The Top 5 Things I Did to Learn Videography and Leave My 9-5 Job
BLOG SUMMARY
1. Invested in Online Courses and Resources
I dove into platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, and Udemy to master camera basics, editing software, and storytelling techniques.
2. Built a Strong Portfolio with Free Projects
I offered my services for free or at a discount to gain hands-on experience and build a reel that showcased my work.
3. Networked with Other Creatives
I connected with other filmmakers, photographers, and creators, learning from their experiences and building relationships that led to paid opportunities.
4. Upgraded My Gear Over Time
I didn’t start with the best gear. Instead, I started small and reinvested earnings into better equipment as my skills and projects grew.
5. Learned the Business Side of Freelancing
I educated myself on pricing, contracts, and client management, turning videography from a hobby into a sustainable business.
Ever since going full time into my video production company, I’ve received a lot of questions regarding how I got started. Usually, it’s from other creative people who are stuck in a 9-5 job that they dislike and are craving for something more. If that resonates with you, then this blog post is for you! I’ve coached many people on getting started - whether it was in photography, videography, or another creative outlet. The goal of this blog post is to share everything that I did to prepare myself as a video creator before leaving my 9-5 job.
I do want to disclose that everyone’s situation looks different. We all have responsibilities and opportunities that vary from person to person. What I’m sharing is what helped me get started on my own journey into Videography. I was someone who was side-hustling for months to match my employers income before taking the leap. Your journey may look different and that’s okay. Going fulltime freelance (entrepreneurship) is a life long journey of growth, challenges, and overcoming. It’s messy, and difficult, while also being beautiful and fulfilling. I think that’s one of my favorite things about it. There is no ceiling of how far you can go. The only bottleneck is…you. If you’re ready to take the leap and start your own side-hustle/business, here’s everything that helped me!
refresh your Mindset:
I didn't realize it at the time but mindset is probably the biggest thing that you need to change. Regardless of industry, I've noticed that people will hold themselves back from their true potential because 1.) they don't feel good enough. Or 2.) they think the market is too saturated for what they have to offer. A 3rd belief could be that there is no way to succeed as a creative so why bother trying? These were all beliefs that I held onto and internalized for most of my life. While no one had directly said these things, I had internalized them from conversations with my parents, friends, media, and myself.
I was operating in a fixed mindset as opposed to a growth mindset.
The truth was these were all beliefs and nothing more than that. I had always assumed that was just how things worked.
Everything changed once I met a mentor who was a successful six-figure photographer in the Bay Area. She changed my views on what was possible as an entrepreneur by sharing her own journey as a creative. Instead of thinking, “I’ll never succeed as a creative” I began to tell myself “if she can do it, so can I”.
The reality is:
1.) Your work deserves to be seen and celebrated by the world.
2.) There is so much possibilities for work in the creative world
3.) There is a lot of money to be made as someone with a creative skillset.
Ways to Change Your Mindset:
Without changing your mindset, it’s almost impossible to do the rest of the things on this list. Mindset is that important.
1.) Listen to Podcasts: Based on the the industry you want to join. Some of my current favorites are: THEMIDCONVO by Edward Lee & Paul Weaver, the Goal Digger by Jenna Kutcher, Branding Your Business Podcast by Praise Santos McKenna, etc. There’s A LOT of others that exist but just listening to entrepreneurs speak about lessons/tips would be helpful in the beginning.
2.) Surround yourself with community: There are bound to be many successful people in your field. Just by surrounding yourself in good company, you will begin to level up how you view yourself and the world! You will learn from their successes and failures which can be beneficial as you grow. For me, this was changing jobs from a non-profit to a creative start-up company in the Bay. My new coworkers became my motivation and inspiration of what is possible. Remember, “if she can do it, so can I”.
3.) Find a Mentor: If you need that extra push, find a mentor near you and ask them out to coffee. Use Instagram to find them or ask your current community if they know of anyone in that field. While you may receive a lot of “No’s” or “I’m busy”, eventually someone will say “Yes” and allow you to connect with them. This is your opportunity to ask the questions that are on your mind. Some online coaches promise this exact thing, however, they typicall can charge anywhere from $200-$10,000+. You’re likely not ready to invest in a program like that, (unless you are which is great!) so there’s nothing wrong with using your local contacts and grabbing coffee.
2. Build a Portfolio:
Your portfolio is really important when first getting started in your business. It’s where clients will go to learn about you & verify if you’re actually legit. There’s nothing worse you can do than sending a Google Drive link or Dropbox link of your “best work” when a client asks to see more. Your portfolio is an extension of your brand so it’s important you make it a good one!
You maybe thinking, “Is my Instagram account good enough?” Kind of. If you’re just getting stared, you can build a seperate account and use that. I’ve gotten some business overtime using relevant hashtags and posting my creative work. The issue however is that we creators have 0 control over what happens to our accounts (rip Vine). So it’s important to build your own place where you have total control of your content.
