Have you ever seen a movie scene and been completely blown away by how well it was shot? Or have you ever felt that a video on YouTube could have been shot better? If you answered yes, you are already thinking like a videographer. Videographers record memorable and important moments in the lives of others. There’s more to this job than just being behind the camera.
The process of capturing videos or moving images using electronic media is known as videography. It also includes the art and process of shooting video in such a way that it has the desired effect on the viewer.
Do you aspire to be a videographer or are you just exploring the field? In either case, you’ve come to the right place! This blog discusses how to become a videographer the skills required, colleges and courses, salary, and what else it takes to become a videographer. Follow the step-by-step guide in the blog to become a videographer.
Who is a videographer?
A videographer is someone who uses a video camera to record footage for weddings, documentaries, training videos, commercials, TV shows, infomercials, live events, corporate promotions, legal depositions, movies, or other films.
Learn more: How to become a Film Director – A complete educational guide
How to become a videographer? [Step by Step Guide]
Step 1: Stream to select
Videography courses are available regardless of whether you choose the Science, Arts, or Commerce streams.
Step 2: Certification courses and project courses
The courses listed below can help you become a videographer.
- Videography For Beginners: Learn How to Make 4 Types of Short Videos for Business or Hobby
- Certificate Course in Videography and Editing
- Certificate In Videography
- Certificate Course in Video Editing and Sound Recording.
- Cinematic Wedding Films: A Guide to Wedding Videography
- Introduction to Lighting for Videography
- Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen
- The Art of Filmmaking and Editing
- Filmmaking On The Go: An Introduction to Videography
Step 3: Educational qualifications
A formal degree isn’t always required to qualify for a position as a videographer, but it can help you develop the necessary foundational knowledge and skills. Many employers prefer bachelor’s degree candidates; however, with the right experience, you can still get a job in this field.
How to become a videographer after 10th?
Start shooting videos now if you haven’t already! Marques Brownlee is a well-known tech reviewer on the Internet. His current videos are shot in a world-class studio equipped with cutting-edge technology. But that was not how he began his video career. The videos you make right now are unlikely to win any awards, but the lessons you learn along the way will help you become the videographer you want to be.
How to become a videographer after 12th?
After 12th, the best way to become a professional videographer is to pursue a degree, diploma, or certificate in this field. A videography degree or diploma course teaches you skills, expertise, and knowledge that will help you become a professional videographer.
Also read: How to become a Photographer
- Diploma courses to become a videographer in India:
Course | Duration |
Diploma in Videography | 6 months – 1 year |
Diploma in Digital Video Production | 1-2 years |
- Top institutes offering diploma courses to become a videographer in India:
Name of Institution | Location |
Amity Institute of Vocational and Industrial Training – AIVIT | Uttar Pradesh |
Dr Zakir Husain Institute | Bihar |
Heritage Institute of Management and Communication | Delhi |
Jaipur National University | Rajasthan |
Kolkata Film and Television Institute – KFTI | West Bengal |
Pixeltoonz Academy of Film and Media Design | Kerala |
Seedling Institute for Media Studies – SIMS | Rajasthan |
The Gandhigram Rural Institute | Tamil Nadu |
Turning Point Institute of Media and Creative Skills | Assam |
Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication | Delhi |
- UG courses to become a videographer in India:
Course | Duration |
B.A. Video Editing and Videography | 3 years |
B.Sc. Mass Communication and Videography | 3 years |
B.Voc Photography and Videography | 3 years |
B.Voc DIP Photography and Videography | 3 years |
- Top UG colleges to become a videographer in India:
Name of Institution | Location |
Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University | Rajasthan |
Arena Animation | Maharashtra |
Karim City College | Jharkhand |
Arena Animation | West Bengal |
Ranchi University – RU | Jharkhand |
St. Anthony’s College – SAC | Meghalaya |
St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) | West Bengal |
Dr Annasaheb GD Bendale Mahila Mahavidyalaya | Maharashtra |
Vivekanand College | Maharashtra |
Shri Shivaji Arts and Commerce College | Maharashtra |
- How to become a videographer abroad
Videography is typically taught as part of a larger degree programme in video production, digital media, media production, or digital film. Most people who want to work in corporate videography or have a specific employer in mind review their website to scope out their job advertisements and see what kind of qualifications they require, and then search and apply for admissions to courses related to video editing, sound editing, cinematography etc.
