The steps required to become a videographer will vary depending on the type of videography services you plan to offer. If you plan to offer very basic video services like filming weddings and special events, then you can probably get by with little formal training. However, if you plan to offer extensive professional video editing and production services, then taking formal courses in videography, editing, and business management is in your best interest.
The first step in becoming a videographer is determining what type of videographer you plan to become. There are many video specialties that you can focus your business on. There are wedding videographers, independent film producers, studio film producers, documentary videographers, and legal videographers, just to name a few.
The next step in becoming a videographer is figuring out what education and training you will need to run your video business. People interested in offering wedding filming services will probably only need basic instructions on how to use a video camera, how to use editing software, and how to compose and mix soundtracks for video productions. On the other hand, if you plan to offer more complex video production services, you may want to complete a more comprehensive course itinerary. An example of the type of curriculum you may want to cover in your video education includes: film production, film editing, film aesthetics, script writing, music composition and editing, post effects, audio mixing, compression of DVD, web compression, and courses in the use of common movie creation software such as DVD Studio Pro and Final Cut Pro.
The third step to becoming a videographer is acquiring the equipment that you will need for your business. To get all the equipment you need, you will need to have some money set aside to invest. Some of the equipment you will need include: a computer with multimedia components, digital storage hardware and devices, camera equipment, editing equipment, sound equipment, and lighting equipment.
Once you’ve set up your video production studio, your next step will be to design and implement an ad campaign. This campaign should focus on getting the word out about your services. Marketing devices that you will want to design include: brochures, business cards, price lists, and flyers. Lastly, you may want to put together a demo reel to show potential customers what you can do.