So, you're thinking of bringing me on board as your freelance videographer? That's fantastic! As an experienced videographer, I know that finding the perfect partner can make a world of difference. Sometimes, I'm hired with very little info on the project, and simply asked to capture specific shots. Yet other times, the project is more complex, and a strong collaboration is key. But don't worry, working with me is not about following a bunch of rigid rules. In fact, it can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some essential tips to make our partnership smooth, productive, and enjoyable, especially for those bigger, more intricate projects:
Lay the groundwork: Before diving in, let's chat about your goals, expectations, and the level of guidance you'll need or want from me. Whether you're a video pro or a newbie, being transparent helps me adapt my approach to suit your needs.
Establish a timeline and budget: Together, we can plan a realistic timeline for the project, including milestones for pre-production, shooting, and handing over raw footage. Discuss any budget constraints upfront to help me prioritize tasks effectively.
Share references and inspiration: Providing examples of videos you like (and don't like) helps me understand your preferences and expectations. This exchange of ideas can spark inspiration and lead to creative collaboration.
Maintain open communication: Keep the conversation flowing throughout the project. Regularly discuss progress, address concerns, and provide feedback. Feel free to suggest shot choices. I love suggestions and if you wish, I’ll provide input as well – after all, two heads are often better than one!
Seek my input, only if desired: While I'm happy to offer suggestions and expertise based on my experience, I also respect your vision and understand that you may already know exactly what you want. Just let me know if you'd like my input or if you'd prefer to take the lead.
Embracing project uniqueness: Remember that every project is unique, and sometimes you may need me to focus solely on capturing specific footage. In these cases, understanding the project's broader context can still be helpful, but it may not be necessary for me to know all the details.
Interviews: If your project involves interviews, I'm happy to listen for sound bites and provide guidance during the interview process, if you'd like. Just let me know how involved you'd like me to be.
As a freelance videographer, I pride myself on being flexible, easy to work with, and open to making the process enjoyable. By keeping these tips in mind and fostering a strong working relationship, we can maximize the potential of your project and create a final product that exceeds expectations. After all, collaboration should be fun and rewarding, and working effectively together can make all the difference.