Guide · Hiring
How to choose a videographer in Miami
Miami has hundreds of videographers, and most reels look good for thirty seconds. These nine checks separate the ones who will make your project look good from the ones who make their reel look good.
1. Watch whole videos, not just the reel
A showreel is the best two seconds of fifty projects. Ask for two or three complete videos close to yours: a full interview, a whole event recap, a finished ad. Check whether the middle is as good as the opening shot.
2. Ask who will actually be behind the camera
Some companies sell the job with a senior name and send someone else. Ask who shoots, who lights and who edits, and whether that person shot the work you liked.
3. Look at the light
Cameras are similar now; light is where quality shows. In interviews, look for a soft light shaping the face, a separated background and no blown-out windows. In night and event footage, look for clean skin tones instead of orange or green faces.
4. Listen to the sound
Bad audio ruins good pictures. Ask what they use for interviews and events. A wireless lavalier on every speaker is the minimum for talking videos; a mic on top of the camera is not enough.
5. Check the kit against your project
You don't need an ARRI for Reels, but you do need lights for an interview and a gimbal for walking shots. Ask what comes with the price and what would be rented.
6. Make sure the verticals are planned
If the video will live on Instagram and TikTok, the vertical versions should be framed on set, not cropped later from a wide shot. Ask how they handle 9:16.
7. Get the quote in writing, line by line
Compare quotes on the same lines: hours, crew, equipment, deliverables, rounds of changes, delivery date. Anything "billed separately" should be named.
8. Clarify rights and files
Who owns the video, can you run it as a paid ad, and do you get the raw footage? These answers change prices more than people expect.
9. Ask about permits
Filming on public property in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County usually needs a permit. A professional crew knows which office covers your location. Our permit guide explains the rules.
How we answer these questions
Our founder, a Director of Photography with 19 years in TV and film, shoots and lights every production. We own our cameras, lenses and lights, use wireless audio on every speaker, frame verticals on set, and publish every price. See our work and prices, or hire us for filming only.
Questions we get
Should I hire a videographer or a production company?
For one shoot day with a clear brief, a strong videographer or a small crew is usually the better value. For multi-day campaigns with casting, art direction and several locations, you need a production company or a DOP who can build a crew.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to three weeks for most shoots. During Art Week, the Boat Show and the winter season, good crews in Miami book up earlier, so ask as soon as you have a date.
What should be in a written quote?
Shoot hours, crew, equipment, what you receive and in which formats, the number of change rounds, delivery date, usage rights, and which costs are billed separately: locations, permits, talent, travel.