If you have ever recorded or edited a video on your laptop or phone, then you have engaged in videography. Videography has been around for decades, and along with advancements in technology, it has expanded into a vast, multidisciplinary field.
If you enjoy making and editing videos, you should consider making a career out of it and becoming a professional videographer.
What Is Videography?
Videography refers to the process of capturing moving images and creating video content. Although the words videography and cinematography are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Unlike cinematography, videography also includes video production and post-production, meaning it includes editing, visual effects, and sound design.
Videographers can work in a wide range of industries. Video production is a skill required by large companies and small teams, but you may also choose to simply produce your own content.
What Is Videography Used For?
Videography is used in a multitude of fields, so there are many different types of video productions. Deciding what type of production you are interested in creating is key to picking which path you will follow to begin your career. Some types of video production include:
- Video blogging. A form of web television, video blogging, or vlogging, is very popular on social media platforms. Social media users will record videos either in one take, or multiple takes about any topic that interests them. Vlogging includes aspects of video production like video editing, sound design, and subtitling.
- Advertising. Videography is also used in television and web commercials. Clients hire videographers to create clips to advertise their products in ways that will be engaging to consumers. Videographers are also responsible for the pre- and post-production of the advertisement.
- Live stream videos. Videography is not only used in recorded media but also in live media like social media streams and news broadcasts. In this instance, videographers are responsible for elements such as lighting and setting up film equipment.
- Documentaries and short films. Videography is also used in documentaries to record real-life events and interviews.
Videography Skills
To become a videographer, you will need to master many skills. Below are some of the basic skills that employers will look for in a videographer.
Creativity and Attention to Detail
To succeed in this particular art career, creativity and attention to detail are a must. You will need to be creative to capture the attention of the audience. Paying attention to detail will ensure that the videos you produce are seamless and error-free.
Technical Knowledge of Video Recording Devices
Knowing how to use all the devices necessary to record video is a core skill for videography. Whether you record with a smartphone, a professional camera, or a drone, it is crucial to know how to operate the device.
Post Production
A videographer is often also the main video editor, so post-production skills are very important. Videographers are usually expected to edit videos and optimize them for light, sound, and graphics. You may want to learn Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Premiere to enhance your edits.
Marketing skills
Videographers are also sometimes required to make promotional or commercial content. As a result, it is helpful to have an understanding of how to film in a way that will attract customers. You can improve in this area by taking marketing courses.
Learning Videography
Learning Videography takes a lot of time and effort. You may want to start by simply taking videos on your smartphone and experimenting with the basic editing features available on your device. However, in order to pursue a career in videography, you should take some formal courses and work on your other skills and portfolio in your free time.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Videography?
There is no set time frame for learning videography. It is completely dependent on your learning style and the time and effort you put into it. If you enroll in a course, you will get a better idea of how long it may take you to master. Videography courses can range in length from just a couple of hours to six months.
How to Learn Videography: Step-by-Step
- Take classes and watch tutorials. The first step to learning videography is to understand the field. Before purchasing any equipment, you should study the tools required to be a videographer. This may include taking courses on video editing, such as an Adobe Creative Cloud bootcamp.
- Purchase and download the tools. After learning about the tools of the trade, you can purchase and download the ones that you are most excited to use. If you are new to the field, you should invest in beginner equipment and only purchase advanced tools once you have gained more experience.
- Practice. Now that you have the tools and basic knowledge, you can start practicing by shooting and editing your own videos. You can view free resources online to learn tips as you create.
- Build a portfolio. A videographer’s portfolio acts as their resume, so you must build one. Start by offering free services so you will have material to add to your portfolio. You should also build a website to showcase your work.
- Apply for jobs. Now, you can start applying for jobs according to your areas of interest. There are a variety of jobs in videography. You may be hired to film birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, or work in news broadcasting.
The Best Videography Courses and Training
There are many ways to learn videography on your own, or through a class. Below are our top picks for in-person, online, and free classes that will help you learn videography.
Best In-Person Videography Classes
For those who prefer a traditional classroom setting, there are lots of options out there for you to browse.
Premiere Pro Training Class – Introduction
- Provider: American Graphics Institute – various locations
- Time: 14 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $795
American Graphics Institute offers this two-day introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro. Each class is seven hours long. In this short course, you will learn the basics of video editing, and how to use Premier Pro for broadcasting videos for the web and multimedia.
Video Production Certificate Program
- Provider: BDA – Boulder, Colorado
- Time: 5 days
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $1,249 to $1,299
BDA offers this introductory course on videography. In it, you will learn the basics of how to use a video camera, set up lighting, conduct video interviews, and create marketing videos. This course is great because it covers almost every aspect of videography. You can even earn a certification of completion to add to your portfolio.
