How to become a Videographer

With video becoming the most popular way of advertising businesses online, becoming a videographer is in very high demand. Being a videographer combines art and communication, and it can be a very financially lucrative business to pursue. With the right training, experience, and dedication, you can pursue your passion for videography and make it a successful career. If you want to break into this field, here’s what you need to know.

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‍Step 1: Learn the craft of creating videos

If you want to pursue a career in videography, you have two pathways you can pursue. There are both formal and informal ways of getting a start in the industry. Formally, you can pursue an education in video production courses at film schools or universities. This will allow you to gain the technical knowledge and creative skills needed to be successful in this field.  Informally, you can also take advantage of online tutorials or YouTube videos that teach basic videography principles.

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‍Step 2: Get experience with video making

Having an impressive body of work is probably the most important aspect of becoming a successful videographer in Australia. To build up your portfolio you should take every opportunity you get to shoot short films, wedding or corporate videos that showcase your talent as a cinematographer. It’s also important to build up a strong network of contacts who may be able to provide job opportunities or advice on how best to succeed in this field. Creating your own website or posting your work on social media is also essential for getting noticed by potential clients.

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‍Step 3: Purchase your own equipment

In addition to having the right experience and portfolio, having the right equipment is crucial for becoming a successful videographer. Investing in quality cameras and lighting equipment will help ensure that your videos look professional and polished. It’s also important to have editing software, like Final Cut Pro, so that you can easily edit any footage before submitting it for client review or release. Additionally, sound equipment, including microphones is essential if you plan on shooting any interviews or documentaries as part of your projects. Once you purchase the equipment, make sure you also insure it.

Step 4: Join an industry body and keep learning

There are several professional organisations for videographers in Australia, such as the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and the Australian Screen Editors Guild (ASE). Joining one of these industry groups can help you network with other professionals and stay up to date on industry news. These groups often hold workshops and seminars that can help you learn more about videography. Attend as many of these as possible to gain new skills and knowledge.

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‍Step 5: Start your own business

If you have the drive and ambition, you could start your own video production company. This will allow you to be your own boss and set your own hours, but it will also require a lot of hard work and dedication. Another option for employment is to work freelance. This means that you will not be employed by a specific company, but rather you will work on a contract basis for various clients. This can be a great way to get started in your career, but it does have its drawbacks, such as not having steady work or being paid less than those who are employed full-time. Take this quick business quiz to see if you have the right attributes to start your own business.

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‍Step 6: Take care of your financial admin

Many videographers are creative and hate the admin part of running a business. With most business owners spending over 6 hours a week on financial admin, Thriday is the perfect solution for those that would prefer to focus on their craft rather than looking at books. Thriday is an all-in-one financial management platform that automates banking, accounting and tax. Everything you need is taken care of, and you have the added peace of mind of being able to access BAS tax experts whenever you need. You can sign up for a free trial today.

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Becoming a videographer requires dedication, creativity and hard work. Start by taking video production courses at film schools or universities and learning your trader through online tutorials to gain the technical knowledge and creative skills you need to stand out. To augment your video skills, build up contacts through networking events; create an online presence; invest in quality equipment and you should have all the ingredients you need to start a successful videography business.