From Rookie to Pro: How to Become a Videographer That Matters

By Alvin Motilla

Want to know how to become a videographer and turn your passion for visual storytelling into reality?

Imagine yourself behind a video camera, capturing moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

This article explains how to become a videographer or turn your interest in videography into a hobby or career.

As you review your footage, you're fascinated by the way moments of pure joy, laughter, even sadness, are forever preserved. And you think to yourself,...

"How amazing it is to create videos that can touch people's hearts!"

You may have limited resources and no formal education in videography. But you have passion and curiosity for visual expression.

And so, you're wondering how to become a videographer.

How can you turn your interest in videography into a hobby or career? Let's find out...

What is a videographer?

Is a videographer really just a "person who shoots videos" simply because they have a camera?

If so, then anybody who has a smartphone and uses it to take pictures is already a photographer.

Think about it...

Someone who just wants to operate the camera is a "camera operator". It's similar to someone who operates the elevator and is called an "elevator operator".

In essence, the person involved is mainly dealing with the mechanical or technical stuff.

Is a videographer really just only involved with technical things?

According to Online Etymology Dictionary, the word "videographer" combines two elements, "video" and "-grapher".

"Video" comes from the Latin word, "videre", which means, "to see".

"-grapher" (or "-graph") is a suffix from the Greek word "graphein", which means, "to write".

So, a "videographer" is literally someone who "writes with video".

Or someone who creates visual content using video cameras but can manage both creative and technical tasks.

What this means is that...

A videographer is more than someone who points a camera and presses record.

A videographer transcends the mechanical act of recording, crafting visual narratives that resonate.

A videographer is someone who...

• specializes in capturing moving images, and
• aims to evoke emotions and connect with audiences through their lens.

In short, a videographer is a visual storyteller who creates meaningful connections through their craft.

What do videographers do?

Videographers take on different roles. Some of the tasks that they do include...

• planning shots,
• operating cameras, and
• editing footage.

But they can also...

• write scripts,
• interview people,
• direct some scenes,
• manage lighting and sound, and
• work with clients to bring a creative vision to life (for paid video projects).

To learn how to become a videographer, one must understand what a videographer does.

If you're wondering why they juggle multiple roles, it's because many videographers find themselves working independently, or in small teams.

Unlike cinematographers who often work on larger productions, videographers usually handle smaller-scale projects.

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Personally, I first learned writing scripts and guides for video shoots. Then, I learned to use various cameras like big and small camcorders, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras.

Pictures of me working as a videographer.

Meanwhile, I learned editing videos -- and continue to improve -- using several consumer and professional video editing software.

And when I shoot and create videos, I do almost all of the tasks I mentioned above.

Here's what I realized...

You can spend years being this videographer whose head is so deep into technical stuff, gear obsession, and the fear of missing out (FOMO).

I know because new shiny objects can be tempting, and I know colleagues who are so infected with this mental state -- especially FOMO.

But I resolved to distance myself from those unnecessary anxieties and adopt a more sensible approach to my work.

Whatever I do as a videographer...

• It's all about communicating and connecting through videos.
• It's about turning raw materials into visual stories that evoke feelings and engage viewers with the subject matter.

Instead of trying to impress by always being flashy, I'm trying to express by being authentic.

How to Become a Videographer: A Roadmap to Develop Your Skills

Here's how you can learn videography...

Here's a suggested roadmap on how to become a videographer.

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1. Decide how you'll get your needed education.
   
   
2. Understand different videography situations and specific functions or roles.
   
   
3. Know the essential tools each role needs to start videography.
   
   
4. Assess your current background and skills.
   
   
5. Know the different paths you can take in videography.
   
   
6. Build a strong foundational skill set.
   
   
7. Identify and overcome potential obstacles that could prevent you from creating engaging videos.

Now, let's discuss each one in detail...

Do Videographers Need a Degree: Formal Education VS Self-Taught

Do you need formal education to become a videographer?

Here's an encouraging truth: Not necessarily!

Yes, formal education in film or video production can give you a solid foundation. It can provide even a deeper grasp of what you're pursuing because of extensive theoretical discussions.

