Freelance Videography Work: Tips for Getting Started

Some people have a natural gift behind a camera, capturing beautiful scenes on film that would otherwise only exist in memory.

Are you one of those people? (I wish I was! I do okay with still… but video? That’s another beast entirely!)

In any case, the number of job opportunities for freelance videographers looking to make a regular career out of their art has grown in recent years – speaking to the increased demand for real-time entertainment and edutainment, thanks to outlets like YouTube.

Would you like to become a freelance video product? Here are some good tips for getting started.

Getting Started

• The first step is to acquire experience.
• Make sure you are familiar with different forms of video production and editing tools (like Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Adobe’s Creative Suite). Online tutorials or classes at your local community college should help you master the basics. Then it’s just a matter of practice, practice, practice!
• Consider volunteering your services locally for different events until you create a demo reel.
• Once you have your demo reel and at least several months of experience, you can start networking through different videographers and clients.
• Establish your base clientele, then start expanding to jobs at different types of events, whether it is weddings, sports games, or corporate functions.
• Focus on establishing yourself in a niche, so you can have continuity in the style of video that you work with.

Have you worked in the freelance videography business? What tips do you have to share?