Workshops, University, YouTube? I would say all of that but it depends on many things. My journey was completely low budget with no resources.

When I got interested in videography I had no possibility of attending workshops or events and meet film-makers. I know this sounds like an excuse, but I don’t know how else to explain to you, that it was impossible for me to go to workshops or events because there was nothing like that in my hometown. Everything was happening in the capitol Bratislava, which is 500km away from my town.

The way I’ve learnt videography was mostly online and then applying and trying everything in practice. You need to put hours and hours into trying stuff when it comes to videography. The more you try, the more you succeed and your creativity level will go up as well. It’s a question of figuring things out on your own in the beginning. 

Learning videography online

Of course you can learn videography online as I mentioned before, you are doing it right now because you’re reading this book.

Go on YouTube and watch thousands of videos but don’t forget to go out and apply and try what you’ve learnt. Otherwise there is no sense in it. There are many online courses available when it comes to film-making and videography, so just keep looking. 

I personally prefer learning from the best so I can recommend you Masterclass where you are taught by Ron Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Scorsese and many more. 

Workshops and video classes

I never did it to be honest but mostly because of lack of possibilities. However, even now I wouldn’t do it. But back in 2010 when I started  studying at University, it would definitely be good for my quicker growth and progress. I wouldn’t attend it now because I think most workshops are focused on beginner’s level, so it would be a waste of time for me. 

For you, it could be a good insight of how the real professional looks like and you can ask them absolutely anything you want. But be aware, as I once attended a photography seminar when I started learning photography on a professional level and it was a bit of a let down for me. 

The name of the photographer was big and I thought it’s going to be worth every penny. It wasn’t bad but the whole afternoon part was just based on everybody’s questions. And people were afraid to ask anything so of course the workshop ended 2 hours before the schedule.

If I could go back, I would just sit there another two hours and ask this photographer every single thing on my mind. Even if it’s just two on two. The workshop was promised to end at 4 pm not 2 pm. So before you go to any workshop, prepare literally 100 questions. And if you are the only person to ask anything, so be it!

Although I have to say that when you start out, you don’t even know what to ask. So do a little research on Google before you go. Read articles and compare advice and opinions from different videographers and create your questions.

What about a film school?

As I mentioned in the beginning of this book, I studied Multimedia design which included a video production course and I have to say two things. I haven’t really learned anything about the technical side of a video production, but at least I could practice a real world of video industry.

I got myself disciplined, I’ve learnt how to work in groups as a team. I got a lot of feedback on my work and that is very valuable for the future. You need to learn how to deal with people in your industry, with clients, be disciplined and get feedback and learn how to receive feedback in a creative industry.

Which sometimes can be really harsh. And if you study film and video production, you can spend the whole day creating videos and learning your craft.

You get to network and meet people who also love videos and they share the same passion. Maybe you can start a big project or film a movie together one day.

Thanks to the university I was also able to meet successful film-makers and photographers from all over the world and see how they work and how they think. It’s a priceless experience.

I would definitely suggest going to University if you want to get into a creative industry. If you’re based in the United Kingdom, there are some awesome Universities in London and all over the country. 

Recently, I came across LMA University offering amazing programmes for all kinds of creatives. For videographers, they offer Digital Film and TV production courses. They are based in Liverpool but they open a campus in London in 2020. So if you’re interested, you can visit LMA website and see all the options.

If you want to learn more about videography and video industry, you can continue reading about it in my book. This article was actually taken from my book to share a bit of it. My book How to become a professional videographer is sold on Amazon Kindle or Gumroad.

If you’re on the path to become a freelance videographer, I also have a book called Freelancer’s diary: Learn from my biggest mistakes also available on Amazon Kindle and Gumroad.