Video Projects: When to Hire a Pro vs. DIY
Bri shooting footage at the 15th Annual IU Indianapolis Regatta
In this age of digital media, it's not uncommon that we see short form video content on almost every social media platform. Over the years it has grown to be crucial for engagement on social media.
The question I get asked the most as a video professional is when to hire a videographer vs. doing it yourself. There are lots of variables that go into this decision, but ultimately it comes down to 3 things:
Budget
Timeline
Desired Quality
These factors form a "good, fast, cheap" triangle where you can typically only choose two. Good & cheap projects will be slow, fast & cheap projects will be low quality, and good and fast projects will be expensive. Balancing these elements is key to making the right decision about whether to hire professionals or work in-house.
What’s your budget?
When considering professional video, align your budget with the desired content quality. Realistic budgeting is crucial, as professional video can cost thousands depending on project scope and deliverables. Higher budgets will allow for professional-quality video to be completed quickly, and are convenient and easy for your team. For lower budgets, consider a hybrid approach: hiring a professional for one longer video that you can repurpose into shorter clips in-house using user-friendly web-based editing platforms. Many videographers will provide standalone files that you can use to rework into new content later on.
Cost-saving strategies include:
One-day professional shoots: Schedule all talent on the same day to minimize production day rates and simplify crew setup.
In-house shooting with outsourced editing: If you can record video but lack editing resources, hiring an editor can significantly reduce costs.
Maximize day rates: Utilize any remaining shoot time to capture extra footage (e.g., b-roll) for future use.
What’s your timeline?
Deciding whether to hire a professional videographer often hinges on your required timeline. For teams without in-house video expertise, the learning curve for shooting and editing can be time-consuming. If you need a turnaround of less than two weeks, engaging a professional is likely the best option. The appropriate timeline will vary based on the project's scope and the number of deliverables. Remember to factor in any internal review stages before public release on social media or your website.
What level of quality do you need for the project?
Cell phone cameras have advanced to the point where creating high-quality footage in-house is now feasible. The feature film Tangerine, directed by Academy Award winner Sean Baker, serves as an example, having been shot entirely on an iPhone. Strong storytelling can result in impressive videos using readily available equipment.
For short-form content, trends, lo-fi, or intentionally unpolished video often performs best. The decision to hire a videographer depends on the content's purpose. Professional quality visuals are recommended for broadcast, commercials, and long-form videos. However, lo-fi content is suitable for short-form platforms like Instagram and TikTok. If a mix of content is needed, producing a professional video that can be segmented for social media is a beneficial approach.
Deciding between a professional videographer and in-house video creation comes down to your budget, how quickly you need it done, and the level of quality you're aiming for. Weigh the classic "good, fast, cheap" options and be honest about what your team can handle. This way, you'll pick the best approach for your videos and make sure they really make an impact.
Bri Garr-Bland
Account Coordinator