📹 Hiring a Videographer for the First Time?

Here’s What to Expect (and What to Ask!)

There’s something special about a moment you can watch again — whether it’s a rodeo ride that shook the ground, a branding day filled with laughter, or a western business showing the world what they do best. But if you’ve never hired a videographer before, the process can feel like stepping into a chute you didn’t mean to enter. 😅

Don’t worry — I’ve got you.

This guide will walk you through what to expect, what a “normal” package looks like, and the key questions to ask so you get exactly what you’re hoping for.

🎬 What Does a Videographer Actually Do?

A good videographer doesn’t just press record.

They capture:

✔ The excitement

✔ The atmosphere

✔ The real emotion

✔ The story behind the dust

From planning the shoot, filming on-site, sound design, to hours of editing afterward — your final video is the result of a whole lot of creative, technical, and storytelling work.

📦 What Does a Typical Package Include?

Every videographer has different offers, but most include:

✨ Highlight Video — 60–90 seconds for maximum impact

📱 Social Media Reels — 10–30 seconds for Instagram/Facebook/TikTok

🎵 Licensed / Copyright-Free Music — so you can promote freely

🚗 Travel Considerations — mileage or accommodation depending on location

🎥 Professionally Shot Footage — no iPhone-at-the-fence-line here 😉

Some packages include sponsor integrations and collaborative posting (more on that below 👇)

🕒 Turnaround Time: The Invisible Superpower

One of the most overlooked — but most important — parts of hiring a videographer:

➡️ How fast content is delivered

Each edit takes time:

• Same-day reels are possible (short and sweet is pretty easy)

• Highlight videos may take 2 – 7+ days depending on complexity

It’s a balance of:

Quality + Speed + Story

But here’s the key:

📌 The longer the delay, the faster hype dies off.

Rodeo crowds move on to the next arena pretty quick — when videos drop too late, engagement drops with them. So ask:

“How fast do you post reels?”

“When will the highlight video be done?”

“What gets posted first?”

You want someone who respects the momentum of your event and can deliver both quick excitement and polished storytelling.

🤝 Collaborative vs. Exclusive Ownership — What’s the Difference?

This is where many committees get confused — and where a ton of marketing potential gets lost.

Collaborative Posting

• Videographer posts on their platform

• Event is tagged as a collaborator

• Content reaches their audience + yours

• Priceless exposure for small or growing events 🚀

Exclusive Ownership

• You own the fully edited content

• You choose when and where it's posted

• Best for tourism boards, big sponsors, or official campaigns

Neither is “better” — each serves a different purpose.

👉 If your goal is maximum online reach — collaboration is gold

👉 If your goal is in-house marketing control — exclusive is ideal

Ask what you need most:

📣 Promotion? or 🗂 Asset ownership?

❓ Questions You Should Ask Before Booking

Save this list 📌

1️⃣ What deliverables are included?

2️⃣ What’s your turnaround schedule?

3️⃣ Do you offer reels + social support?

4️⃣ Who owns the footage?

(Note: RAW files are usually never available, unless you're willing to pay a hefty fee $$)

5️⃣ How do you manage sponsorship visibility?

6️⃣ Are there travel or accommodation fees?

🐎 Your Story Deserves More Than Just a Memory

Hiring a videographer isn’t a luxury — it’s an investment in legacy, connection, and visibility.

Whether you're showcasing:

• A community-value rodeo

• A youth camp shaping tomorrow’s leaders

• A local business with deep western roots

Storytelling is what preserves culture and keeps these traditions strong.

If you’re curious what working together would look like — or just want help figuring out the right package — I’m always happy to help. 🤠✨

📩 Let’s bring your story to life, beautifully and on time.

See you in the dirt !

Belina (Bel) Hooper

westerncowboychronicles@gmail.com