It takes more than a camera lens to record moving images, whether the exchange of wedding rings and vows or the throwing of graduation caps in the air. Capturing special moments, memories, experiences and narratives and editing the raw footage to yield a compelling final product also require a Videograph... Continue Reading
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Explore Career It takes more than a camera lens to record moving images, whether the exchange of wedding rings and vows or the throwing of graduation caps in the air. Capturing special moments, memories, experiences and narratives and editing the raw footage to yield a compelling final product also require a Videographer’s artistic vision and technical expertise. Videographers help tell memorable and impactful stories by covering events live or recording content for advertisements, documentaries and other purposes.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Videographer?
A Videographer would typically need to:
Videographers capture raw footage on location or studio sets as required by the project. They carry out pre-production planning and post-production editing in studios or offices, either independently or in collaboration with producers, directors and other creatives and technicians. Videographers working for television or covering events in other cities and locations may be away from home for extended periods. You may also need to carry heavy equipment from your vehicle to the shooting location.
Videographers may work in full-time or part-time roles, with work hours based on their specialisation and industry. Broadcasting professionals must typically work irregular and extra hours to meet project deadlines, while those in the film industry experience intensely busy schedules during production, followed by periods of job hunting between projects. While filming on location may require time spent away from home, pre-production and post-production typically require extended periods of work in studios and offices.
Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Videographers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Freelancing Videographers are typically hired by private clients, including individuals, small businesses or organisations, to cover special events and ceremonies.
Videographers are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations, such as the Wedding and Event Videographers Association International (WEVA) or the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG), are crucial for Videographers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.
Professional associations provide their members with various continuing education and networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Watching diverse and good-quality videos, following online tutorials and reading relevant blogs can introduce you to the art and science of videography and allow you to evaluate and select the appropriate methods to capture footage for different types of content and purposes. You can also begin to understand the creative and technical use of various angles, depth of field and transitions.
You can begin filming and creating content without investing in expensive equipment but using just your smartphone, keeping in mind that both video and audio quality are crucial. Volunteering to record and edit footage for special events among family and friends can give you excellent hands-on experience and help you build a network.
Academic programs that potential Videographers take up may require a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Internships, paid or unpaid, and apprenticeships provide hands-on learning to aspiring Videographers, allowing them to become familiar with industry-specific equipment and software. Internships, usually lasting from one to three months, offer a brief exposure to the field, perhaps as an assistant on a set or in a studio, while apprenticeships lasting one to three years provide more extensive understanding and experience.
Summer training, part-time work at an entry-level position or short-term assignments offer a taste of the career, give valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, help build useful contacts and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.
Your work experience may also help you determine whether the public, private or voluntary sector is best suited to realise your ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable opportunities for work placements, internships and voluntary work in diverse sectors.
Opportunities to spend time as assistants working on actual sets with local media outlets allow aspiring Videographers to tie in theoretical learning with practical skills, build a network and learn how to behave professionally. You may also hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.
In parallel, building a portfolio or demo reel with samples of your best work and diverse styles is essential to present your skills and experience to prospective clients and employers. Crafting a demo reel that resonates with your career interests, such as sports events or wedding videography, showcases your abilities effectively. Offering your services at no cost initially can help you launch and build a strong portfolio.
Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work. Join some groups, try some hobbies or volunteer with an organisation of interest, so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career. Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in videography to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
While a high school diploma or equivalent may suffice to enter the field, some employers prefer candidates with a relevant college degree. Aspiring Videographers can develop the requisite knowledge and skills by acquiring a bachelor's degree in photography, film, broadcasting, journalism, communications, digital media or a related field that teaches video producing or editing styles. Many educational institutions offer dedicated courses in cinematography or video-editing software, blending theory with hands-on training.
Some colleges and technical schools provide alternatives, such as one-year certificate programs in film and photographic technology and two-year associate degrees in digital video and media production.
Whichever program you follow, try to take courses in cinematography, communication, broadcasting, video and sound editing, visual design, film theory, media ethics, media law, computer science, media research, screenwriting and script analysis. If you have an idea of the industry you wish to work in, you can tailor your subject and course choices accordingly.
Opt for high school courses in film, broadcasting, journalism, IT, art and photography. Since many Videographers are freelancers, studying accounting, business, and entrepreneurship is also helpful.
Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door. Look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.
Certification demonstrates a Videographer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent operator. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.
You can become an Adobe Certified Professional by acquiring Adobe Premiere Pro Certification, which demonstrates your expertise in video editing software. Final Cut Pro (FCP) certifications offered by Apple, such as FCP VideoPro, also help employers validate a Videographer’s technical skills and signify a commitment to excellence in video production.
Drone Videographers must acquire certifications and licenses mandated by their location and comply with all safety, privacy and security rules, regulations and legislation.
Videographers may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
You may start your career as an Assistant Camera Operator, supporting the production process of pre-programmed or live content and contributing to crucial technical workflows for content distribution. Progressing to Camera Operator, you will be responsible for conceptualising, shooting and editing diverse narratives that align with organisational objectives.
Having acquired adequate experience and built a network, Videographers may opt for diverse career paths based on their interests, specialisation and available opportunities.
Depending on the organisation that employs them, they may advance into higher-ranking or even executive positions, such as Senior Editor, Executive Producer, Production Manager or Marketing Manager.
The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.
Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.
Videographers with the necessary filming and editing skills, experience, and an extensive and diverse portfolio showcasing their abilities and excellence through snippets of completed projects have strong job prospects.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Videographer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. In addition to offering the opportunity to continually upskill, regardless of one’s age, job, or level of knowledge, CPD also enables the periodic renewal of desirable certifications, which increase your chances of advancement and becoming an independent consultant.
Newly hired Videographers may receive on-the-job training to familiarise them with company policies, procedures, equipment and editing software. You can continue to build your technical proficiency by taking in-person or online courses or attending relevant masterclasses, workshops and seminars to learn the use of the latest video production, lighting and sound equipment and editing software. Staying up-to-date with evolving technology helps you produce high-quality videos, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Attend film festivals to expand your knowledge and perspective.
You may opt for relevant industry certifications to increase your credibility and employability. You can network with peers by joining professional videography associations and attending their events. Build a multi-perspective approach by working with related professionals in your field, such as photographers, animators and graphic designers. Explore mentorship opportunities to learn from experienced Videographers engaged with large productions and receive their counsel on career advancement opportunities.
You may also learn the intricacies of drone videography and the associated safety and legislation and acquire any mandatory certification and licensing in your location to operate drones. Drones are useful for capturing aerial and motion shots, particularly of extensive spaces, such as construction sites and natural landscapes, and can be employed to showcase events, tourist places and new properties and enrich live streams.
Experiment with different styles, equipment and processes to diversify your portfolio and skills, which will help you attract clients and new projects. Have your work critiqued by peers and experts and incorporate constructive feedback to improve your technique.
Some Areas of Work
Videographers may find employment or freelance assignments with diverse companies across various industries. They may work as full- or part-time employees or may freelance. They contribute to creating news segments, documentaries, TV shows and web series for media companies, such as television stations, production companies, streaming platforms and digital media outlets, or online educational, informative and promotional videos for corporate organisations.
The fashion and entertainment industry typically hires Videographers to help create music videos and promotional content and cover performances and fashion shows. Videographers are in demand at production and post-production studios to operate cameras, provide their editing expertise and coordinate the production process.
Some Videographers freelance for or are employed in-house by corporate organisations to make videos for internal training or corporate communication, product or service demonstrations, and presentations. They may also help advertising and marketing firms convey messages effectively through commercials, promotional videos, social media campaigns and other marketing materials.
Videographers may also assist nonprofit organisations in raising awareness about social, environmental and other causes, documenting their projects and sharing success stories to generate interest and funds. Government agencies may have Videographers help generate public service and informational announcements and videos or cover official ceremonies and events.
Sports organisations and teams may use the services of Videographers to record games, create highlight reels and produce promotional content. Scientific and medical organisations may call on them to help prepare educational videos, medical procedure demonstrations and research presentations for students, employees or the community. Similarly, universities, colleges and schools may hire them to produce educational videos and online courses, create virtual tours, and cover events, particularly graduation ceremonies and cultural events.
The travel and tourism industry uses videography services to promote tours, destinations, hotels and resorts. Event organisers typically hire freelance or employ full-time Videographers to cover official conferences or private events, such as weddings and parties.