- Top courses to become a videographer abroad:
Course | Duration |
BFA in Film and Video | 3-4 years |
BA in Media Arts Production | 3-4 years |
The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Film, Television and Digital Production | 4 years |
Video Production Diploma | 2 years |
- Top colleges to become a videographer abroad:
Name of Institution | Location |
Toronto Film School | Canada |
Emerson College | United States |
Columbia College Chicago | United States |
Miami Dade College | United States |
American Film Institute (AFI) | United States |
Step 4: How to prepare for the job?
- Find a videography mentor: Attend videography lectures, exhibitions, and seminars. At these events, you’ll meet a lot of videographers and get a lot of answers from them.
- Internship: Find internships or apprenticeships as soon as possible. They allow you to hone your skills and gain practical experience. You can learn a lot about the industry by shadowing a professional videographer for even a short time.
- Grow your portfolio: Having a strong videography portfolio will help you succeed because all potential clients will judge your abilities and talent based on your portfolio.
- Get necessary equipment: You’ll discover along the way that a camera is just one of many things you’ll need to learn how to use. There will be sliders, cranes, camera rigs, and other technical equipment to learn, but you should already be familiar with the camera to get the most out of any set of video recording equipment.
- Build your business: Learn how to advertise and market your services. Creating a good website to showcase your videos and staying on top of your social media presence are important skills.
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9 most important skills for becoming a videographer
- Photography skills
- Camera Operation
- Editing skills
- Soft skills
- Creative skills
- Physical skills
- Graphic Design
- Knowledge of audio equipment
- Ability to provide direction
Salary of a videographer:
Salary in India
An entry-level videographer can expect to earn an annual compensation (tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ₹4,06,946.
Salary Abroad
The following are some entry-level videographer salaries from around the world.
Country | Annual Salary |
United States | $46,413 |
United Kingdom | £26,414 |
Canada | $49,480 (CAD) |
Australia | $60,612 (AUD) |
Norway | KR 405,425 |
Sectors in which videographers can work
- Documentaries
- Films
- TV shows
- Music videos
- Live events
- Short films
- Legal depositions
- Weddings
- Parties
- Sports events
- Commercials and product demonstrations
- Training videos
- Online video platforms
- Freelance
More about videographers?
If you’ve arrived at this point in the blog, it can only mean one thing: you like videographers and may one day become one yourself! As a bonus, a few Instagram accounts of a few videographers are included here. Check them out and have fun exploring more!
- @samkolder
- @karenxcheng
- @nainoalanger
- @austen_paul
- @tomjauncey
- @jas
- @bryn_north
- @brandon_l_li_
- @oliverhl
- @sebastianjern
Working as a videographer allows you to express yourself creatively. With technological advancements changing the video industry and accelerating its growth, there is a lot of opportunity for videographers out there. Best wishes on your path to becoming a videographer. Have a great time recording!
FAQs related to how to become a videographer
What qualifications do you need to be a videographer?
Ans: A formal degree isn’t always required to be a videographer, but it can help you develop the necessary foundational knowledge and skills. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree; however, with the right experience, you can still get a job in this field.
How do I start being a videographer?
Ans: Follow the four steps below to start your career as a videographer:
1. Learn the fundamentals
2. Buy quality gear
3. Create videos as often as possible
4. Put your work on various online video platforms
Is it worth becoming a videographer?
Ans: Videographers are increasingly in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, videographer jobs will grow by 22% by 2029.
What is a videographer salary?
Ans: A Videographer’s annual salary is ₹4,06,946.
Is there money in videography?
Ans: There are numerous ways to make money in videography, but one of the most appealing is freelance work. Freelance work includes weddings, parties, corporate events, music videos, commercial spots, legal depositions, real estate, and behind-the-scenes videos.