But it's not always necessary.

In the real world, many videographers are self-taught.

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According to BYU Marriott School of Business, more and more young people are taking the initiative to teach themselves about video production. This trend is fueled by the increasing demand for video content in marketing.

Even a person with no experience can learn how to become a videographer through practical experience and the right resources.

The key is your dedication to learn, your passion, and your persistence.

You may want to get some formal education, or be a self-guided learner, or both!

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Here's what I recommend...

Even if you have already received some formal education in videography, you'll do better if you also become a self-guided learner. Why?

Because I believe learning doesn't have to stop.

How to become a videographer: Embrace the reality that learning is an ongoing process.

In order to grow as a videographer, one needs to understand and continually practice:

• Making compelling shots
• Telling stories through visuals and sounds
• Embracing the latest video-making trends and technology, focusing only on those relevant to your needs.

Essential Equipment to Start and Specific Videography Situations and Roles

This one is a little tricky to discuss because there's no one-size-fits all answer to the question, "What equipment do I need to do videography?"

But for beginners, let's make this as simple as possible...

Unlike what you may hear from pure gear review YouTube channels and websites, you don't necessarily have to own the latest equipment.

And you don't have to invest immediately in expensive high-end gear when starting your videography journey.

Here are a few essential tools that you actually need initially:

• A decent camera -- one that can do the job for the types of videos you want to shoot and create
  
  
• Basic audio capturing or recording equipment
  
  
• A sturdy tripod
  
  
• Simple editing software
  
  
• Storage solutions for your footage

Now, because different newbies have different needs based on what they specifically want to pursue, let's briefly discuss the following shooting contexts or scenarios.

How to Become a Videographer--Videography as a Hobby

If you want to do videography as a hobby, here are some basic tools to start with...

Camera:

• Smartphone: A good smartphone can work initially. Use its video mode to shoot your videos.
  
  
• Old DSLR Camera: You can also use an old DSLR camera, especially if you like shooting like a cinematographer, the person who decides how a movie looks. This means you're okay with focusing manually, which is what many cinematographers do. And since most DSLR cameras don't have an auto-focus system.
  
  (DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex. It's a camera that allows you to shoot both photos and videos. A mirror inside the camera reflects the light from the lens to the viewfinder.)
  
  
• APS-C Mirrorless Camera: If you have the budget, you can get a used APS-C mirrorless camera. It has autofocus technology and is easier to use than a DSLR camera.
  
  (APS-C stands for Advanced Photo System type-C. It's a camera with a sensor size smaller than a full-frame sensor, but larger than the sensors in smartphones and compact cameras. In short, an APS-C camera is a smaller, more affordable version of a professional-grade camera.)

Lens:

• If yours is a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, you may want a versatile zoom lens, like 18-55mm, 16-50mm, or a similar midrange zoom lens.

How to Become a Videographer--Videography as a Side Hustle: Solo Shooter

If you want to do videography as a side hustle and you'll be operating as a solo shooter-video creator, here are a few essential tools you'll need...

• APS-C Mirrorless Camera: A great starting point for video shooting.
  
  
• Versatile Zoom Lens: Provides flexibility, especially when shooting events. Examples include 18-105mm, 18-50mm, or 17-70mm zoom lenses.
  
  
• Basic External Microphone: Improves sound quality. Consider a shotgun mic and/or a low-cost wireless mic system with a lav mic.
  
  
• Stable Tripod: Ensures steady shots.
  
  
• Spare Batteries and High-Capacity Memory Cards: To ensure that you can continue recording videos, especially during long video shoots or coverage.
  
  
• Free or Low-Cost Editing Software: Options that don't require you to pay monthly subscriptions, like DaVinci Resolve.
  
  (Mastering the basics of video editing is imperative for bringing your footage to life and creating professional-looking videos.)
  
  

Tools that can follow...

• Prime Lens: A 23mm lens for a classic documentary look or a 56mm lens for video portraiture (both for APS-C). Or any prime lens that you feel can get your creative juices flowing when shooting with it.
  
