How to become a videographer?

How to become a videographer? Do you enjoy capturing the memorable occasions, celebrations, and festivities in people’s lives? If this is the case, a job as a videographer can be an excellent fit for your skills and interests.

You need a pro to document those events, whether you’re filming a music video, wedding, short film, or commercial. But how can one turn into a seasoned videographer? 

This quick guide will demonstrate how to apply these qualities to a videographer’s profession.  Lights, camera, action!

What Does a Videographer Do?

The purpose of a videographer is to freeze time. They need to organize the shot carefully, bring their own equipment, be knowledgeable about how to use it, and occasionally edit the footage in order to achieve that properly. This might be a wedding photography session, a sporting event, or even a birthday. Everything relies on your personal preferences. You’ll eventually discover your specialty and your passion.

How to become a videographer?

Let’s be honest, then. Everyone knows that more than four steps are involved in becoming a videographer. Additionally, there are more than four different kinds of videography. Perhaps some of you are interested in learning how to shoot weddings. Some people may be excited to discover how to become trip videographers. Even more, people are looking for tutorials on how to become legal filmmakers.

We’re not here to overwhelm you, especially while you’re just starting to learn about how to become a videographer, so we won’t go through every option you have or every step you need to take to get there.

Let’s call these four areas of attention, rather than calling them “advice,” when you begin to consider a future in videography. Again, these aren’t the only categories you’ll need to work on, but they’re the most crucial. 

Step 1: Learn the Fundamentals

Many videographers enter the field without a formal education. Even those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree did their pre-vocational education in fields unrelated to videography. However, it doesn’t follow that you may skip studying (and mastering) the fundamentals in order to become a top-tier videographer.

View this well-liked course on the fundamentals of videography. There are more than 40 parts that cover everything from the various camera options to fundamental editing ideas and developing your own style. Because you have a few smartphone camera tips under your belt, you are free to refer to yourself as a videographer. As you start your profession, the best way to stand out is to take the fundamentals seriously and make time for in-depth videographer training.

Step 2: Purchase premium gear

The temptation to start out by buying top-of-the-line equipment will always be there. However, there are a number of problems with this strategy. First, you’ll require substantial instruction to become an expert cameraman since you’re just starting. But perhaps more significantly, you’re only beginning. Even if you are an expert in every cutting-edge technology, it will take you a while to return your costs.

Most videographers concur that a few items of gear are essential. And if you’re going to start out with just one piece of gear, give your camera first priority.

Digital Camera World just lists the top first cameras for beginners. Most of them are DSLR cameras, primarily used to produce beautiful still images and excellent video cameras. They can be a terrific practice tool for you to use while you’re getting comfortable because they’re also far less expensive than some of the equipment that your favorite videographers may be using.

Step 3: Produce videos as consistently as you can

One of the most reputable tech critics online is Marques Brownlee. His most recent videos were shot using top-of-the-line technology at an industry-leading studio. But that wasn’t how he began his video career. In reality, his debut video was quite the spectacle—but not for the reasons you may expect.

Brownlee is the first to acknowledge that switching on a webcam and becoming a well-known video creator overnight is unrealistic in 2020. But his experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of simply beginning. The videos you make right now will probably not win you any prizes, but the lessons you pick up along the way will help you become the videographer you want to be.

Step 4: Set Yourself Up for Success

Do you have confidence in your abilities as a videographer? Not exactly? It’s still time to network and gets oneself out there, so it’s okay.

Don’t be afraid to share your work on websites like Vimeo or YouTube. After that, think about going to some (virtual) videography meetups on websites like, you guessed it, Meetup. While you’ll come across some people who have more experience than you have, you’ll also get to know many other videographers who are all working to improve their craft.

Are you interested in getting paid for your efforts? Videographers can advertise their services on websites like Upwork at the fees they choose. This is an exceptionally well-liked choice for aspiring filmmakers who want to earn some money while honing their craft.

Qualifications needed for a profession as a videographer

You do need specific abilities and to fulfill certain standards before qualifying for a videographer position, such as:

Computer skills: Videographers use a variety of video applications; therefore, you must be proficient with computers to use editing programs like Photoshop, Adobe, and Cinema 4D.

Interpersonal skills: Camera operators must have great interpersonal skills because they interact with people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds to make them feel at ease in front of the camera.

Time management: To fulfill deadlines and finish editing videos on time, you must have effective time management abilities.

Multitasking: Videographers must be able to multitask in order to capture a variety of expressions and moments on camera while also assuring high-quality sound and visuals.

Communication skills: A videographer gives instructions so that the ideal moments are captured on film and needs to be able to communicate verbally simply and successfully.

Physical fitness: A videographer must be physically fit to carry, set up, move, and break down numerous pieces of video equipment.

Creativity: Videographers need to be able to picture the final product they want to produce before searching for innovative ways to get there.

Necessary Requirements for Becoming a Videographer

Different educational goals should be set for a videographer, depending on the type of project you’re working on.

Remember that a videographer must operate in a variety of environments, including various lighting and surroundings.

Whatever the circumstance, you should receive instructions on the type of camera to use as well as other technical specifics. To become a videographer, one must have a solid understanding of proper camera technique.

For example, news programs frequently use fixed cameras. That is unless you are the one covering an event on the ground.

On the other hand, cameramen for motion pictures may need to employ crane-mounted, track-mounted, or both sorts of cameras to capture the scenery and every important action.

You might also find yourself working as a cameraman with a production team, making technical and artistic decisions together. You should preferably have a post-secondary degree in film, video, or television production to work as a cameraman in these scenarios.

To be able to handle any difficulties, you should also be familiar with the complexities of media creation, electronics, and hardware.

You should typically hold a bachelor’s or associate’s degree if you intend to apply for a job based on your educational background. Both of these degrees provide you with both classroom and practical training.

Students can get in-depth training in sound, storyboarding, motion graphics, concept creation, lighting, and editing with an associate’s degree in Applied Science in Video Production. Additionally, the coursework could cover video editing, camera operation, field production, and other topics.

Consider enrolling in courses on Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, and similar programs if you want to educate yourself on industry-specific technologies.

A Bachelor of Arts in Film or Television Production program may also be available if you want to advance your study.

These courses include a variety of topics, such as media law, graphic design, media research, and sound editing. In conclusion, you have a range of choices that will aid in the diversification of your profession.

Payment to Videographers

According to recent data (from February 2019), the average hourly wage for a videographer in the United States is roughly $28.61. But the reality can be quite different depending on where and how you work.

You have some influence over how much money you make and how much time off you can take as a freelance cameraman.

Videographers are available to many businesses for use in marketing and advertising campaigns. You might get paid $50, $70, or almost $100 each hour for them.

Working with film and video is a fascinating career that offers many prospects, whether pursuing a degree in videography or becoming a self-taught filmmaker.

You can work alone as a freelancer, join a larger crew, or perhaps make a career in Hollywood.

You can shoot corporate films, weddings, or vlog-style vacation videos for YouTube. You can also work on major TV shows or on a series, such as a reality show. Amazon or HBO.

Although it is essential to get started as soon as possible, there is no reason why you can’t gain the necessary abilities a bit later on.

Whatever career route you choose, you’ll need to learn about your equipment, editing, social media, networking with other professionals in the field, finding customers, lighting, and many other facets of filmmaking.

In conclusion, although you will have to put in a lot of effort to make your videography profession successful, you won’t regret it once it does.

FAQs on How to Become a Videographer