Home Based Business Event Videographer

Videographers record social or business events. Still photography was once the means of preserving memories. Now, just about every individual family or business owns a DVD player. This opens up a unique home based business opportunity.

The demand for video production services is growing. Event videographers specialize in recording special events, such as weddings, parties, business meetings, and so forth. If you decide to specialize in an area such as legal deposition, you may need certification.

Technology is constantly changing. You can buy or rent the latest equipment. If you rent, you do not have to worry about maintaining the equipment or purchasing insurance if it is lost or stolen. Renting can be more expensive, but you can consider it until you build your home based business.

You may want to gain experience by taking courses or working as an assistant to an established videographer in your area. This is one of the latest home based business ideas.

What does it take for this business?

This home based business requires technical expertise in the use of the camera and editing equipment, imagination, and creativity. You need to be patient, accurate, and detail-oriented. You need to be able to work with others.

What do I need to operate this business?

You need space to set up your editing equipment. You should develop a relationship with a duplication service.

To provide a quality product for this home based business, you need a high-quality video camera, a Mac computer and editing software. Your costs, if you do not have this equipment, will start at $5000 and could be $10,000 or more.

Basic Equipment and Supplies:

• Video camera
• Mac computer
• Editing software
• DVD/CD burner

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

• Videography and editing for
• Weddings
• Engagement Parties
• Corporate Events
• Trade Shows
• Conferences
• Marketing/Advertising
• Commercials

What are my potential earnings?

$30,000 to $100,000 annually

The amount you earn depends on the number of jobs you have each week and your experience. If you tape parties, recitals, school events, and so on, you may be able to sell copies to friends and relatives.

How much do I charge for my services?

Fees range from $50 to $75 per hour. Event videographers, such as for weddings put together packages ranging from $1000 to $3500. You could also charge $1250 to $1500 per day plus expenses. Check with other video services to see what the rates are in your area.

How do I bill for my services?

You invoice your clients for services rendered. You can also ask for a deposit upfront.

How do I market my business?

Offline

• Purchase ads in local/community newspapers.
• List your home based business in the Yellow Pages.
• Network with local businesses and organizations that sponsor events in your community.
• Place brochures in party shops, bridal shops, bridal salons, tuxedo shops, florist shops, beauty salons, deli's, gourmet food stores, and community centers.
• Volunteer to videotape events in your community. Pass out business cards and brochures.
• Send direct mail to schools, theater groups, real estate agencies, attorneys, and insurance companies in your community.
• Attend trade shows.
• List your service in consumer publications.

Online

• Create a Web site with streaming video of events you have taped.
• List your home based business services in online directories.
• Issue an online press release.
• Link your Web site to related businesses.
• Link your Web site to Web sites in your community.
• List your Web site in online trade publications.
• Publish client testimonials on your Web site.
• Participate in newsgroups and discussion forums related to you business.

This home based business offers the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of videography. Review resources for this home based business here.