  
• Electronic Gimbal or a Handheld Steadicam: Both can provide very smooth tracking or gliding shots. A gimbal is great for those who prefer the ease of automation, though you'll need to monitor its battery level. A handheld steadicam is ideal for those who want their manual skill to be the sole driving force behind their camera movement.
  
  
• LED light: Great for adding some extra light when you're shooting in a studio or controlled setting.

How to Become a Videographer--Videography as a Side Hustle: Part of a Team

Let's say you've had many experiences as a solo shooter-video creator, and now you want to work in a small production team. Or perhaps, a need arises for you to operate within a team. What video production tools do you need in this scenario?

The specific tools you'll use will vary, depending on:

• Your specific role in the production team, and
• The kind of teammates you have

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First, let's tackle the kind of teammates you have...

Your ideal teammates would be problem solvers who are open-minded and human-focused. They care more about what human viewers will experience as they watch the video than the gear they use.

For the team members, it's not about having the latest and best gear, but knowing how to effectively use what you have to serve the viewers.

They acknowledge that human audiences do not "pixel peep" at the footage, unlike many photographers and video shooters. Audiences are there to get a positive experience from watching the video.

However, my experiences in dealing with other shooters tell me that many are still very gear-oriented. They cannot move past being gear heads to becoming communicators who simply use gear as tools.

They're still affected by the fear of missing out. I have a colleague who felt left behind simply because his mirrorless camera is APS-C, not full-frame. I felt sorry for him because I believe it's about making the most of what you have and using your tools properly.

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Now, let's talk about some possible roles you may take on in a small production team and the essential tools you could use...

In a small production team, each role is crucial to the success of a project. Here are the four key positions:

• the main camera shooter
• the second camera shooter
• the creative camera shooter, and
• the video editor

After discussing the specific responsibilities of each role, we'll break down the essential tools for each one...

How to Become a Videographer: The Main Camera Shooter

The "Main Camera Shooter" typically:

• Captures essential, must-have moments or the main action of an event.
  
  
• Takes responsibility for the primary narrative, or core storytelling.
  
  
• Coordinates with other shooters.
  
  
• Can also decide on the positioning of other shooters and the timing of their shots for harmonious teamwork.

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Essential tools of a main camera shooter include:

• Main Camera: A mirrorless camera--either an APS-C or a full-frame camera--that doesn't have video recording limit, which is ideal for long takes or extended video recordings.
  
  
• Primary Lens: A versatile zoom lens for flexibility in various shooting scenarios. Like 18-105mm, 17-70mm, or 18--50mm (for APS-C camera). Or 24--105mm, 24--70mm, or 28--75mm (for full frame camera).
  
  
• Tripod: A sturdy tripod with fluid head for smooth panning and tilting shots.
  
  
• External Microphone: A shotgun mic on camera for general audio capturing. Also, a wireless lavalier mic system for shooting interviews, messages, and on camera presentations. An audio recorder can also come in handy especially for voice over recordings and other dedicated sound recordings.
  
  
• Earphones: For sound monitoring, especially when covering speeches, interviews, messages, and on-cam presentations.
  
  
• Spare Batteries and High-Capacity Memory Cards: To ensure no interruptions during long video shoots.
  
  
• Basic Lighting Kit: Like a simple LED light panel for controlled lighting in various settings.

How to Become a Videographer: The Second Camera Shooter

A "Second Camera Shooter" takes on a support role that:

• Provides alternative angles of the main action that complement the shots of the main camera.
  
  
• Captures candid reaction shots of people to the main action.
  
  
• Covers secondary events happening simultaneously to provide other perspectives.
  
  
• Works in coordination with the main shooter.

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A second camera shooter typically uses:

• Secondary Camera: A mirrorless camera--either an APS-C or a full-frame camera--to capture additional perspectives on the main action and supplementary shots (B-roll footage).
  
  
• Secondary Lenses: A telephoto zoom lens to complement the main camera shots. Especially useful when capturing candid reaction shots. Lenses like 55-200mm (APS-C), or 70--200mm (full frame). Standard prime lenses with wide apertures to let more light reach the camera sensor can also come in handy, especially in low-light situations. Primes like 23mm and 33mm (for APS-C), or 35mm and 50mm (for full-frame) are useful for shooting B-roll, interviews, and other talking head stuff.
  
