What Is a Videographer?
Videography has been around for more than 100 years, since Joseph Plateau first created moving images with his phenakistoscope. Today it stands as one of the primary forms of media.
Many videographers begin their careers with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, while others may take short courses teaching basic camera techniques and filmmaking fundamentals like editing.
Videographer
Visual stories tell a powerful narrative through video capture, whether at a wedding or war zone. Videographers work alone or with teams of production professionals and must possess outstanding technical abilities for producing high-quality videos.
Videographers must possess creativity, intuition and sensitivity while being able to express themselves both verbally and visually through writing or work. In addition, they are highly organized individuals capable of managing multiple projects at the same time. For this role to be successful, videographers need a passion for sharing ideas via film and video and be drawn in by cinematography as an art form.
Beginning videographers can explore freelancing opportunities by providing services to family and friends for free, building their portfolio, networking through attending workshops and events within the industry, obtaining certification to demonstrate that they possess specialized knowledge and abilities needed for the job, etc.
Photographer
Videographers are filmmakers who use video cameras to capture images that can then be edited into videos for promotional or marketing purposes, events or activities. Their services may also be sought by companies looking to utilize videos as part of their promotional or sales strategies as well as to add music, captions or other effects into the final product.
Videographers must possess both technical expertise and creative vision to be effective videographers. Experience can often be gained by photographing weddings or special events for free to build up their portfolio, while being quick at setting up and disassembling equipment quickly is also essential.
Camera technology continues to advance quickly, making it easier for videographers to capture realistic video footage on a tight budget. As a result, demand for videographers has steadily grown over the past decade or two – they may work independently or as part of a production crew; on larger projects they may be known as cinematographers; these professionals work closely with directors to ensure quality products at completion.
Editor
Videographers offer something that photographers cannot: the ability to capture those special moments between photographs during weddings, reunions and bar/bat mitzvahs that often go unseen by photographers. Furthermore, videographers can capture key events at sports events and parties as well as memorable ones from weddings or reunions. Videographers must have the creative freedom and independence necessary to meet client demands while communicating effectively under pressure and working well as independent professionals.
Videographers require extensive knowledge of filmmaking and editing techniques, the ability to understand client briefs and make recommendations on how best to meet those briefs, keeping up with new filming equipment and software as they come out, etc.
As with any field, entering videography requires more than just formal education to break in successfully. Internships and apprenticeships provide invaluable hands-on experience with specialized equipment – once you understand how videography works you can start searching online for jobs, making phone calls to film companies, spreading the word among friends and family – the possibilities are limitless!
Producer
Videographers combine elements of filmmaking, sound design and editing in one. As part of a one-person team they may oversee all aspects of video production from filming, editing and digitally optimizing video for uploading onto various video platforms.
Videography requires creativity and technical know-how at a high level, along with the ability to think on your feet. A videographer must also meet deadlines effectively while possessing time management abilities that enable multitasking.
Videographers can benefit from attending workshops and networking with other professionals in their industry to sharpen their craft and increase their network. Attending workshops allows videographers to develop more of an understanding of filmmaking techniques as well as create an overview reel of previous work to showcase to prospective clients of their style and approach to filming. Also, videographers must keep their equipment updated as manufacturers release high-tech filmmaking tools; plus be able to effectively communicate with clients as well as have physical fitness to carry and set up large pieces of camera equipment.
Videography has been around for more than 100 years, since Joseph Plateau first created moving images with his phenakistoscope. Today it stands as one of the primary forms of media. Many videographers begin their careers with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, while others may take short courses teaching basic camera techniques and filmmaking…