When you are watching videos, it doesn’t matter whether a videographer or a cinematographer has shot the video. Whether it’s an event video or an executive video, your focus is on enjoying the video. However, you might have to make that distinction when hiring a video production company to produce videos for your business.
Video marketing is challenging, especially with everyone deciding to jump in and take advantage of the growing trend of video consumption online. However, you need to partner with the right people to achieve success. A capable video production service knows how to shoot and structure a video to deliver the marketing message you’re trying to convey.
What is Videography?
Simply put, videography means capturing events and moments on video. Typically, videographers operate as a one-person crew or they have a really small group or small team to shoot small projects such as a wedding.
They are focused on capturing the moments and ensuring that proper sound and images are captured with the right light settings. Generally, they do not focus on the artistic side of things and their main focus is on recording the live events on video, as things happen.
What is Cinematography?
At the end of the day, cinematography is also focused on capturing things on video. However, it is a much more involved process with artistic decision-making and strategic planning. Cinematography is also usually on a much bigger scale compared to videography.
Cinematographers are also known as Directors of Photography which means they focus on the mood of the scene, colour palette, camera movement, shot composition, lighting, and many other things as part of the process. The main goal of a cinematographer is to ensure that the video delivers the intended message.
Top Skills Videographers Need
Everybody has a camera in their back pocket these days but that doesn’t make them a videographer. A videographer has to have certain skills in order to be successful. While there are certain degrees and certifications that can help in learning various aspects of videography, especially in the use of lens selection and video editing software but videographers generally learn the most by working on the job. Required skills for a videographer include:
- Being punctual on the job
- Willing to learn and improvise
- Knowledge of proper lighting
- Knowledge about choosing the right angles
- Knowledge about choosing the right light conditions
- Leadership skills when working with a small crew
- Knowledge of video editing software for postproduction
Top Skills Cinematographers Need
Cinematography is a much more involved process that translates into a wider range of skills. A cinematographer is essentially a director with an artistic vision focused on achieving a specific goal. They choose the shooting location, props, proper lighting, and other things in order to bring out the marketing message in an intended manner. Key skills needed by a professional cinematographer include:
- Technical proficiency in shooting video
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Ability to give directions
Videography Camera Equipment And Gear
Videographers usually don’t get to choose the conditions where they have to shoot. They need to be prepared for all kinds of environments. Typical camera equipment and gear required by a videographer include:
- Video cameras
- Camcorders
- DSLR cameras
- Extra batteries
- Microphones
- Lighting equipment
- Stabilisers or tripods
- Different types of lenses
Cinematography Camera Equipment and Gear
Cinematographers also require all the equipment needed by videographers. The major difference between these two is the quality of the equipment as cinematography is often done on a much bigger scale. Common equipment needed by a cinematographer include:
- Various types of video cameras
- DSLR cameras
- Lots of extra batteries
- Extensive lighting equipment which is much more than what a videographer needs or uses
- Extensive sound and audio equipment such as different types of microphones
- Tripods
- Jabs and gimbal stabilisers
- A huge variety of lenses
Types of Projects Videographers Work on
In most cases, videographers are hired for recording live events such as a wedding, sporting events, community events, a conference, and various other events. A few examples of the type of projects videographers take on:
- Weddings
- Community events
- Corporate events
- Other live events
Types of Projects Cinematographers Work On
Cinematographers often take on planned work that may spread over a few weeks or months. They are a lot more involved in the planning stages. A few examples of the type of project cinematographers typically work on:
- Executive messages
- Television commercials
- Training videos
- Internal communication videos
- Case studies
- Testimonials
- Instructional videos
- Explainer videos
- Promotional videos
- Recruitment videos
Final Thoughts
Overall, cinematography and videography are similar in many aspects but completely different in others. Videography is usually focused on capturing a live event whereas cinematography is more focused on delivering a message effectively. Videographers typically do not have much control over their work environment whereas cinematographers get to choose almost everything regarding their work environment.
Cinematographers are often much more creative-minded with artistic ideas. They are much more involved in the planning stages and various processes.
On the other hand, videographers usually have to work with whatever they get. They need to think on the spot. Sometimes, the lighting conditions are not favourable but they have to get the job done. A videographer is always focused on capturing the most important moments regardless of the conditions.
A videographer typically has a small team and often works as a one-man crew. On the other hand, cinematographers typically work with big teams and their role typically involves giving directions to other members of the team. They are responsible for lighting, camera movement, and all the other aspects in order to capture the best shot.
When it comes to choosing either a videographer or a cinematographer for your videos, it is better to focus on their background in order to choose the right professional. Find out their experience in the type of videos you want to create to make sure that you get the kind of video you want.
Hire a Professional Video Production Company
Video marketing is growing. People like videos and associate the quality of video messages with the kind of service they will get from a business. Here at Inspireworks, we believe in bringing your vision to reality. We create effective stories that convert. The only thing we need from you is the message you want to convey and we’ll take care of the rest.
Please call us today at Inspireworks on 1300 885 968 or send us a message for more information.