Vloggers are a new aristocracy. Online influencers gain a fortune and live the lives of celebrities, but what is behind all this? Months of painstaking work and mastering essential skills. For example, videography.

What is a videographer

The official definition of videography is as follows: it’s the process of creating a video product with the help of modern digital tools. In the wider sense, it also includes preparation and post-shooting activities, but some videographers have a crew of specialists, who take care of video editing.

So, answering the question "What do videographers do" we can sum up: they shoot videos, mostly, for commercial use (sometimes from a long-term perspective, but still). While a camera operator focuses on the technical aspects of filming, a videographer combines technical skills with a unique creative vision. The primary responsibility of a videographer is to record footage for various media, such as online platforms, television, and commercial projects, adding their own artistic touch to each project.

It’s essential not to mistake videography for cinematography. While the latter is all about art and storytelling, the former is more about fact and event reporting, shooting live actions without a prior script, and acting. Many videographers work across different industries, though, creating music videos, wedding videos, corporate videos, training videos, you name it.

For those curious about how to become a videographer, there are several key aspects to master that will be explored in the following sections. This includes both the technical skills required to operate equipment and software, as well as the creative and interpersonal abilities needed to succeed in the field. Understanding these elements will provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to develop their videography career.

Professional videographer

Videography skills

Videographers need to be good at many things. Technical knowledge is important for operating equipment and producing high-quality content. The so-called "hard videographer skills" include:

  • Equipment mastery. Mastering professional video recording equipment, such as DSLR cameras, is essential. Before shooting in videography, it’s helpful to learn some video basics like exposure, aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and so on.
  • Technical proficiency. This includes camera operation, lighting, and audio management.
  • Post-production skills. Editing videos and post-production editing are key responsibilities for producing polished, finished content. While some professionals might outsource this to a dedicated video editor, aspiring newbies usually handle it themselves.

Gaining foundational knowledge in video production and film theory is crucial for mastering essential skills and building a successful career as a videographer. However, soft skills are also among the valuable skills that enhance the effectiveness and career prospects in videography. Some of them are:

  • Patience. Sometimes, you have to wait long hours.
  • Communication. Otherwise, people will not tell you their stories.
  • Creativity. No need to comment.
  • Stress resistance. Not all clients are fluffy lambs.
  • Punctuality. You have to always meet your deadlines.
  • Self-discipline. Product videographers (as far as their colleagues from other videographer fields) are usually freelancers, so they have to organize their time efficiently.
  • Organization. Managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines is essential.

When it comes to skillset in general, the most important thing is practice. You can study videography for years, but until you take your first shot, theory means nothing. Understanding technical aspects like camera operation, lighting, and editing software is necessary to improve your proficiency and versatility.

Videography skills

Videography process

The videography process breaks down into three simple but essential phases that help you create videos people will love:

  1. Pre-production. This is where it all begins. You plan your video by sharpening your concept, drafting an outline or storyboard, and choosing the right equipment. Good preparation here makes the shooting day go smoothly and keeps your creative vision on track.
  2. Shooting. This is the heart of videography — the moment you capture the footage. As the videographer, you’re hands-on with the camera, adjusting settings, managing lighting and sound, and making sure every shot tells part of your story.
  3. Post-production. After filming, it’s time to work your editing magic. You’ll sift through hours of raw footage, pick the best moments, and use editing software to craft a polished final video. This is where your story truly comes together.

Sometimes, others can help with planning or editing, but shooting is always your job as the videographer. The key is to create videos that not only look great but also connect with your audience and tell a compelling story.

Videography equipment

A beginner can’t typically afford to buy top-notch gear, but no worries: even a modern smartphone with a high-resolution camera will do the job. While many videographers aim to use all the latest gear and industry-standard equipment, it's absolutely possible to start with a basic camera. Mirrorless cameras are also a popular choice for their advanced features and versatility.

Here is a suggested list of must-have camera equipment, ranging from basic to professional gear.

Camera

As you might expect, virtually any camera will do the trick for your video projects - we're talking DSLR, mirrorless cameras, Go-Pro, iPhone, or pretty much any other recording device you can get your hands on. The main requirement? It should record at least full-HD resolution (though higher is always better, naturally). When you're in the market for your video camera, you'll want to consider one equipped with a wide-angle lens. Why? Well, these lenses are fantastic for capturing immersive and dynamic scenes that really grab your audience's attention.

External microphone

Quality sound is a key to popularity. Content is also important, of course, but it will be worth nothing with lousy sound, slurred speech, and background noises. Purchase a shotgun or a lapel mic, depending on your content type.

Tripod

Another essential piece of equipment. Shaking videos look highly unprofessional, so some tripod or gimbal is a must-have.

