5 Things Videography Has Taught Me

When I first picked up a camera, I thought it was all about having the right gear. Truth is, gear matters — but there are some lessons you only learn once you’ve spent hours behind the lens and even more hours stuck in front of a computer fixing mistakes. Here are five things videography has taught me that I wish I knew earlier.

1. Lighting is everything

You can have the best camera and lens in the world, but if your lighting is bad, your footage will look flat and lifeless. Get this part right, and almost anything you shoot will instantly look better. Natural light is your best friend, but when that’s not available, even a simple LED panel or ring light can change the whole vibe.

2. Don’t cheap out on memory cards

This one hurt to learn. A cheap memory card might save you a few bucks upfront, but it will cost you hours (and sometimes files). Slow transfers, corrupted footage, dropped frames… all of it turns editing into a nightmare. Spend the extra money on fast, reliable cards. Your future self will thank you.

3. Use the automatic features

I used to think real videographers shoot everything manual. The truth? Sometimes auto saves your shoot. Cameras today are built with incredible features like reliable autofocus, exposure balancing, and stabilisation. Use them when you need them. Manual is important to learn, but there’s no shame in letting the camera do some heavy lifting when it counts.

4. Preparation is key

Every minute of planning saves you ten in post-production. Storyboard your ideas, prep your gear, and know your locations. Winging it might feel creative in the moment, but it usually creates extra headaches later. The smoother your prep, the smoother your edit.

5. A powerful computer isn’t optional

Editing video will push your computer harder than anything else you’ve done on it. Slow machines make editing painful — crashes, lag, endless rendering. If you’re serious about videography, invest in a machine built for heavy edits. It’s not a luxury; it’s survival.

Final thought

Videography is one of those crafts where the details make all the difference. The more you respect the process — from lighting to prep to editing — the more enjoyable it becomes. I’m still learning every time I pick up the camera, but these five lessons have saved me time, stress, and plenty of frustration.