How to Be a Freelance Videographer
From college and university television stations to weddings, videographers work in a variety of settings capturing footage to be stored on video. While videographers for television stations and other videography service companies may earn salaries, freelance videographers often have to hustle for steady work.
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Instructions
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Take college courses or workshops in videography to learn camera and editing techniques, along with lighting and sound-recording techniques. Also, take business administration classes to get a better grasp of marketing, advertising and how to operate as a business.
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Invest in good camera equipment, such as a digital camera and video editing software, as this will determine the quality of service you are able to provide.
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Build your portfolio. Include a variety of your existing work such as wedding videography, news videography and theatrical and performance videography. Inlcude work that also demonstrates your editing ability.
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Research the prices of other videographers in your area by visiting their websites or contacting them directly. Set up your prices accordingly, perhaps offering discounts and bargains as a way to attract business.
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Obtain business cards that clearly define your service and brand in addition to listing your contact information. Begin pitching your services via Yellow Page advertisements, brochures, attending an assortment of industry conferences and bridal shows. Follow up with any contacts you establish.
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Research the companies you are interested in working for. Know the work they do, their target audience and their history (particularly important for documentary companies).
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Study the various types of video genres -- business videos, special interest videos, documentaries -- to determine which genres are the most lucrative. Approach companies or individuals with fresh ideas that will draw in large audiences and reduce or compensate for expenses (again especially important for documentary companies).
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Work as a production assistant for other videographers or videography service companies to earn an income in between jobs as a freelancer and to learn new skills and develop contacts.
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Tips & Warnings
A number of Mac computers contain editing software that will allow you to edit and create professional quality footage.
Create your own production to fill in gaps in your portfolio. As an example, you may need to volunteer your services to tape a wedding or stage productions to show work in this area.
Having a website can allow potential clients to access your work faster and helps to establish your legitimacy as a videographer.
Performing videography services for company holiday parties during the holiday season can be one way to increase earnings.
Charging less than your competition can be a way of increasing your clientele as you try to establish your business.
Consider, when the time and job warrants, hiring staff members such as a production assistant to help organize the production schedule and to assist with smaller tasks. Other necessary staff members may include lighting and sound techs.
The expenses for advertisement can exceed income in the early stages of becoming a freelance videographer.
Freelance videographers may struggle to find steady work.
References
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