A Practical and Profitable Guide for Emerging Creative Professionals

As photographers in 2025, we’re operating in a visual economy that demands more than stills. Whether you’re trying to book higher-paying clients, expand your creative toolbox, or simply stay relevant, adding video isn’t optional anymore—it’s strategic. Here’s exactly how I’d approach adding video to your skillstack, especially if you’re already confident behind the camera but new to motion.

1. Understand Why Video Matters (Not Just That It Does)

Video is now the primary content format across almost every platform—Instagram prioritizes Reels, TikTok is video-native, and YouTube continues to dominate long-form content. More importantly, clients expect video deliverables. From brands needing behind-the-scenes content to individuals wanting video portraits or branded content, stills alone are no longer enough.

By adding video, I’m not just learning a new skill—I’m future-proofing my career and creating a reason to increase my rates.

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2. Use the Gear You Already Own

In 2025, almost every mirrorless camera from the last 5 years shoots 4K and beyond. The Canon R5, Sony A7 series, Nikon Z6/Z8—all of them shoot video well. You don’t need a RED or a cinema rig to get started. What you need is:

• A fast lens (f/2.8 or wider)

• A sturdy tripod or gimbal (start handheld if you must)

• ND filters for shooting wide open in daylight

• One decent mic (Rode VideoMic or wireless lav)

• Editing software (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut)

My advice: start with what you have and master framing, lighting, and movement before chasing gear.

3. Shift Your Mindset from Single Frames to Sequences

As photographers, we think in moments. But video is about transitions, continuity, and movement.

What changes is how I approach the story:

• Instead of a single editorial shot, I ask: What’s the beginning, middle, and end?

• Instead of posing, I coach movement: Walk to the window. Look back. Laugh. Adjust your jacket.

• Instead of looking for the “decisive moment,” I capture real-time emotion and energy.

The biggest mindset shift is learning to make short, intentional sequences that hold attention. No need to shoot a feature film—start with 15–30 second micro stories.

4. Learn to Edit the Way You Learned to Shoot

The edit is where your footage becomes a story. Just like we had to learn Photoshop or Lightroom, we now need to learn timeline-based editing. Here’s how I’d approach it:

• Start with jump cuts and rhythm. Keep edits tight. Short is strong.

• Learn how to color match your photos and videos for consistent branding.

• Add simple transitions, text overlays, and music (license-free or royalty-free tracks).

• Learn pacing by studying short-form content—Reels, TikToks, trailers.

Free software like DaVinci Resolve is more than enough to get started. Once you're comfortable, Adobe Premiere Pro offers pro integrations for photographers already inside the Adobe ecosystem.

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5. Practice with Personal Projects (Just Like Photography)

This is crucial. Don’t wait for a client to pay you to shoot video. Start with:

• BTS videos of your photoshoots

• Personal documentary-style profiles

• Mood-driven short films around themes like light, identity, or place

• Reels of your creative process

These personal projects allow you to build a reel the same way you built your portfolio. They also showcase what kind of storytelling you want to be hired for.

6. Monetize It the Right Way

Once I’ve built confidence, I can start positioning video in two ways:

• Add-on Services: Offer a 30-second behind-the-scenes video, branded clips, or motion headshots alongside portrait sessions.

• Standalone Offers: Market yourself for reels, content packages, interviews, short-form brand stories, or creative directing.

Clients often don’t know what they need, but they know they want content. When I package video with photography using language like “brand storytelling” or “digital content bundles,” I create a reason for them to book me over someone else.

7. Keep the Visual Language Cohesive

This is where I see photographers fumble: their video work doesn’t look like their photography. To stand out, I make sure:

• My lighting style stays consistent

• My edits reflect my photo color grade

• My pacing matches my artistic voice

I don’t want my video work to feel like an afterthought. I want it to feel like the natural extension of how I already make pictures.

8. Learn from Filmmakers (But Don’t Try to Be One)

I’m not trying to be Spielberg. I’m trying to be the video version of myself.

That said, learning from filmmakers will help me understand:

• Visual storytelling through movement

• Shot composition in motion

• Basic directing for emotion and performance

Resources like YouTube channels (DSLR Video Shooter, YCImaging, Parker Walbeck) are gold. I also look at what commercial directors and DPs are doing in the branded content space.

9. Build a Showreel Like a Photographer

When it’s time to pitch my services, I don’t build a traditional reel. I build a highlight montage of 15–30 second clips showcasing:

• BTS footage

• Micro interviews

• Slow-motion detail shots

• Short-form creative concepts

Keep it under 90 seconds. Keep it beautiful. And brand it the way I would my photography portfolio.

10. Focus on Execution, Not Perfection

Video can be intimidating because of the technical layers, but remember—clarity beats complexity.

A well-lit, well-framed, emotional 20-second story can outperform a 5-minute over-produced film.

In 2025, clients don’t want perfection. They want authenticity, clarity, and speed. And if I can bring that to the table, while staying true to my photographic eye, I’ve instantly increased my value.

Final Thought:

Adding video to my skillset in 2025 isn’t about turning into a filmmaker. It’s about becoming a more complete visual communicator. With just a few simple tools and the right approach, I can start building offers that clients love and stories that resonate—with motion.

If you want help adding video to your current photography services or need portfolio-level feedback on your first edits, hit me up inside the Carty Method. I help creative pros like you turn this into a career.

Leave a comment and lmk if you’ve endeavoured into video or if you’re thinking about starting.

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Thanks for making it to the end this week, so many aren’t finishers.

Glad you are.

See you next Saturday.

P.S. Every week, my team and I do a zoom workshop for the members of Portfolio Lab. We cover everything from culling, choosing the right image to skin retouching and portfolio development. Would love you to be a part of it.

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