Navigating the Hiring Game: The Do's and Don'ts of Choosing a Videographer

Jamie Perez • November 1, 2023

A skilled videographer can be the bridge between your creative vision and its captivating execution. Whether you're working on a corporate project, a wedding video, or a promotional campaign, finding the right videographer is paramount to achieving your desired outcome. Things you should consider when you’re on your way to hiring a videographer: What questions should I ask when hiring a videographer? Who owns the footage? What things should I look for in a good videographer? What should be expected of them?


To ensure a a great collaboration, let's explore the essential do's and don'ts of hiring a videographer.



Do: Prioritize Creativity and Compatibility


Creativity should top your list of must-haves. Review their portfolio to gauge their versatility and style. Do their previous works align with your vision? Equally important is compatibility. Choose someone who not only understands your ideas but is also enthusiastic about bringing them to life. Ask them about their initial ideas on your project and how you might be able to work collaboratively together. A videographer who shares your passion will infuse your project with an extra layer of dedication.


Don't: Underestimate Fair Compensation


Quality work deserves fair compensation. While budget constraints are common, compromising on rates can lead to a compromised outcome. Invest in a videographer who values their craft and expertise. Remember, paying fairly not only shows respect for their skills but also ensures they can focus on producing their best work without financial stress.


Do: Set Clear Expectations and Timelines


Communication is the bedrock of successful collaborations. Clearly outline your expectations, project scope, and preferred timeline from the outset. This prevents misunderstandings and paves the way for a seamless working relationship. (Note: addressing who owns rights to the footage is a great question to ask each videographer — everyone has a different process of how they handle this. Make sure you have a CLEAR understanding of this.) Avoid unwelcome surprises by discussing potential challenges or delays that might arise during the project and planning accordingly.


Don't: Rush the Hiring Process


Hiring a videographer is an investment in your project's success, and like any investment, it deserves due diligence. Rushing through the hiring process can lead to regrettable decisions. Take your time to research, interview, and assess candidates thoroughly. This ensures you're entrusting your vision to someone who truly aligns with your needs and values.


Do: Select the Right Fit for Your Project


Every videographer has their unique strengths and specialties. Don't make the mistake of assuming one-size-fits-all. Ask them questions (no question is off the table). Evaluate whether their past work aligns with your project's requirements. If you're seeking a wedding video, for instance, look for a videographer experienced in capturing emotional moments. For corporate projects, prioritize those who understand your brand's identity and goals.


Don't: Micromanage; Trust Their Process


Once you've selected a videographer, relinquish some control and trust their creative process. Micromanaging can stifle their creativity and hinder the collaborative spirit. Provide your input and feedback, but also allow them the freedom to work their magic. You hired them for their expertise, after all, and allowing them space to shine often leads to remarkable results.


In Conclusion


Hiring a videographer is more than just checking an item off your to-do list. It's a partnership that can elevate your project to new heights. By adhering to these do's and don'ts, you're setting the stage for a successful collaboration that ensures your vision is expertly brought to life. Remember, finding the right videographer is an investment in the success of your project – one that pays off in captivating visuals and storytelling that resonates.

A person is sitting at a table using a laptop computer.

Revolutionize Your Fundraising: The Stories Nonprofits Should Be Telling

By Jamie Perez • April 1, 2025
Storytelling is so important for any organization to engage in, but for nonprofits in particular, sharing stories is what will open up hearts, minds and wallets so they can continue providing their much needed services. Fundraising takes time. So while nonprofits are on that timeline, there's a certain order in which stories can be shared that will help optimize fundraising dollars: WHILE YOU'RE FUNDRAISING : Tell the incomplete story. This is featuring someone who is currently seeking services from your organization and still needs help. When you tell the story of someone who has already completed their journey or isn't in as great or immediate of a need, donors might think, "Well this person's been taken care of so they don't need my help." If you tell the story of someone currently in need and highlight some of the challenges they face, this creates more of a sense of urgency. AFTER YOU'VE REACHED YOUR FUNDRAISING GOAL : Now, you can tell that complete story. Do a follow up with the person whose incomplete story you told and provide an update. Send it out in a newsletter. Keep your donors informed on how their donation dollars helped change this person's life, the problems they helped solve, the impact they made, and how consistent donations will help more people in the future. You can also just tell different stories entirely in this phase and talk about how fundraising efforts like the one you just held, help hundreds of people like the ones you're highlighting in the stories you've shared. BONUS: GETTING MORE DONORS OR GETTING YOUR CURRENT DONORS MORE INVOLVED: Why should people donate to your organization out of the thousands of others who also need financial support? When you can share your DONOR'S stories, other people may hear their stories and be able to relate to their "why". There are three different styles of videos you can refer to to get ideas on how you incorporate donor storytelling: 1) This video was sent out to donors for a nonprofit based in Madison, WI called Little John's Kitchens. This nonprofit works with food insecurity, providing meals at a pay-what-you-can option and utilizes other low cost models for people to have access to chef-quality meals who may not know where their next meal is coming from. The video was created AFTER receiving donations during a campaign to show donors what their donations helped the organization achieve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV8tQCKTL-E 2) This video featured loyal donors of the same organization about WHY they continue to give to Little John's Kitchens. When you make your donors part of the journey, instead of just asking them for funds when you need help, you build loyalty and they feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DVfbtzBIwM 3) And finally, this video thanks the donors specifically. Don't just converse with your donors when you need money from them. Tell them how much and why you appreciate them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NPd_MM-MOk

Navigating the Skies of Opportunity – Your Guide to Obtaining a Drone License

By Jamie Perez • March 31, 2025
Drones have revolutionized the world of videography, opening up breathtaking possibilities for capturing stunning aerial footage. But, not just anyone can fly a drone and profit off its picturesque images. As a videographer, you have to have your drone license.

How AI is Transforming Video Production

By Jamie Perez • February 28, 2025
Artificial Intelligence is taking center stage as it transforms the way we all work. How is AI changing the video production industry? How is AI used in video? And will AI replace videographers? Let’s explore the potential and possibilities.
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