Videography
Videography Career Overview
Videographers tell stories through a series of recorded, filmed images. Using television, video, or motion-picture cameras, videographers construct a story through a wide range of filmed material. They are also sometimes responsible for doing their own editing, which is often performed through computer software due to the rise in digital technology.
A mix of creativity, a sharp eye, and technical savvy will serve you well in a career as a videographer. In addition, keen editorial judgment helps videographers select material that is appropriate and interesting, while editing out footage that may be irrelevant or uninteresting. Videographers also need good hand-eye coordination and a steady grip to produce smooth footage, and should be very comfortable working with a variety of technical equipment as well as a wide range of personalities.
Videography Career Training & Education
Videographers typically gain skills through on-the-job training, formal postsecondary schooling, or a combination of the two. Though many positions can be attained without formal education, some do require an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Videography training is offered at a wide range of schools: vocational schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities, private trade and technical schools, and photographic institutes. Different programs will provide different emphases – for example, a bachelor’s program at a university will offer a well-balanced curriculum including business and marketing courses, while film schools may focus more strongly on aesthetic or artistic training. No matter where training is attained, students will learn the basics, including techniques, processes, and equipment.
Your videographic skills can also be enhanced by research and personal endeavors such as audio-video clubs, employment at relevant workplaces such as camera and video stores, and subscriptions to trade magazines and newsletters.
Videographer Career & Salary Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), competition is keen for professionals seeking to enter the broadcasting and motion-picture industries, with employment expected to grow 12 percent through 2016. That rate is considered as fast as the average job growth. The positions most in demand will be camera operators and producers of interactive material. There were 47,000 people employed in the field in 2006, with 53,000 expected to be employed by 2016.
Videographers had median annual earnings of $40,060 in May 2006, with the middle 50 percent earning between $26,930 and $59,440 and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $18,810. The top 10 percent earned in excess of $84,500. The motion picture and video industries saw median annual earnings of $44,010, while radio and television broadcasting saw earnings of $32,200.
Videographer Career Fields & Specializations
Videographers have a wide range of potential niches because there are as many areas of specialization as there are subjects to be filmed. Some of the more far-flung include South Asian wedding videography, outdoor and skiing videography, and New Orleans videographers.
Following are some general specializations for videographers:
- Legal videography
- Wedding and Event videography
- Documentary videography
- Cinematography
- Sports videography
- Medical videography
There are many different workplaces for videographers. Some are employed by local affiliate stations of television channels, while others work at larger cable and television networks, independent television stations, or small independent production companies. There are also videographers who direct photography at movie studios, television programs, or ad agencies, and teach in academia as professors. Others choose to work on a freelance basis, which requires sharp business skills as well as technical and creative savvy. Freelance videographers must know how to write contracts, obtain releases for use of material, price their services, and get copyright protection for their work.
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