Why hire a professional camera operator and videographer?

Experience with video equipment

There’s been a trend in recent years, now that video equipment on the commercial side is becoming cheaper, for trying to do things cheaper especially in the current climate. It’s true, phones can produce amazing quality for online videos such as for Instagram reels however it can be hard to make an impact when the world is now so video centric.

The truth is there is still a huge difference between a video made on a phone or a cheaper camera, compared to a video filmed on a cinematic camera, with good quality lenses and lighting.

A good Director of Photography has learnt the trade in a similar way to learning to drive. Through theory a videographer will know how to achieve depth of field whilst it is the every day practice of filming that they learn how to make videos look extra professional for clients. You learn by making all the mistakes you can possibly make and never doing those mistakes again.

This is why it is worth spending a bit extra to hire someone who is experienced - to make sure your scene is lit well, the camera is recording and the audio is perfect. Cheaper videographers are often learning on the job and you may find that your project is the a learning experience.

Knowing what footage is needed in the edit

Video editing is a skill in itself. I’ve often edited footage and found that the videographer or influencer has recorded 10 second clips and with few options for angles. You can make a video out of it, but the footage is limited. Being both a DoP Videographer and a video editor means I understand what footage is required to make a strong video whether it be a documentary of an advert.

VIDEO KIT

When hiring a videographer, you also hire their kit. I’ve built up a strong kit list over the years, with a Sony Fx6, Fx3 and Fs7 - three amazing cinema camera that are all good for different reason. The broadcast quality cameras can film in log, which allows you to edit the feel and loo of the image whilst keeping the quality. Sound equipment is also very important and can make or break whether an audience is retained. Bad quality sound can really put a view off.

Lighting for video productions

Finally, lighting is such an important factor for video. Lighting for video can often be overlooked, however lighting can change the look of a video drastically. It can turn a video from feeling novice to professional in an instant when lit properly. An experienced Director of Photography will know how to turn a basic room into a video back drop.