How to Make $60,000 as an Hourly Freelance Videographer

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Making money as a freelancer can be tricky at times, especially since it often involves finding the work itself. And while it is recommended to use high quality equipment, it isn’t required to get started.

Fortunately though, as a freelance video editor, you won’t have to only ever shoot weddings. There are many other options that don’t require spending all day shooting the nuptials of a loving couple. And another day in the editing process.

As a freelance videographer, you also have the advantage of setting your own rates. And you don’t even need an expensive professional video camera to get started.

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How to Make Money as a Freelance Videographer

The hourly rate of a freelance videographer can vary significantly based on experience and the event type.

Professional videographers typically charge between $50 to $300 per hour, with wedding videographers often at the higher end of that range due to the special occasions they cover.

For commercial shoots and promotional videos, the average rate may also increase, reflecting the higher production quality and additional services required from your end. Understanding the market and setting competitive rates can help freelancers attract clients while ensuring they are compensated fairly for their skills.

Ultimately, rates can fluctuate depending on location, demand, and the complexity of the project. As a freelancer though, you have the ability to set your own rates.

Recommended Equipment For Starting a Videography Freelance Business

5K Video Camera Camcorder, 48MP UHD Wifi IR Night Vision Vlogging Camera for YouTube, 16X Digital Zoom Touch Screen Vlog Camera with External Microphone, Lens Hood, Stabilizer, Remote, 2 Batteries

Unicucp 2 Pack Led Video Light Panel Lighting Kit with Barn Doors, 8000mAh Rechargeable Camera Light, 2500K-8500K Photo Light for Outdoor Indoor Photography Live Streaming Zoom Calls Video Recording

What is the Hourly Rate of a Freelance Videographer?

The average hourly rate for a freelance videographer can vary widely based on several factors, including experience and the location of the shoot.

If you have to commute any distance, you will want to consider how much to charge for travel. And, if you’re just getting started, you will want to start with lower fees so you can build up your experience and portfolio.

Many videographers choose between charging an average hourly rate or opting for a flat rate or fixed rate for specific projects.

Wedding videographers, for instance, often command higher fees due to the special nature of these events and the extensive planning involved.

Plus, since the nature of wedding video is meant to be a lifetime memory, you want to make it special for the couple.

Generally, freelance videographer rates range from $50 to as much as $300 per hour, but it’s essential to consider the specifics of each job. Factors such as equipment, editing time, and client expectations also play a crucial role in determining your final rate.

Understanding these dynamics will help you set competitive prices and maximize their earning potential.

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How do Videographers Get Paid

As a freelance videographer, you can get paid by charging either a flat rate for a video project or hourly for your services.

You can also decide how you want your clients to pay you. Methods like PayPal, credit card, cash, or check can be used.

Just make sure that you are legally protected when taking payments from clients, and that your requirements are clearly outlined so you get paid in full, and on time.

I recommend purchasing this Freelance Legal Template that you can you with every one of your clients.

I also suggest using a Square card reader that can connect to your phone, so you can easily take payments from your clients.

Square Terminal – Credit Card Machine to Accept All Payments | Mobile POS

Now, to reach your goal of making $60,000 a year, it’s essential to factor in your video production costs, such as equipment, travel, and software.

Charging higher rates for more complex work or offering separate video editing rates for post-production can boost your income. For larger projects, consider a flat rate that includes filming, editing, and delivering the final video.

By strategically pricing your services and accounting for the full scope of work, you can build a steady income while maintaining quality in your projects.

And, of course, you can always set your own hours. So you never have to work more than you want to.

What Equipment is Needed for Videography

To make $60,000 as a freelance videographer, investing in the right equipment is essential. However, if you’re just starting out, you may have the option to rent until you can afford to buy.

You’ll need a high-quality camera, microphones for clear audio, and proper lighting to create professional, high-quality video content that your clients will love. The type of video equipment you’ll need can also depend on the type of work you choose as well.

5K Video Camera Camcorder, 48MP UHD Wifi IR Night Vision Vlogging Camera for YouTube, 16X Digital Zoom Touch Screen Vlog Camera with External Microphone, Lens Hood, Stabilizer, Remote, 2 Batteries

Unicucp 2 Pack Led Video Light Panel Lighting Kit with Barn Doors, 8000mAh Rechargeable Camera Light, 2500K-8500K Photo Light for Outdoor Indoor Photography Live Streaming Zoom Calls Video Recording

A reliable tripod or stabilizer will help ensure smooth footage, while backup storage devices (like this large memory disk, and external hard drive) keep your files safe.

On the post-production side, having an advanced video editor is crucial for delivering polished projects. The best video editors offer tools for color grading, sound design, and special effects.

While video production costs can add up initially, investing in the right gear and software will allow you to charge higher rates and produce standout work that attracts more clients. And more specifically, clients who can afford you.

Here’s a great all-in-one camera with a microphone that you can use to get you started.

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How to Find Work as a Videographer

To find work as a freelancer, you’ll need to actively seek out potential clients and market your videography services.

To do this, start by identifying the event type or niche you want to focus on, whether it’s weddings, corporate events, or promotional videos.

The type of videographers that succeed often tailor their services to specific industries or client needs.

You can promote your skill level through an online portfolio showcasing your best work, and use social media platforms or freelance websites to reach new audiences.

Networking with event planners, businesses, and other creatives can also open up opportunities. By continuously improving your craft and marketing your services to the right audience, you can build a steady stream of clients.

