a great way to display your videography and photography skills. You need to build up enough of a satisfied consumer base locally that you can depend on word of mouth to help bring you return customers. Until then, you’re going to have to be actively posting, advertising, and networking in order to get the customers you want.
Videography is an art, but it is also a business. If you want to produce the absolute best results possible, you need to have the efficiency of a small company with all of the artistry of your own vision. It can be discouraging and intimidating to begin – but the results are worth it.
Check out this article on how helpful video is for marketing!
