If you’re searching for a great videographer, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re producing a corporate video, a commercial, or content for social media, choosing the right videographer is critical to ensuring your project’s success. But with so many options, how do you know what to look for?

In this guide, we’ll help you understand:

• The two main categories of videographers and why editing experience matters.
• The three different roles videographers typically take on: one-man bands, lean crew specialists, or part of larger productions.
• What kinds of projects are best suited to each type of videographer.
• How much a videographer costs

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what type of videographer fits your needs, and you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that leads to a smooth, successful production.

Two Types of Videographers: Why Editing Experience Matters

At the heart of every great production is the videographer. But there’s a key distinction that often goes unnoticed: some videographers have editing experience, while others don’t. This is a critical factor to consider when hiring.

• Videographers with Editing Experience: Videographers who also edit—or have experience in post-production—tend to “shoot to edit”. They know what footage will work best in the final cut and capture only what’s necessary. This efficiency not only reduces the amount of footage that needs to be sorted through but also saves time and money in post-production.
• Videographers Without Editing Experience: On the other hand, videographers without editing skills tend to overshoot, capturing far more footage than is needed. While this might sound harmless, it can quickly drive up post-production costs, as editors have to sift through unnecessary footage. This can also lead to missed opportunities for more intentional, narrative-driven shooting.

For complex or high-stakes projects, a videographer who understands the full process—from filming to final delivery—will ensure a more efficient and cohesive workflow.

Three Types of Videographer Roles

When hiring a videographer, it’s important to understand the various roles they can play in a production. The type of videographer best suited to your project depends on its complexity and scale. A videographer might act as a one-man band, work as part of a lean crew, or take on a more specialised role within a larger production team.

1. The One-Man Band: Great for Simpler Productions

A one-man band videographer is exactly what it sounds like—someone who handles everything on their own. From camera operation to lighting, audio capture, and even data management, this videographer is responsible for the full scope of production.

While this setup can work well for small, straightforward projects—like interviews, event coverage, or vlogs—it comes with certain risks. Managing every aspect of the production can compromise quality, especially when complexity increases. They may struggle to juggle everything simultaneously, leading to missed shots or issues with audio and lighting.

That said, a talented one-man band can be cost-effective for simpler shoots, particularly when budget is a key consideration, but keep in mind that the success of the project rests heavily on their ability to multitask effectively.

2. Videographers as Part of a Lean Crew

For more involved productions, hiring a videographer as part of a lean crew can make a big difference. In this setup, the videographer focuses on camera operation, while specialists handle lighting, audio, or production management. This allows the videographer to concentrate fully on framing shots, ensuring focus and exposure are precise, and executing the creative vision.

This setup is ideal for more complex projects like corporate videos, brand storytelling, or social media campaigns. The added support improves the overall quality of the video without greatly increasing the budget. Having extra hands on set to manage technical aspects also creates a smoother workflow, leading to better footage and faster production.

3. Directors of Photography (DOPs): The Specialists for High-End Productions

For larger, high-budget productions—like commercials, films, or elaborate brand campaigns—a Director of Photography (DOP) is essential. A DOP is an experienced videographer who works with a full crew. Their role goes beyond operating the camera; they direct the visual style and ensure the artistic vision is executed with precision.

While DOPs are more expensive, they bring advanced creative direction and technical expertise. They are perfect for projects where every shot needs meticulous planning and execution, and where the final product must meet the highest industry standards.

Core Responsibilities and Secondary Functions

A skilled videographer handles many tasks during a shoot, but it’s essential to distinguish between their core responsibilities and secondary functions. These secondary tasks may arise depending on the size and complexity of the production.

Core Responsibilities:

• Camera Operation: The primary role of a videographer is operating the camera. This includes managing focus, exposure, and composition. Every shot must align with the project’s creative vision and technical requirements.
• Shot List & Storyboard Execution: A videographer follows a shot list or storyboard to capture all necessary footage. This ensures each planned shot is executed properly, facilitating smooth post-production.
• Data Management: Videographers ensure that all footage is safely stored throughout the production day. They also back up the footage to prevent content loss. This process helps minimise the risks of data corruption.

Secondary Functions (When Required):

• Lighting Setup: In smaller productions where a dedicated lighting technician isn’t available, a videographer may also handle lighting setup. This involves arranging and adjusting lights to create the desired look, ensuring proper illumination for each scene.
• Audio Capture: Depending on the project, videographers may need to capture audio using built-in or external microphones. In smaller shoots, they may handle the entire audio setup, although larger projects typically involve a dedicated sound engineer.
• Production Assistance: For leaner projects, videographers may assist with other elements of production, such as coordinating on-set logistics or even stepping into a producer role. While this isn’t their main function, they may take on additional responsibilities in one-man-band setups.

Understanding Videographer Costs

When budgeting for a videographer, it’s important to remember that videography is only one part of the overall project cost. Even with a one-man band setup, there are multiple components to factor in. For example, the videographer’s fee, gear costs, and post-production editing.

Videographer rates vary widely depending on their experience. Less experienced videographers might charge around $900 per day, while industry veterans can charge up to $2,500 per day. This disparity makes it challenging to identify where the best value lies, so it’s crucial to consider their portfolio and previous work.

Gear costs can also add to the budget, with some videographers including gear in their day rates, while others charge separately. These costs can range from $400 to $5,000, depending on the shoot’s requirements. High-end productions often require additional gear, such as cinema cameras, lighting rigs, or stabilisers, all of which impact the final cost.

Editing costs are another key factor. Rates for editing generally range from $750 per day for basic editors to $1,500 per day for those with advanced skills or specialised tools. Editing is a crucial phase that ensures the final video is polished and aligns with your brand’s vision.

To give you a better idea of how costs can vary, here’s a breakdown of typical videographer and support crew day rates:

By considering all these factors, you can budget more accurately for your video project and understand where to allocate resources for the best results.

Choosing between a Videographer or a Production Company

Hiring a freelance videographer might seem like the most budget-friendly option, but working with a production company doesn’t always increase costs significantly. It can also save you from creative or technical risks. For smaller shoots, production companies like Story Machine add only the essential crew needed to maximise quality and minimise production risks.

For instance, on smaller projects, we may bring in a producer or camera assistant to ensure everything runs smoothly. This allows each team member to focus on their specific tasks—whether managing logistics or capturing high-quality footage. With everyone in their designated roles, the chances of creative risks or missed shots are greatly reduced.

Most production companies operate on a simple pricing model. They charge crew day rates plus an operational markup, making it clear where your budget is going. Many clients find that the benefits of working with a small team outweigh the minimal added costs. Requesting an itemised quote can help you compare the pros and cons of hiring a solo operator, small team, or larger crew. You may be surprised to find that a small team delivers better workflow and results without drastically increasing your budget.

Working with a production company also makes the process more organised and less stressful, as every aspect of the shoot is coordinated for you. Of course, budgets don’t always permit extra crew, so it’s crucial to base your decision on the complexity and goals of your project.

Making an Informed Decision

When hiring a videographer, it’s crucial to understand your project’s needs and choose someone who can deliver the best results. Whether you’re opting for a one-man band for a simple shoot or a DOP for a high-end commercial, the right choice will save you time, money, and stress.

By considering factors like editing experience, the role of the videographer, and your project’s complexity, you’ll be able to select a professional who aligns with your vision. Make sure to ask what their role was in items included in their portfolio. This ensures a successful outcome that meets your expectations.

If you’re looking for a videographer in Sydney  contact one of our expert team by clicking here to discuss your project.