Freelance Platforms to Find Clients

Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start finding work. These sites allow you to create a profile showcasing your skills as a videographer and experienced video editor.

Potential clients often search these platforms to hire professionals for a variety of projects, from corporate videos to event coverage.

Make sure you highlight your portfolio and show off your ability to deliver high-quality results. This is your time to shine!

By actively bidding on jobs and building positive reviews, you can attract more clients and grow your business.

Using these platforms can help you create a steady stream of work, putting you on the path to reaching your income goals.

Alternatively, you can also build a network on social media, and connect with local businesses and venues to get client work.

For my wedding, the venue my husband and I chose had a list of recommended resources. This resource list included photographers, videographers, DJs and bands, catering, and anything a wedding might need. And, we actually chose all of our people from that list.

So networking locally can be your best bet for finding work. Additionally, you can also partner up with another freelancer, like a photographer, to work on many of the same projects together.

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Using Social Media to Find Freelance Videography Clients

You can leverage social media to reach your target audience as a freelance videographer.

Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow you to showcase your work and connect with potential clients.

You can do this by sharing clips of your best projects, including testimonial videos from satisfied clients, to build credibility.

This social proof is one of the most convincing factors that many potential clients seek out when looking for products and services.

Engaging with relevant trends and joining Facebook groups can also help expand your visibility and attract more business. And as I’ve mentioned before if you can network with local businesses, you can get a lot of easy and free advertising.

And, if you’ve developed a good relationship with local small businesses, they are likely to refer your videography services to their client base as well.

Building Your Own Website

Building your own website can often be the best place to do this. Since building a website from scratch can take a while, I suggest using a premade website that you can customize. For the sake of fair pricing, time spent designing the site, and overall experience, Hostinger is likely your best option.

You can also check out this list of the best videography website builders.

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On your site, you will want to highlight your best work, clearly list your services, and tailor your content to attract the right clients who need high-quality videography.

Your website serves as a portfolio to showcase your skill level and completed video projects and testimonial videos.

Also, make it easy for your target audience to navigate your site, and include a contact form for any questions and possible requests for projects.

How to Make Money as a Videographer From Home

You can make money as a videographer from home by offering services like editing YouTube videos or product videos for businesses. Even if you’re not part of a team, you can work independently on projects for clients preparing for an upcoming event.

Set clear videography pricing based on the complexity and scope of each job.

This remote work allows you to take on a variety of projects and build a steady income without leaving your home studio.

Since most of your work involves more of the editing process, having a reliable computer will help.

If you are less interested in prioritizing video editing, you can set up your own studio, and require that clients use your studio to film their content so you can work from home.

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Selling Stock Video

You can even supplement your income as a freelance videographer by selling stock video content.

Whether it’s scenic landscapes from location scouting or raw footage from past projects, such as a product video, stock footage is in high demand.

Upload your video content to platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or my personal favorite, Deposit Photos. Businesses and creators purchase clips for their projects, by using stock videography.

This passive income stream can help you reach your $60,000 goal while maximizing the footage you’ve already shot.

But, to be successful at selling stock videos, you will want to understand a little bit about search engine optimization. That way your video content is more likely to be found by the right people.

Selling stock video is unlikely to make you a full-time income in a short time, but, if repurposing much of the content you’ve already created can add additional income to your efforts, then every little bit will help.

Music Videos

Creating music videos is a great way to boost your income as a freelance videographer.

Many artists and bands are looking for creative professionals to produce visually engaging music videos that match their style. You can charge higher rates for these projects, as they often require more creativity and attention to detail.

However, it is important to note that newer artists are unlikely to afford higher rates. Alternatively, you can sell them the raw footage and allow them to do the editing themselves.

But, if you are the one doing all the editing, it’s important to understand that music videos require a significant eye for detail, and a good ear as well. Being able to match the lyrics to the movement of the artist’s mouth will be crucial for a successful video.

Live Events & Sports Events

Filming live events and sports events can give a quick boost to your earnings as a freelance videographer, depending on the event that you are filming.

Many businesses need coverage for corporate events, which can later be edited into corporate videos for promotion or internal use.

Sports events also provide opportunities to capture dynamic footage. The use of a video drone can be the key element to signing on to big games since it can capture angles that you will never be able to.

Corporate events will be a bit different, and in many cases involve behind-the-scenes, product demos, employee training, promotional videos, and more. So, the finished project will look a bit more formal than other projects you may have had experience with.

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Editing Video

As an experienced video editor, you can increase your income significantly by offering editing services alongside your videography. This is something that you can do separately, or even specialize in.

The complexity of the project often dictates your pricing, so be sure to assess each job carefully.

Whether you’re working independently or as part of a team, providing high-quality editing can set you apart from your competition.

Make sure that you are using a contract with your clients when you sign them on so you are getting paid for your efforts.

You can purchase this Freelance Legal Template to reuse with each of your clients, for any type of freelance work you decide to offer.

Final Thoughts on How to Make Money as a Freelance Videographer

Making money as a freelance videographer can be tricky in that it can oftentimes be difficult to find work as a freelancer. However, with the right tools, and clever marketing efforts, finding work can be a breeze.

While there is additional time involved with editing, travel time, and any other obligations, you can often set your own rates to make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. While it’s best to have quality equipment, you can start off with a simpler camera, and upgrade after a few clients.

And, as a freelancer, one of the best parts of the work is that you have the flexibility to set your own hours.