  
• Secondary Tripod or Monopod: A sturdy tripod for stable extended coverage from additional angles. A monopod for mobility, especially when you need to quickly shoot candid moments and reaction shots from different viewpoints.
  
  
• Batteries and High-Capacity Memory Cards: For uninterrupted shooting and storing footage.
  
  
• External Mic and/or Wireless Microphone System: This could be a simple shotgun mounted on the secondary camera for general sound capturing. Or a simple wireless mic system with a lavalier mic for shooting other needed interviews or messages.
  
  
• Earphones: For audio monitoring.
  
  
• Portable LED Light: For additional lighting in dim areas and in controlled shooting environments.

How to Become a Videographer: The Creative Camera Shooter

A "Creative Camera Shooter" primarily captures artistic, unexpected, and supplementary footage that adds creative flair to the final video. Here are their main functions:

• Looks for unique angles and creative compositions.
  
  
• Captures detail shots and ambient moments.
  
  
• Shoots beauty and glamour shots of key persons in an event, just like what portrait photographers do.
  
  
• Has more freedom to experiment with different shooting styles or techniques.
  
  
• Uses different tools like gimbals, macro lenses, or drones.

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A creative camera shooter typically works with:

• Creative Camera: A mirrorless camera--either APS-C or full frame--with high frames per second (FPS) capabilities (60 fps, 120 fps, or higher). Usually used for shooting slow motion footage.
  
  
• Wide-Angle Lens: Could be a wide-angle prime lens like 16mm (APS-C), or an ultra wide-angle prime like 11mm (APS-C). Could also be an ultra wide-angle prime like 20mm or 17mm (full frame). You could also go with a zoom lens with moderately wide to ultra-wide range--like 10--20mm or 10--18mm (APS-C). Or 16-35mm and 17--28mm (full-frame). The ultra wide perspective contributes to that unique immersive look to some of the shots in the final video.
  
  
• Prime Lens: A portrait lens for beauty and glamour shots. Like 50mm, 56mm, or 75mm (APS-C), or 75mm, 85mm, 135mm (full-frame). A macro lens for shooting extreme close ups of key objects like wedding rings and food ingredients, or body parts like lips and eyes. There's 60mm or 40mm (for APS-C) and 100mm or 90mm (for full frame).
  
  
• Electronic Gimbal Stabilizer: For dynamic movement shots, especially when combined with slow motion.
  
  
• Wireless Microphone System: A simple wireless mic system, the transmitter of which has a built-in mic for capturing clear audio from a distance.

How to Become a Videographer: The Video Editor

A "video editor" in a small production team plays a crucial role in shaping the final output of a video project. Here are their main functions:

• Imports all the raw footage shot by the video shooters into the editing software; organizes the clips into folders and bins.
  
  
• Creates a rough cut by arranging clips in the desired sequence; fine-tunes it by trimming clips and making precise cuts to improve flow and pacing.
  
  
• Adds relevant visual effects to enhance the footage; incorporates needed titles and graphics.
  
  
• Edits sound to ensure dialogue and sound effects match the footage; adjusts levels and mixes the audio tracks to create a balanced and polished soundscape.
  
  
• Ensures consistent exposure and a cohesive look that aligns with the project's vision by color correcting or color grading.
  
  
• Exports the final video in the required format and resolution; handles needed revisions based on feedback from the client.
  
  
• Works closely with other team members to ensure the final video aligns with the creative vision; solves technical issues that arise during the editing process.

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A video editor needs:

• High-Performance Computer: To ensure smooth editing workflow. This could be a powerful desktop computer--better if with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Or a powerful laptop--for those who often travel and those who do same-day edits in different places.
  
  
• Powerful Editing Software: For professional video editing. Examples include DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro.
  
  
• External Hard Drives: For ample storage and backup of footage.
  
  
• Card reader: For copying files from the SD cards of video shooters.
  
  
• Good Quality Headphones or Earphones: For precise audio editing and sound mixing.
  
