My experience
Before diving into the Videographer Portfolio topic, I'd like to briefly introduce my work experience. I worked as an employee for a local Tuscan TV station for about 10 years, where I gained experience as a video and technical support in the journalistic world, primarily in video shooting and editing for news broadcasts and various in-depth programs for the TV network. This experience allowed me to engage with different and stimulating realities and situations every day. Later, when I began my career as a freelance videographer, I decided to explore various paths, likely thanks to the experience and versatility I gained in the television world, taking on and completing a variety of video and photo projects. These ranged from wedding videos to corporate and event videos, from small documentaries to commercials. I never questioned whether specializing in a specific sector could have brought more benefits to my professional experience or increased my income. I believe this is partly due to my personal need to vary the types of work I do and to feel stimulated by the different opportunities and experiences that each new project brings me. This choice undoubtedly has its pros and cons, and if I’m writing this blog post today after a long time, it’s not just because I have more free time in August (although that does play a role...), but because I want to share some reflections that I believe could be important for anyone entering the video creation world and wondering whether to specialize in a particular field (weddings, events, food videography) or to diversify across different types of work.
The benefits of versatility
One of the main advantages of working on different projects is that it has greatly expanded my skill set. Each type of video requires a unique approach, both technically and narratively. Some examples: wedding videos require timing, the ability to capture emotional moments, and the skill to connect with the couple while collaborating with the photographer or other videomakers without interfering with each other’s work. Music videos offer the opportunity to experiment with aesthetics and visual creativity. Commercials require a significant initial creative phase, from client approval to meticulous organization of the shooting.
I can say that the variety of projects I’ve worked on has made me a more well-rounded professional and has allowed me to create a diverse portfolio. Additionally, it has provided me with opportunities to work for international companies, both in Italy and abroad
From my perspective, a diversified portfolio can be a significant advantage when presenting to potential clients. It demonstrates your ability to adapt to different needs and that you have a broad range of skills. This can attract clients who are looking for someone capable of offering tailored solutions. I’ve often been chosen by clients after they saw a video I had made in the past.(here an example of video for Società Canottieri Firenze that helped me finding a customer to create this one l'Istituto Aeronautico Lindbergh).)
The challenges of not specializing
However, the choice not to specialize also presents challenges. In the videomaking world, being known for a particular niche can make you more easily identifiable and sought after. For example, those who specialize in wedding videos are often recommended through word-of-mouth within that specific sector or via specialized platforms, thus building a solid reputation and a steady workflow, along with specific experience in their field. Without a precise niche, there’s a risk of being perceived as a "generalist" and struggling to establish a prominent position in a highly competitive market.
Another aspect to consider is the coherence of your portfolio. A very varied portfolio can be difficult to organize and may give the impression of a lack of focus. This can create uncertainty among potential clients, who might wonder what your true strength is. On my website, I’ve tried to organize my projects using filters, categorizing the videos by sector and client type (having recently updated the site, I’m not yet sure if this will bring any benefits).
Mentioning Clients and Collaborators in Your Portfolio
Including the names of the clients for whom you’ve created videos or photos adds credibility to your work. This can attract new clients who are looking for professionals with experience in their sector. In my portfolio, I’ve always emphasized collaborations and the importance of citing and linking to the collaborators' websites, because I believe it’s important not only to showcase my work but also to acknowledge the people I’ve worked with, always requesting permission for publication. This greatly enriches the content of the site and creates a bond with clients and collaborators. Mentioning those who contributed to the work also helps highlight your ability to work in a team.
Finding the right balance
Over time, I’ve learned that the key lies in finding a balance. I’ve learned to value my versatility, striving to create a portfolio that, while showcasing different types of projects, maintains stylistic and qualitative consistency. This has allowed me to continue working on new projects without sacrificing the development of my professional identity. I’ve also started to reflect on which types of projects I’m most passionate about and where I feel I can deliver the most. This has helped me better guide my future choices, without giving up variety, but striving to create a clear direction in my work.
Conclusion
Being a versatile videomaker has given me the opportunity to experience very different and enriching work, including projects abroad, work for large companies, events, and more. If I were to give advice to someone at the beginning of their journey, I would say not to be afraid to explore different types of projects but also to be aware of the challenges this entails. Finding your own path is a personal and unique process that requires time and reflection. As for me, I’m happy with the path I’ve chosen!
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