Best Online Videography Courses
For those of you not interested in in-person courses, there are plenty of courses you can attend from the comfort of your own home. Just remember that time management is the key to success in an online program.
The Complete Video Production Bootcamp
- Provider: Udemy
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $94.99
Massive open online course provider Udemy offers this excellent course on video production. It will teach you everything you need to know about video production techniques. By the end of the course, you will be well versed in the video editing process and the equipment required for video production, as well as how to increase engagement in your online videos. The course is open to all, from business owners to online content creators.
The Complete Final Cut Pro X Course Beginner to Intermediate
- Provider: Udemy
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $139.99
This Udemy class is an on-demand video class lasting four-and-a-half hours. In it, you will learn how to use Final Cut Pro X for video editing, including color grading, adding music, and YouTube effects.
The course will also provide other resources you can view to enhance your understanding of the program. The class will be beneficial to anyone interested in becoming a video creator. A certificate is offered upon completion.
Best Free Videography Courses
Even if you don’t want to spend money, there are still a lot of ways you can learn videography online. Check out the freely available resources below to start learning.
iPhone Filmmaking: Create Cinematic Video With Your Phone
- Provider: Skillshare
- Time: 44 minutes
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
Pursuing a career in videography is easier than ever. This free course will teach you everything there is to know about recording and editing videos using your iPhone. You can learn how to make both short and long videos, and post them on the website or social media platform of your choice. This course is a great jumping-off point for your journey in videography.
Video Production
- Provider: Udemy
- Time: 1 hour
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
Udemy also offers plenty of free courses. In this one-hour long class, you will learn the basics of video production, including how to get started in the field and how to write a strong script. This is a great course for anyone seeking a short, yet detailed introduction.
Best Videography Books
To get a well-rounded base of knowledge in videography, you may want to use a variety of learning techniques. If you’re tired of online resources, these books listed below are a great way to continue studying videography.
How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck, Steve Stockman
Although anyone can record a video, not everyone can produce quality content. Stockman’s book will teach you how to shoot clear and concise videos. It’s a great beginners’ guide regardless of what type of equipment you have and will help you think like a director.
The Technique of Film and Video Editing: History, Theory, and Practice, Ken Dancyger
Ken Dancyger’s The Technique of Film and Video Editing is a detailed look into video and sound editing. It analyzes the filmmaking and storytelling techniques used in classic movies. You can draw inspiration from this book as you experiment more with video and sound editing.
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The Business of Media Distribution (American Film Market Presents) 3rd Edition, Jeffery C. Ulin
If you are looking to learn how to monetize your videos, Ulin’s book is a great resource. It covers all the ways you can convert your ideas into profit. It also includes tips on how to become a digital marketer by promoting your online video content.
Videography Certifications
Earning a videography certification is one of the best ways to prove your skills to potential clients. Although these certifications are a significant time commitment, they are definitely worth it if you want to advance your career.
Video Production Certificate
This certification course from Montgomery College will help you showcase your skills. The course is designed to cater to your experience level and will educate you on audio and video production relevant to your existing skills.
It covers television production, directing, and audiovisual techniques. You can then refer to this certification as you apply for jobs in media and communications, or use it to advance your entrepreneurial career.
Digital Video Certificate Program
In Austin School of Film’s Digital Video Certificate Program, you will gain hands-on experience in production management and post-production. This program will also train you in technical aspects of video production.
By allowing you to work with professionals in videography and get real-world experience, it will give you the foundation you need to market your skills to potential clients. This course is worth it for anyone wanting to get in-depth training on videography.
Best Online Videography Resources
After checking out books and courses to learn videography, you may be ready to practice your skills using online resources.
Filmmaking Lifestyle
If you are looking for a platform that will help you launch your own videography business, Filmmaking Lifestyle is a great choice. The website offers tutorials and guides to help you set up a video production business.
Wipster
It is always nice to have a professional platform on which you can showcase your work. Wipster is a great online resource that will allow your creativity to shine. By joining this site, you will be able to work with designers, artists, and entrepreneurs to make your videos shine.
It is also a great platform if you are looking to get professional reviews of your videos. Should you choose to sign up for this website, you will be able to quickly elevate your quality of work.
Should You Study Videography?
If you have a keen interest in creating and editing videos and would like to launch a creative career, videography is the field for you. For those with less creative experience but with some technical knowledge, it may take longer to learn to create unique videos.
However, with a little bit of patience and the help of some of the resources in this article, you will be able to launch a successful career in the world of videography.
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