  
• Audio editing software: For detailed audio editing and enhancement. But this can already come with your powerful editing software of choice. Examples include DaVinci Resolve's Fairlight and Adobe's Audition.
  
  
• Basic motion graphics software: This can also come with your powerful editing software of choice. Examples include DaVinci Resolve's Fusion and Adobe's After Effects. Or a separate motion graphics software depending on the kind of graphics you need to create.
  
  
• Hard case or protective gear: For transportation of your powerful laptop and other video editing tools.

"How do I get started in videography?" Understand your starting point.

Why?

So that you'll be aware of your existing strengths and weaknesses. You'll know what to capitalize on and you'll know what to improve on.

People who decide to become videographers come from different backgrounds. Here are a few typical backgrounds:

Hobbyists: People who start out shooting family events, their hobbies, or vacations and then fall in love with it. They also try to learn editing their videos.

Social Media Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy using social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook, and want to start creating vlogs or tutorials. They want to gradually hone their skills in videography.

Film Enthusiasts and Video Production Students: People passionate about movies and filmmaking are drawn to the technical and artistic aspects of videography. Also, some former students start with artistic aspirations, but later find commercial videography to be more sustainable.

Artists and Creatives: People with a background in forms of visual art--like graphic design or photography--and who want to expand their skills to include moving images.

Tech Savvy Individuals: People who love playing with gadgets and technology and are comfortable with software. They often get into videography to explore their interests in using cameras for shooting and editing software for post-production tasks.

Storytellers: These are writers, journalists, or anyone with a strong storytelling urge. They find videography to be a powerful way to convey their narratives and connect with viewers.

Professionals Looking for a Career Change: They are individuals in unrelated fields who discover a passion for video making and decide to make a career switch.

Event Planners and Entrepreneurs: Those who organize parties, weddings, corporate events, or other gatherings often start shooting videos to document these occasions. They later realize they have a knack for it. Also, some people see videography as a business opportunity and start their own production companies.

Different Paths in Videography: Know Your Direction

Before you decide to become a videographer, it's important to understand your background and think about the direction you want to take.

Videography offers diverse paths. Try to explore these avenues to find what resonates with you...

Freelance Work: You work independently on various projects, including event coverage, social media content, and small business promotional videos. Freelance work offers flexibility.

Corporate Video Production: Joining a corporate video production team offers stability, unlike freelance work. Many businesses need internal training videos or promotional content. As a corporate videographer, you create product demos, training videos, company profiles, and marketing materials.

Event Videography: Specialize in capturing special events like weddings, conferences, sports events, and parties. Unlike freelancers who are jacks-of-all-trades, event videographers focus solely on events. This path suits those who love action and frequent travel.

Documentary Filmmaking: This path allows you to delve deep into stories that matter. If you’re passionate about storytelling, documentaries can make a significant impact. Projects can include independent productions, non-profit work, and personal passion projects. Though it may be less popular, it allows you to inform and inspire through short or long-form documentaries, often driven by passion over profit.

How to Become a Videographer: Build Your Foundation

I think the key to building your videography foundation—or growing your videography skills—is to learn the basics of video making until you master it.

And remember, the journey of learning and growing never ends... Keep learning and growing as long as you live. 😉

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Aspiring videographers need to learn the following, regardless of gear:

How to become a videographer: Learn and develop these essential videography skills.

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Technical Skills:

• Camera settings and operation (depends on the specific camera you have)
• Lighting principles
• Audio capturing and recording

Organizational Skills:

• File organization and management

Creative Skills:

• Composition basics
• Narrative structure and storytelling techniques
• Video and audio editing fundamentals

For a detailed discussion of these video-making fundamentals, check out this article.

Common Pitfalls for Aspiring Videographers

Okay, we've talked about how to become a videographer.

However, there are obstacles that can hinder videographers from making good videos. Awareness of these problems is essential to solve them.

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So, here are some obstacles that I encountered myself as a videographer... and that you may encounter as well... reasons why we may find it hard to make engaging videos.

Do you recognize any one of them?

How to become a videographer? Overcome the obstacles that can hinder you from creating great videos.

