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Possible videography gig, but I'm not a pro. Should I take it? (beehaw.org)

submitted 1 year ago by chahk@beehaw.org to c/chat@beehaw.org

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I mostly make videos of my family vacations and such as a hobby.

A distant family member liked my edits, and now wants to hire me to shoot a video of a professional conference. I haven't accepted yet, and I'm reluctant to because I've never done anything on this level before. They're quite desperate because they can't find a "real" videographer for their budget ($500 USD for ~4 hour shoot). Money is not really a concern for me. I'd love to do this job, but I don't want to let them down if something goes wrong.

I only have one camera - Fuji X-T3, and one lens decent enough to possibly work in low-light indoor setting - Sigma 16mm f/1.4. I'm worried about data loss since even though the X-T3 has dual SD Card slots, it only writes video to one of them. I also don't own any lighting equipment aside from a GoDox flash (not even a remote trigger for it). I do have a gimbal for stabilization, but very little experience actually filming with it. And of course the fact that they're extended family complicates things even further.

Not sure what else I should be worried about. Should I bite the bullet and take the job? I'll be up-front with the client about both my (lack of) experience and limited equipment, of course.

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[–] apis@beehaw.org 6 points 1 year ago

Do it.

You'll be grand.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and nobody enters the professional end of things with a full-compliment of perfect gear.

But, you can often hire lenses and other equipment & there's currently a healthy market for second-hand x-mount lenses, so if you did buy one specially for this, you're unlikely to lose much if you sell it afterwards (though obviously research the situation and don't just take a randomer's word for it before laying down cash).

It sounds like they know you're not a professional and that they cannot afford to hire one, but you're correct to ensure they are clear about your experience & equipment & it might be wise to state that in writing as well.