How I started my video company and overcame the challenges as a female videographer.
I'm Amber and I founded Mera Creative Studios in 2023. I've been a videographer for 6 years and a creative for...ever! With 6 years behind the camera and a lifetime of creative passion, I've faced my share of hurdles as a female filmmaker. Despite strides, there's still a hunger for more representation in this bustling industry. Keen to explore stepping into or boosting your video career? Let's navigate this together!
Getting Started as a Female Videographer
Most of the time, if you search 'how to get started as a videographer' you'll watch countless videos of men explaining their journey in this industry. Now that's great, there are a lot of amazing male filmmakers out there that I respect and look up to! But, when I started my career I was desperate to hear a woman's perspective and physically see women doing what I wanted to do.
So, here's my perspective on how to get started as a female videographer.
First Steps
Let's approach this like you're starting out as a freelance videographer. What do you do first?
Step 1: Equipment
Video equipment is expensive... and only gets more expensive.
Let's outline what you need to get started.
Camera
If you're just starting, you might feel apprehensive about buying a new expensive camera. Look for second-hand models online, Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine. Look for cameras that can take decent photos as well as shoot in 4k (up to 120fps is a bonus, this is what allows for stunning slow-mo!). If you're strapped for cash, look at older Sony models. Learning the functionality and settings of Sony cameras can set you up incredibly well for when you make the leap to more expensive, later models and Sony is a very popular brand amongst videographers.
Lenses
For the most creative freedom, you want a camera that allows for interchangeable lenses (I will outline in another blog post more about my favourite lenses and why/how some are better than others). Different lenses will fit more or less of a setting in the frame (focal length), some will be better at focusing close-ups and some better for wide shots or interview set-ups. To keep things simple, you will either want a zoom lens that zooms from a wide/mid-shot (like 20mm to 70mm) or 2-3 prime lenses (a lens of a fixed focal length). You'll want one wider and one close-up. This will give you a good base for most situations.
Tripod
Keep things basic here and save some pennies. Key things to look out for are:
- Easy to transport will save you some hassle (I'm a 5ft 4 woman and not a lot of video equipment is made with me in mind, I'm always looking for compact kit!)
- Check the height it can achieve when fully expanded
- Read reviews!
- Overhead shooting feature is a bonus
- Fluid head tripods are great but can be expensive.
- Quick-release features will make your life easier
- Vertical Shooting - in the age of social media, vertical shooting is hugely beneficial.
Audio
There's a lot to consider in sound production which I will delve into in another post. As for equipment, look at kits that make things simple. I use the DJI Mic and I love them. They're portable, easy to use, light and well-made. A similar product is the popular Wireless Rhode Mic. Again, look for second-hand or refurbished if you don't want to pay full price.
A lot of what I buy has size and portability in mind. Kits like the DJI Mic or Rhode Mics are small and easy to fit in a camera bag so won't bulk out what I have to take on a shoot if I'm travelling via public transport.
Camera Bag
I'm going to say it again, I love making my life easy and portable equipment is key to that! So what's the ultimate way to achieve that? A good camera bag.
My personal preference is a wheeled bag - I go to the gym and can lift a fair amount of kit but I will choose wheeling my equipment over carrying it any day. Professional wheeled camera bags can be £100+ so if that's not for you, look at standard suitcases and buy accessories to compartmentalise them for your kit!
These are the key 5 components you'll need to get started. Depending on the job, you might want to invest in lights or a gimbal down the line!
Step 2: Work... For Free
I know this isn't what you want to hear. I was told this right at the start of my journey into video production and I'm so glad I was prepared for it, so I'm preparing you too.
I worked for free or for so cheap it might as well have been for nothing! But I still use some of this work in my showreel to this day. Don't underestimate the kind of opportunities that could open to you just by putting yourself out there.
Where to look for free video work:
- Facebook Groups
- Indeed
Step 3: Define Your Niche
Once you've been doing some work for a while, you will learn where your strengths and passions lie. It seems easy to be the videographer who can do or is open to everything, right? But defining where you work best / what you love doing and promoting yourself as just that will make things so much simpler and make it easier to find work. Plus, you'll actually like the work you're doing!
If you know what niche you want to get into, look for work experience in these areas. This is going to mean your showreel will target your interests when you're ready for paid work.
For me, I chose to market myself as 'premium, luxury video services'. Why? Because I produce my best work in industries that fall under this category. The result is that I had a smoother process of defining my brand and setting my goals which also makes it easier for clients to find me.
Step 4: Build your Brand
People are more likely to trust a videographer who looks professional and uniform across their channels.
The easiest way to do this is:
- pick 2 to 4 colours for your branding and stick to them
- Choose 2 to 3 fonts and stick to them (one for headings, text, buttons etc)
- Either get professional headshots taken or take them yourself - people are going to want to know who they're working with and personality sells.
Step 5: Make a Website
Not everyone will enjoy website design. Your website could just be your name and showreel, but make sure the design suits your niche, brand and purposes. If you struggle with design, maybe you're a good writer, so start here and build out.
Make sure to include a bit about you. Personality sells and people want to know who they might be working with, use your headshots! Get creative :)
Step 6: Showreel
Clients will nearly always ask for your showreel. Make it concise, on-brand and fun. Use a good track (royalty-free is best) and try and cover all areas of your work.
Step 7: Spread Your Wings!
You should now be set up to start reaching out to clients and advertising yourself for paid work. How long it takes to get to this step will vary for each person but it will come, I promise.
Your journey will not be the same as the next. If you're a woman looking to get into videography, these steps will give you a good chance to get started.
If you want to talk more about being a woman in videography, my messages are always open on LinkedIn.
Amber x
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