7 Ways to Make Money with Videography: Ideas, niches, and Tips

In the world of videography, whether you're a pro seeking extra income or a passionate hobbyist looking to build a portfolio, numerous opportunities are waiting for you. The COVID-19 pandemic has left creatives worldwide facing uncertainties, but fear not—making money from the comfort of your home as a videographer, producer, or editor is still very much possible. Let's explore creative avenues to keep your creativity flowing and your pockets growing in the field of videography.

Exploring the World of Videography: Concepts, Specialisations, and Advice

Videography is collaborative by nature, and being confined, either alone or with family, is the opposite of traditional teamwork. As a homebound videographer, let's uncover tips on how you can turn your video skills into income. We'll discuss various ways to make money as a videographer, delve into the average income expectations, explore specific niches, and share additional tips to guide you on your journey.

Decoding Videographer Income: What to Expect

The average day rate for videographers hovers around $31 per hour, though this figure fluctuates based on the intricacies of the project. Considerations such as video length, crew size, location, and editing play a role. For instance, event coverage can kick off at $2,200. Now, let's delve into some sought-after videography niches.

Thriving in Profitable Videography Niches

Wedding Videography

• Video Types: Feature-length videos, highlight reels, wedding trailers, same-day edits


• What it Covers: Capturing unique wedding moments, involving cinematography, editing, and post-production skills


• Average Cost: $2,000–$3,500

Real Estate Videography

• Video Types: Listing, testimonial, and guided tour videos


• What it Covers: Utilizes specific videography movements and techniques, video marketing, pre-and post-production skills, editing


• Average Cost: $100–$1,000

Corporate Videography

• Video Types: Explainer, training, testimonial, brand videos


• What it Covers: It may not always need pre-and post-production work.


• Average Cost: $120–$250 per hour

General Events Videography

• Video Types: Full-length coverage, highlight reels


• What it Covers: Varied, depending on the event type


• Average Cost: $1,000–$3,000

Travel Videography

• Video Types: Feature-length videos, vlogs, highlight reels


• What it Covers: Cinematography, post-production, editing


• Cost: Varies

7 Ingenious Ways to Generate Income as a Videographer

Beyond the well-established niches, here are additional ideas to kickstart your journey into videography income.

• YouTube/Vlogging: Showcase your videography skills on YouTube. If your videos resonate with viewers, you might qualify for monetization. It's a platform to refine skills and engage with like-minded communities.


• Stock Footage: Turn surplus footage into cash by selling it as stock footage on platforms like Shutterstock. High-quality videos, even supplementary ones, can fetch earnings similar to stock photos.


• Courses: Create and sell courses showcasing your videography expertise. It's a perpetual income source as your knowledge becomes a valuable asset.


• Crowdfunding: Explore crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo to fund personal projects, paving the way for potential lucrative opportunities.


• Films and Documentaries: Offer your services to film and documentary makers, starting with smaller projects like music videos and gradually progressing in the industry.


• Freelance Work and Competitions: Embark on the freelance route, finding short-term projects on platforms like ServiceTasker™. Alternatively, participate in videography competitions like MoFilm to expand your experience.


• Rent Out Your Gear: If you've invested in video gear, consider renting out surplus equipment for passive income.

Tips for Maximizing Your Videography Earnings

• Invest in Quality Gear: Long-term success in videography relies on top-notch equipment. Different projects demand different tools, so ensure you have what's needed for versatility.


• Master Editing: Beyond capturing footage, proficiency in video editing opens doors to more lucrative projects, enhancing your overall skill set.


• Advertise Your Work: Utilize social media to showcase your portfolio. Positive reviews and testimonials attract potential collaborators and clients, boosting your professional brand.


• Keep Shooting: Consistency is key. Continue creating videos in your free time to enhance your portfolio. Share your work on social media and your website to increase visibility.

Conclusion

Through various gigs and side hustles, earning extra income through videography is not just a possibility but a pathway to skill growth and portfolio expansion. By exploring these strategies, videographers can unlock their potential, turning their passion into a rewarding profession. So, grab your camera, fuel your creativity, and embark on a journey where every frame tells a story and earns you a paycheck.