Videography equipment

Lighting set

You can’t set up lighting while shooting live events, but if you record your episodes in a studio, having a basic lighting kit is essential for achieving professional results. A couple of additional light sources and reflectors will do no harm.

Video editing software

Your footage should be edited, no matter how brilliant it is. Using editing software and video editing software is essential to enhance video quality, streamline post-production, and ensure your work meets industry standards. The market offers myriads of editing apps and programs, starting with free online video editor solutions and up to costly professional software delivered with hundreds-page-long manuals and documentation.

Videography resources

Bad news: you can’t become a commercially successful videographer just by recording your clips and doing nothing more.

Good news: you don’t have to pay or enroll in courses "videography for beginners" to gain the necessary knowledge. There are plenty of YouTube channels and Reddit communities, where experienced colleagues share videography tips and help newbies learn the ropes.

For example, consider exploring these resources to start with and see how it goes:

How to become a videographer (actually)

Having the right video equipment and tools is just the beginning of your videographer career. The real challenge is gaining practical experience and honing your craft to become a skilled professional. So, how do you move from owning gear to confidently capturing compelling footage? Let's examine this journey step by step.

Start shooting regularly

The key to gaining experience is to shoot short films as much as possible — this might sound obvious, but it's surprising how many aspiring videographers skip this crucial step. Begin with simple projects like filming local events, family gatherings, or personal creative ideas (birthday parties, neighborhood festivals, even your pet's daily routine). This hands-on practice helps you understand camera settings, lighting conditions, and framing techniques in real-world situations. Don't be afraid to experiment — each shoot teaches you something new, and "failures" are often your best teachers.

Seek feedback and learn

After each shoot, review your footage critically (and I mean really critically). Compare your work with professional videos to identify areas for improvement — YouTube is your friend here, as are platforms like Vimeo with high-quality content. Share your videos with experienced videographers or join online communities to get constructive feedback. This input is invaluable for refining your skills and ensuring you're on the right track, rather than developing bad habits in isolation.

Volunteer and collaborate

Look for opportunities to volunteer as a videographer at local events, non-profits, or community projects (charity runs, school performances, local business openings, etc.). Collaborating with others allows you to experience different shooting environments and client expectations — something you can't replicate filming alone in your bedroom. It also helps build your network and can lead to paid gigs, which brings us to an important point: relationships matter as much as technical skills.

Build your online portfolio

As you accumulate footage, start compiling your best work into a videography portfolio and a concise demo reel (keep it under 2-3 minutes — attention spans are short) that you can share os various social media platforms. These showcase your style and versatility to potential clients and employers, acting as your "visual resume." Keep updating them regularly to reflect your growing skills, and don't be afraid to remove older work that no longer represents your current abilities.

Educate yourself continuously

Use online courses, tutorials, and workshops to deepen your knowledge of filmmaking techniques, camera operation, and video editing (platforms like MasterClass, Udemy, and even free YouTube channels offer excellent resources). Staying current with video industry trends and software updates ensures your work remains professional and competitive — the videography world evolves rapidly, and yesterday's cutting-edge technique might be tomorrow's outdated approach.

Set goals and track progress

Define clear goals for your videography journey, such as mastering specific camera settings or completing a certain number of projects (be specific: "shoot 10 events this month" rather than "shoot more"). Regularly assess your progress against these goals to stay motivated and focused — this self-accountability prevents you from drifting aimlessly.

By actively practicing, seeking feedback, and continuously learning, you'll transform from a beginner with equipment into a confident videographer ready to capture moments that tell compelling visual stories. The journey isn't always smooth (expect frustrations and creative blocks), but the destination — becoming a skilled visual storyteller — makes every challenge worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the most important videography tools that beginners should have?

A camera :) It would be challenging to record a video without it. Strictly speaking, the rest is optional, but it's highly recommended to invest in an external mic as well.

How much do videographers earn?

Videographers are usually freelancers, so they don’t depend on salary forks and can set any hourly rate they want. Many videographers work hourly, and their rates can vary significantly depending on their experience, the industry they work in, and their location. The exact sum depends on the region, even type, videographer’s experience, and other factors.

How long does it take to learn videography?

Live and learn; every day is a lesson. As videography is not only technical but also a creative process, there is no such a moment when you can say to yourself "Now I know everything". As for mastering the basics, we would say it takes months, not years.

Conclusion

It is very tempting to believe that everybody can become a videographer in no time, just because they want to and have a couple of cams. Fortunately or unfortunately, it's a myth. Videography is a complex set of skills; some of them can be mastered pretty quickly, but others take time, patience, and help from more experienced mentors.

Luckily, you can avail yourself of tons of online materials and resources, including this blog. And practice makes perfect!