How to Become a Videographer
Videography is a difficult business to get into. There’s a lot of competition and the film industry is just plain tough. However, if you’re truly interested in becoming a videographer and you work hard, anything is possible. We’re showing you how to become a videographer that can use creativity and a love for film to successfully enter the industry with an exciting career.
Step 1: Attend Workshops & Training Events
The first step to becoming a videographer is to learn all you can about video production. The more you know, and the better your skills are, the greater the chance for you to get hired as a videographer.
If you don’t already know how to operate a camera, workshops and other forms of interactive hands-on training can help you build a foundation of skills necessary for a career in film production.
Videography workshops will teach you essential skills that can be used to capture advanced footage in a professional manner. As you work to become a videographer, consider coursework that focuses on more than just camera operation.
Additional essential skills knowledge in lighting setup, video editing and advanced filmmaking will help you to be successful in a career in videography.
Step 2: Purchase a Camera
A great videographer needs a camera. In fact, most freelance videographers will provide all of their own equipment for the projects they work on so the purchase of a great camera is a must. As a beginner, you may find the ease of a DSLR or mirrorless camera to be more effective than a camcorder.
As you learn and grow in your training, you will gain a better understanding of the types of camera equipment that are best for your filmmaking.
In addition to understanding how to operate your camera, you must also have working knowledge of equipment operation. You should be familiar with the operation of camera rigs, cranes, stabilizers and sliders that will be used throughout your career to advance filmmaking effects on the set.
Step 3: Acquire a Degree
Not all videographers have a college degree, but educational background can make a difference in whether you land a job or not. As you apply for jobs in the industry, many filmmaking companies will be looking at your resume to see where you went to college.
If you don’t have a degree in a technical field such as cinematography, communications, broadcasting, film editing or screenwriting, chances are you will be overlooked. If you can attend college, now is the time to do so!
Step 4: Become a Videography Intern
Internships allow you to gain valuable working knowledge in the industry and are often converted to full-time positions when you have the skills the film production company is looking for. In fact, many state that if it were not for their internship, they would never have made it in the film industry.
As you look for internship opportunities, consider reaching out to local film studios, television companies, or video production agencies to get started in film. You’ll learn a lot about your career if you can start as an intern and get hands-on experience.
Step 5: Be Creative
When you’re not working or attending school to become a videographer you should be creating your own films. Be creative and prepare film sets and scenes that you can use to showcase your skills to others.
Practice various camera movements and angles as well as advanced filmmaking techniques that will make you better at being a videographer.
Step 6: Market Yourself
Once you have the skills and education you need to become a videographer you can begin to promote yourself and build your reputation in the industry. Use your short clips and films to prove your skills and to cultivate a brand image for yourself that others will see value in.
Continue to market yourself and your skills to find a lasting role as a videographer with a film company or consider freelance videography. Once you know how to become a videographer, you can take steps toward achieving your career goals.