Overlooking What It Means to Make Good Videos

Our desire is to create videos, right? But it's not mediocre videos that we want to make.

A good video is simply one that engages the viewers. If we forget the viewers in our creation process, our videos will fail to become good presentations.

Because to make a good video is to focus and to jump into the process of “making it”, while keeping an eye on your audience.

Obsessing with Gear

I see many videographers who put so much importance on equipment. They feel more excited to talk about cameras, lenses, software, and latest gadgets than to talk about improving craft and creativity.

It’s not that gear doesn’t matter, but gear becomes an obstacle if treated as the end rather than as tools.

Creating good videos is already challenging. If that’s really your goal, you need to feel more enthusiastic about the practice of “doing it” than anything else.

Peer Pressure

Peers are helpful if they share the same direction you're heading.

If you associate with people who are into the communication aspect of making videos, I think you’ll find it easier to make videos that connect with your audience.

But, if you hang out more with gear-oriented fellows, you’ll be having a hard time hitting your goal. Because you’ll be influenced to pay attention to trivial matters of video production.

Comparing Yourself with Another Videographer

You’ll find it hard to make good videos if you’re always comparing yourself to other videographers.

If you’re doing that, you’re just triggering your feeling of insecurity. And you say to yourself, “There are videographers out there who are better than me, and who have better gear than me.”

Well, that might be true! But does it mean you're not in any way capable of producing your own works that viewers will appreciate, regardless of your gear? You can make your original, engaging videos.

So, instead of hurting your ego by making needless comparisons, it’s better to...

• put your blinders on,
• mind your own project, and
• do your own thing silently.

As Agnes Varda, “The Grandmother of French New Wave” Cinema, once said...

“Maybe I wouldn’t have made films if I had seen lots of others; maybe it would have stopped me. I started totally free and crazy and innocent.”

Relying on Formulas

“Formulas” are strict patterns about what elements to include, and where to place them in your video presentations. It’s like a recipe whose ingredients and proportions never change.

An example is using the same songs and placement of those songs for different wedding videos.

I remember back then when a friend paid me to edit videos he shot from different weddings. He even told me to use the same list of songs for all those wedding videos. :-l

Formulas don’t work well for engaging viewers because every project has its own audience with unique concerns.

And formulas restrain you from thinking creatively about how to cater to your viewers’ needs.

Obsessing with Look

If you put so much time and effort into the external look of your video, that can get in your way of making better videos. Why?

It's the internal dynamics—'the inner workings'—that connect with your audience more than the external look—'the packaging'.

The look of your video--color grading, effects, graphic design, widest "dynamic range" possible--may be impressive.

But, if you underestimate your video’s internal dynamics--the content, the flow of ideas, and audience reaction-- your presentation will just barely engage the audience.

Rushing Your Work

Making good videos is no different than other creative endeavors. It takes time, thought, intuition and care.

If you rush it, you may not recognize your own creative impulses that give freshness to your video... and you may fail to notice the faults in your presentation.

So, take your time and enjoy your work. :-)

Conclusion: How to Become a Videographer

Becoming a videographer is about more than just operating a camera—it's about crafting visual stories that touch hearts and connect with audiences.

The journey begins with understanding that videography transcends technical skills, focusing instead on meaningful communication through moving images.

Key lessons for aspiring videographers include:

1. Formal education isn't mandatory. Passion, dedication, and continuous self-learning are more critical than a degree. Embrace both structured learning and personal exploration.
   
   
2. Equipment matters, but it's not everything. Start with basic, affordable tools and focus on developing your storytelling skills. A smartphone or entry-level camera can be your starting point.
   
   
3. Understand the collaborative nature of video production. Whether working solo or in a team, each role—main shooter, second camera, creative shooter, or editor—contributes to the final narrative.
   
   
4. Avoid common pitfalls like gear obsession, unnecessary comparisons, and relying on rigid formulas. Instead, prioritize audience engagement and authentic storytelling.
   
   
5. Build a strong foundation in technical skills, creative composition, and narrative structure while remaining adaptable and open to continuous learning.

What unique story are you passionate about telling through your lens?