Videographer Job Description
Videographers shoot, develop, and edit video to capture important moments, sporting events, and other action. Videographers work full- and part-time hours during flexible shifts, including weekends and evenings, depending on when events are scheduled to take place. Businesses or venues may hire videographers on a permanent basis, but many videographers work for themselves as freelancers and divide their working hours between traveling to various events to capture video out in the field and working in office environments to edit recorded video.
Videographer Duties and Responsibilities
Videographers perform various job duties based on the event they’re recording and the needs of the hiring business or individual. Despite those differences, however, these core job tasks are the same everywhere:
Capture Action on Camera
Videographers record important events using camera, lighting, and audio equipment.
Direct Action
Videographers direct people to capture specific action and events for the camera.
Edit Recorded Video
Videographers edit captured video to tell concise, visually pleasing stories.
Set Up Equipment
Videographers set up and break down recording equipment before and after use. This includes taping down cables for safety.
Maintain Equipment
Videographers keep all video and audio equipment in good working order, replacing pieces as necessary.
Design Promotional Videos
Videographers create short promotional videos for the hiring company or for personal marketing purposes.
Negotiate Pricing
Videographers negotiate rates with clients based on the amount of time spent filming and editing video materials.
Track Time
Videographers track time spent shooting and editing video in order to create invoices for clients or to fill out timesheets for employers.
Videographer Skills and Qualifications
Videographers have a good eye for detail and beauty. They use their skills to tell visual stories with video and audio recorded during various events. Employers and individuals who hire videographers seek out professionals who have the following specific skills:
- Computer skills – videographers need good computer skills to work with various video editing software programs, such as Adobe, Cinema 4D, and Photoshop
- Interpersonal skills – videographers use excellent interpersonal skills to work with people of all ages from all walks of life, helping them feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera
- Time management – videographers use time management skills to work within tight deadlines, capturing action and once-in-a-lifetime moments on camera
- Multitasking – because videographers capture many different moments, people, and expressions on camera, employers look for professionals with multitasking skills to fill this role
- Communication skills – videographers provide direction to capture the right moments on camera, which requires good verbal communication skills
- Physical fitness – it takes physical fitness for videographers to transport, move, set up, and take down various pieces of heavy recording equipment
- Attention to detail – videographers use keen attention to detail to make precise edits to captured video and stage beautiful scenes for filming purposes
Tools of the Trade
Videographers work regularly with the following tools:
- Camera equipment (digital cameras, video recording cameras)
- Lighting equipment (spotlights, handheld lights)
- Audio equipment (microphones)
Videographer Education and Training
Education requirements for videographers vary based on the hiring employer or individual. Some employers seeking full-time videographers look for professionals who have a bachelor’s degree in videography or a related field of study. However, most employers and hiring individuals only require past experience rather than formal training. Videographers are usually required to have their own equipment and must have a valid driver’s license to travel to various events and occasions. Videographers must also have a portfolio showcasing their past work and abilities.
Training is not typically provided to videographers, who already have the specific skill set needed to capture video and audio.
Videographer Salary and Outlook
According to PayScale, videographers earn $42,992 in annual income. Job data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows film and video editors and camera operators earn a median salary of $58,210 annually, or $27.99 hourly. There were over 55,000 jobs for film and video editors and camera operators in 2016, a number that is projected to rise 13 percent through 2026. This rate is faster than the national job growth average.
Videographers do not usually receive benefits from employers, as they are often hired on an event-by-event basis and frequently work as freelancers. Videographers are typically required to pay for their own health and life insurance needs and manage their own vacation and retirement needs. Some employers who hire full-time videographers may provide basic benefits, but this is not common.
Helpful Resources
Use these books and websites to find job strategies and career advancement opportunities for videographers:
The Worldwide Event Videographers Association – videographers display their work on this website, which also offers information about videography awards, a networking forum for professionals, and on-site contests
Cinematography: Theory and Practice – this comprehensive guide to videography covers the basics of cinematography and more advanced recording techniques, including digital recording techniques
The American Guild of Court Videographers – look for videographer news and upcoming events, find out more about certification programs, and look for training resources at this website for all court videographers
Videographers’ Audio Handbook – this book covers essential information videographers need to know about capturing audio, including setting up equipment and capturing distortion-free dialogue. The conversational tone is easy to read for videographers of all skill levels
Videographer Awards – videographers of all types can compete at this website that gives out videographer awards
How to Film a Wedding: A Startup Guide to Wedding Videography – learn the secrets to filming a wedding, from preparation to editing, with the tips and techniques explained in this book
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