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Becoming a freelance videographer may sound like the perfect career choice for your skillset. Even if you have little experience with filming, you can follow the path to your dream career if you have what it takes.
Freelance videographer opportunities are teeming. More businesses are demanding freelancers to help them film commercial video projects. More people are wanting treasured memories like weddings to be filmed by a professional cameraman.
If you want to take on the duties of a freelance videographer, you’re at the right place. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of considering freelance videographer as a career option for your near future.
What You’ll Need
Skillset
Not just anyone with a camera can become a freelance videographer. Most clients will require past experience with videography. If you are just starting out, you should begin by filming noncommercial events, such as stock B-roll footage or family weddings, to work your way up. Once you have solid experience operating a camera, capturing unique shots, and compiling footage, then you can begin your career.
Creating a resume is a key component of any serious career. If you want to find high-quality jobs, you will want to showcase the best quality of work you possible can. Although not every client requires a resume, creating one now will help organize your career plan and prepare you for future pitching.
Including attributes like “highly organized” or “good at storytelling” will tailor your resume to your desired career. Additionally, include a list of video production equipment that you own and the types of videos you have experience filming.
Equipment
Obviously, one of the most important freelance videographer duties is providing professional quality video and audio equipment. Your studio doesn’t look like the set of a Hollywood blockbuster. As long as you minimally own a video camera and microphone, you can start getting gigs.
Additional freelance videographer equipment is a plus. If you have a studio, green screen, lighting equipment, and camera support, the variety of projects you can take on will expand and your wage will increase. If you are a complete noob and don’t yet own your own equipment, you will need to complete this step before proceeding.
There is no one “best place” to purchase video production equipment. And, of course, there is no single brand or model that will . This may not be the answer you’re looking for, but you will need to do your own research to determine what equipment to purchase. Your niche, desired projects, experience level, budget, and other personal preferences will greatly determine the kind of gear you should invest in.
What You’ll Do
Where to Find Gigs
In this day and age, the absolute best place to find freelance videography jobs is online. However, the internet doesn’t have to be your only source of revenue. Encourage referrals from friends, look in the local newspaper or bulletin board ads, and promote yourself on social media.
To put it in a nutshell, you should be looking in four main places for freelance videographer jobs. Additionally, you should be actively promoting yourself in these areas. Even if you don’t find any “Wanted Videographer” gigs, you can still create an ad, profile, or website to promote your work.
- Freelancing websites. On freelance marketplace websites like Valoso and Upwork, create a profile, search for jobs, and promote your resume.
- Local classified ads. Local newspaper ads or websites like Craigslist offer perfect opportunities for freelancers to find relevant gigs in their local area.
- Social media & forums. Create a profile to show off your videography skills. Then, search for “Wanted” or “Looking for” ads on social networks or in videography groups.
- People. Again, not all effective promotion has to take place online. Publicize your videography abilities to your friends and family and ask them to spread the word.
What to Charge
This is the part you’ve been waiting for. The question that’s been in your mind is, “How much will I make?” or “How much can I make?” Of course, any freelance videographer salary increases with experience and investments. Freelance videographer prices are typically determined by four factors.
- Experience
- Education
- Equipment
- Reviews
Although these are not the only factors that affect a freelancer’s wage, they certainly will give you an idea of how much you should charge clients. Additionally, when it comes to freelancing, there’s no set way to charging clients. However, most videographers use one of the following wage methods: day rate, hourly rate, or fixed project rate.
Different freelancers prefer each method of billing for different reasons. A day rate means you will get paid a set amount for each day you work on a project, regardless of the number of hours you put in. As a freelancer, you determine your “salary” by how much work you are willing to put in.
An hourly rate means you get what you put in. You’ll never have to work a 10-hour day and come home to the same paycheck you would receive with a 4-hour day (as is the case with a day rate). However, you only get what you put in.
With a fixed project rate, you are paid a specific amount for each project you take on, no matter the number of days or hours it takes you to complete the project. Typically, freelancers will differ their rates according to the type of project. For example, how much a freelancer should charge for weddings might be more than their cost for 30 seconds of B-roll footage.
What You’ll Film
Not all freelance videography work is the same. Many projects will fall into the same category, but you can also prepare yourself for unique gigs. For example, you might apply for a gig to film wildlife at a zoo or to create a tutorial for assembling an airplane. Don’t expect your everyday work to be too exciting, but making yourself available for these kind of unique jobs will enhance your resume.
The highest demand of video projects typically include the following: events, such as weddings or conventions; commercial video projects, such as customer testimonials or interviews; and B-roll footage. Of course, the types of video you will most commonly shoot also depends on factors like your region and potential niche.
Once you have collected your footage, most clients will require one of two things (1) the raw footage or (2) video editing. If you are inexperienced in video editing, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to find gigs for just filming, while your clients can find editing with another freelancer. When delivering client footage, make sure digital files are presented in an accessible format and always include a hard copy.
Getting Started as a Freelance Videographer
Now that you know what the life as a freelance videographer looks like, it’s time to take the next steps. The best place to get started as a videographer is in a global community built for freelancers like you. Valoso offers a platform for freelance videographers and video editors, new and seasoned, to find suitable jobs and join a welcoming online community.
If you want to start working as a freelance videographer or if you want to find a freelance videographer for your next project, register at Valoso or click below to receive a free quote.