I use Squarespace for my website Portfolio because it’s simple and easy to customize. A few other website builders I’d recommend are: Showit, Weebly, & Webflow (more advanced). A lot of people get caught in the perfectionism loop and never actually publish their website. It’s okay to have personal standards but remember, done is better than perfect! Your portfolio will grow overtime as you do too. My first portfolio is so much more different than when I first was getting started. Some key elements to include on your website are:
1.) Examples of your BEST Work - what do you want to be known for? Only post the things you want to attract. i.e. If you hate filming weddings, don’t add that to your portfolio. If you don’t have any “amazing projects” create a spec piece with some friends for your new website!
2.) A Contact Form/Info to get in touch - Make it so simple for someone to get in touch with you. Whether that’s via email, phone number, or a contact form.
3.) The Location that you’re based in - Make sure to indicate WHERE you’re based so potential clients know if you’re local. This also helps with your SEO by telling Google that you operate locally.
4.) Include images of You! - The About Page is the 2nd most clicked page on every website for a reason. People want to see the face behind the logo. By showing your personality, you connect with your ideal customers beyond just the service you provide. That’s personal branding.
Once your portfolio is done, share it with the world! Let everyone know that you create really good videos and let them share with their networks!
3. Master your Craft:
Use whatever gear you have and master it. We often want to buy the next shiny camera with crazy specs but in reality, we have the tools we need to make 6-figures already. I first started out on the Nikon D3300 (a photo camera btw) and learned the basics of photography. That camera travelled the world with me, and I got experience capturing landscapes & portraiture. Only once I mastered this gear did I make a hefty purchase to buy the Panasonic Lumix Gh5 + some lenses. This became my video workhorse and I used it to film many projects.
Videography is much different than photography. In our world, we have to consider: lighting scenes, motion, audio, and editing it all together. Now depending on your exact industry, it may be more complex to learn (gimbals, drones, etc.).
When I was first getting started, I worked for a Real Estate Marketing Start-up. It required a different skillset to film a home than it did to shoot a sports commercial. Real estate filming needed wider lenses (15-20mm), a steady cam/gimbal, and aerial videography. Occasionally, we’d interview Realtors as they walk through the home - which meant giving them microphones and recording their voices. Depending on your industry, you want to practice and master the types of shots needed to do it well.
If you don’t have any relevant work in the industry you want to pursue, then create some spec pieces with friends. Plan out a shoot, select a brand or business, and make your own video. You don’t have to spend $10,000 to make it look like a $10,000 video. Get resourceful & get creative! This video/campaign will serve as a great portfolio piece for you in the future as you try to land similar work. Plus, the company might actually purchase the content if they like it!
4. Learn how to tell a Story:
Videography is simply telling stories using a camera. Whether that’s a short form instagram reel, or a Hollywood blockbuster movie. With client work, the principal still applies. Figuring out how to tell their story on video is you job and varies from project to project. That’s why it’s helpful to understand the art of telling a story from the beginning > middle > end.
I watched a lot of Youtube videos about story structure as well as the Hero’s Journey to understand what made stories so effective and powerful. As a videographer, you have this ability to craft a story using images, sound, and visual effects. Editing (in my mind) is the place where the story really comes together. The editor controls the pace, the mood, and the feelings of the viewer through clip selection and creative choices. While a lot of videographers dislike the editing process, I encourage you to lean into because it will make you a better story teller. Some call this: Shooting for the Edit. By learning how to tell a story, you’ll understand what crucial shots are required to be filmed during the shoot date.
5. Grow your Network:
It’s important to surround yourself with the right kinds of people if you want to grow. Start by meeting videographers/creatives in your area. Find them online using instagram or some other social media. Try to connect with them, engage with their content, and offer to take them out for coffee! Eventually, you’ll form an organic relationship and be able to learn from them. It can be a bit intimidating asking strangers for help and it’s likely you’ll face a lot of rejection but don’t give up!
There’s an app called Creative Lunch Club that pairs you randomly with other creatives to meet up for a lunch/coffee 1x a month. This could be a nice intro to widen your horizons and meet new people.
I’d also recommend looking into video meet-ups/mixers and get connected that way. Facebook groups are also helpful as their are always people looking for help on sets. You never know where these connections might lead in the future! I once said “yes” to helping a food photographer that I’d been following on instagram. She needed a hand model to film for a few hours. After the shoot, we formed a good relationship and she referred my video skills to other photographers who needed video help - one of those ended up being a project for The North Face!
Like I said before, the biggest change you can make is in your mindset. Once you recognize that there’s space for you to succeed (and thrive) in the creative space, the skies the limit! I hope this post was helpful for you. Please reach out personally if you have any questions!
