How to Transition Into a Videographer Professional in India

Last updated on May 7, 2023

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Have you always been inclined towards turning your creative eye into a career? Well, what better way to do it than through videography? Being a videographer in India opens up a lot of opportunities as the country hosts several high-profile events, entertainment productions and more. But it is a long road to transition into one and requires dedication, passion, and expertise. Here’s how you can become a successful videographer professional in India.

Overview of the Videographer Industry in India

The video production industry in India is rapidly evolving with increasing demand for video productions, allowing many professionals to explore the endless possibilities in this profession. While the market is clustered with global players, particularly in the cities and major metro areas, there are still a number of small, independent operators that compete in the industry. With technological advancements, the industry is now identifying more opportunities to cater to the promising market and generate more revenues.

Apart from innovative production techniques like 4K resolutions, reduced-cost technologies, live streaming and 360° video, the rise in demand for corporate, educational and promotional videos has also contributed to the rapid growth of the industry. In addition to this, television and film production companies also have a great need for expert videographers in India who can offer special effects and post-production services.

Steps to Transition Into a Videographer Professional in India

Taking the plunge from being an amateur to a pro videographer requires a few steps. Here are a few tips for those who are just starting their transition process:

Interview with Professional Videographers

The first step in transitioning into a videography professional in India is to observe and understand the career path. Gaining knowledge from other professionals in the same field should be your priority. After preparing a list of videographers whom you are interested to interview and understand their experiences, inquire if you can do a one-on-one interview with them. This will provide valuable insights into their journey and provide you with crucial guidance which you can use to chart your own success.

Start Networking

Networking is an important part of the transition process. Participating in forums and seeking advice from professionals in this field can help you get better connected. Keep an eye on the latest industry news, attend live events and webinars to stay in touch with professionals in the same field and learn from their experience. You can also use social media to reach out to potential clients and keep in touch with industry contacts.

Sharpen Your Skills

Once you have a good overview of the industry, focus on sharpening your skills. Get trained for the specific type of video you would like to work in and refine your skills by regularly practising and creating new projects. You can also take professional courses from experts in the field to hone your skills. Regularly take feedback from other professionals and use it for further improvisation.

Gear up for the Job Market

Once you have a good grasp of the industry and your skills, it's time to get into the job market. Make sure you have good quality samples of your works and a resume that speaks of your accomplishments and skills. Reach out to recruitment agencies, potential clients and the industry contacts you have met during networking and showcase your work at every opportunity. You can also seek out job postings in media outlets and get on freelance websites.

Key Challenges and Suggested Solutions

Starting a career in videography can be a challenging process as the competition is very high in the market. Even if you have the required skills to make a career for yourself, there are several other hurdles that you will need to overcome. Here are a few of the key obstacles and the suggested solutions to tackle them:

Understanding the Client Requirements

As a videographer, one of the key challenges you will face is understanding the exact needs of the clients. Different clients may have varying requirements and expectations, so it is important to communicate with them in the right way to understand their needs and deliver the right kind of video. It is also important to stay updated about the industry trends so that you can provide recommendations for a particular video.

Securing the Right Gear and Equipment

Having the right tools to create high-quality videos is an essential part to be successful as a videographer in India. Despite an array of affordable options available in the market, selecting the right tools and equipment can still be quite a task. A few tips that can help you in the selection process are to invest in the best camera for the kind of video you plan to make and get the accessories according to your needs. It is always better to rent the equipment if you require them for a short time period.

Being Aware of the Legal Aspects

As videography is a creative field, understanding the legal aspects of the industry is key. The main considerations to keep in mind include understanding copyright laws, locating the right kind of contracts, registering a business and more. Make sure to seek legal advice in order to assess all the relevant laws and regulations, so that you are well-equipped to take on the world of videography.

The Salaries You Can Expect

The salary of a videographer in India depends on various factors such as experience, skills, location and employer. Entry-level video editors in India typically earn INR 200,000 - 300,000 per annum whereas experienced video editors usually earn INR 400,000 - 800,000 per annum. Freelance videographers are usually paid at a higher rate of INR 600 - 1200 per hour.

Real-Life Stories of Successful Transitions

Stories of people who have successfully transitioned into videography is a great source of inspiration and motivation. Here are a few such stories:

Raja Krishnamoorthy

Raja Krishnamoorthy is a professional videographer based in Bangalore. He transitioned into videography at the age of 24 after realizing his passion for creating cinematic visuals. During his transition process he worked in various production houses and interned with award-winning cinematographers. Currently he runs his own video production company.

Anirudh Udupa

Anirudh Udupa is a professional filmmaker and photographer based in Mumbai. He transitioned into the field at a young age of 16 and has since then been part of several feature films, television series, corporate films, and documentary films. Despite his young age, Anirudh has amassed a great amount of experience in the field and today is one of the top filmmakers in India.

Conclusion

Transitioning into a career in videography in India is a difficult yet rewarding process. By understanding the industry and its requirements, following the right steps and being prepared to face the challenges, anyone with the right skills and passion can make a successful transition into this field.