If you’ve always enjoyed being the one behind the camera when it’s time to film a video, you may enjoy a career in videography. With the advent of digital video, the need for videographers is on the rise. While videographers used to work primarily in news broadcasting, there are now many fields that require videographers.
Videographers still work in broadcast video, but they also work for corporations making ads and informational videos for YouTube channels. Some independent filmmakers and even major motion films are filming digital as well. Once you get into the industry, the sky’s the limit.
If you want to become a videographer, but aren’t sure where to start, read on for some tips on how to become a videographer.
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Educate Yourself
While videoing may seem as simple as pressing the record button and aiming your camera, there are actually a lot of conventions and techniques that professionals are expected to follow. If you’re able to go to film school or take a college course, that is your best option. However, if those are out of reach, there are many online programs that are more affordable or even free. You can also read books and websites and watch videos to educate yourself.
Get A Mentor
One of the best ways to learn a craft like videography is by observing a master. A mentor can help you learn the important skills you need and can give you helpful career advice. A mentor will also often look at your work and give you constructive criticism. Lastly, the right mentor can open doors for you and get you jobs. If your mentor appreciates your talent, they will often refer you for jobs they can’t take themselves.
Get Good Equipment
While you don’t have to have the top of the line camera and equipment when you’re starting out, it’s a good idea to invest in some quality equipment. Most videographers use a DSLR camera, but many of the newest smartphone models have powerful video capabilities. Both of these options can produce professional-quality videos.
To elevate your work from amateur to professional, you should get a gimbal. This device improves the stabilization of your video and will give you a much more polished shot. A microphone setup can also improve your sound quality, which will help with the overall quality of your video.
Learn How to Use Adobe Premiere Pro
When you’re just getting started, you may not have the money to hire an editor, so it’s a good idea to learn the basics of editing so that you can edit your own work. You’ll need to invest in movie editing software to edit and continue developing your skills.
If you want your videos to have a professional, finished look, then you’ll want to use Adobe Premiere Pro. This software is used by professionals in the field and will give you the highest quality results. Once you get the program, spend some time learning how to use it, and get ready to take your videos to the next level.
Create Your Own Work
Getting your first few jobs is the hardest stage of your career. You know that you have the skills and talents, but many clients don’t want to hire someone who doesn’t have much experience. You simply can’t expect to get big jobs with high fees for a while. You may need to start by creating some sample videos. Think about the industry you’re wanting to work in and develop a couple of videos that will fit in that niche. These samples will at least give you something to show a future employer.
You can also work for free or for a lower fee for your first few assignments. These jobs can help you build up the experience you’ll need to get higher-paying jobs later. If you have a friend who needs a video, you can create one in exchange for a testimonial.
Market Yourself
If you want to get jobs as a videographer, you have to market yourself. Once you have some samples or a few jobs completed, you need to get your name out there. You can post on job boards, create a LinkedIn profile, or create your own website. Make sure to use lots of keywords detailing exactly what you do. It may also be a good idea to create a YouTube channel to share your work.
Now that you have a plan in place, it’s time to put it into action. Start learning all of the skills you need to become a videographer, and start making videos as soon as you can. The more you do, the more you can learn. With the right motivation, you can position yourself for a great career in videography.
If you are interested in even more design-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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