Drone Videographers working on a commercial basis may be employed or hired for different purposes, such as property sales or promoting travel and tourism.
Freelance Videographers may also find gigs on online platforms that connect service providers with diverse clients. Collaboration with online video creators, influencers and vloggers for their channels or platforms is another avenue of creativity and income.
Videographers vs Cinematographers
While Videographers may work on diverse projects, independent clients often hire them to film real-time events, such as weddings and corporate functions, and capture special moments. Videography typically involves video editing and post-production tasks, usually for small-scale projects with shorter timelines or smaller budgets.
Cinematographers work on larger budgets and sets and take up a broader range of projects, spanning feature films, music videos and commercials, also contributing to enhancing the visual and emotional appeal of the final product.
Videographers typically work with small teams while cinematographers collaborate with extensive crews to bring directors' visions to life, filming scenes according to pre-written narratives and also exercising their creativity.
Must-Have Equipment for Budding Videographers
A video camera or DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) is essential to start you off. Multiple lenses add stylistic variety to your shots, engaging viewer interest. Proper lighting equipment enhances visual quality, especially in challenging environments, such as weddings late in the day, at night or in dim light indoors. Stabilisers, such as tripods or mounts, ensure steady shots by reducing jarring camera movements. Backup solutions include memory or SD cards with ample capacity to prevent running out of space during events. Sound accessories such as on-camera microphones are indispensable for capturing quality audio at events.
Film vs Video vs Digital Media
While filming and videotaping use distinctly different technologies, equipment and production methods, the rise of digital technology has led to the terms being used interchangeably.
Traditional filming uses physical film stock loaded into cameras, exposed to light to capture images and must be chemically processed and developed to reveal the images.
Film stocks are the raw material used, which may be meant for screen projection or to be viewed with a light source, either on photographic paper or using electronic image sensors. Those intended for screen projection are typically characterised by highly fine grain and sharpness that ensure accurate reproductions of original scenes.
Video cameras record pictures and audio in motion and are typically used to record events, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies, or other special moments to preserve memories and for later viewing. They may also be used for news, documentary and soap operas. Video cameras began by using tape and evolved to a digital format.
While traditional film cameras and analogue recording methods are still used, digital recording devices have become the norm today. With the evolution of digital media, filming and video recording both typically refer to the use of digital recording devices, even for the purpose of motion pictures, and even including the use of phone cameras.
Digital media stores recorded content in binary code, which is a series of 1s and 0s. Since the video is in the form of pixels, it can be easily manipulated and edited using software tools and techniques. Cameras and storage are both lightweight and economical and content can be conveniently shared through digital networks.
Current Scenario
The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current jobs), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.
Since mobile and internet traffic is on the upswing with rising demand for interesting, relatable and reliable videos, the employment of Videographers is expected to rise. Furthermore, businesses seek captivating videos to market their products and services and communicate with current and potential customers. In addition, events such as weddings, also require the expertise of Videographers. The growth of digital platforms, social media and e-learning further drives opportunities.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Videographers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, full-time Videographers have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
Videographers leave a mark on their viewers’ hearts and minds, blending their creativity and technical prowess in recording, editing and storytelling with a purpose. Audiences can savour fleeting moments they may have missed or enjoy rewatching them. Whether capturing delicate emotions at weddings and birthday celebrations or the formality at corporate events, Videographers grow as they work, learning to wield cameras and other equipment to achieve optimal footage, chisel it using software to reveal a fine finished product and gear up for the next gig or project.
Master the art of keeping the camera steady and capture at least ten seconds of each shot without rapidly zooming in and out or panning from side to side. Remember that zooming in also compromises image quality; it is better to go close to the subject to record.
Vary your angles from wide to medium and close-up for each shot, and follow the standard framing styles and rule of thirds. Give due importance to the background and the lighting. Build your audio skills to support your videography. Anticipate what comes next so that you do not miss vital moments. With experience, you will arrive at a suitable ratio of captured footage to the edited and final product.
8K video offers four times the number of pixels than 4K, which signifies higher resolution, sharper images, greater detail and colour accuracy and more post-production flexibility.
What do Videographers do?
A Videographer would typically need to:
Accredited
$75,854
