Make Money from Home Taping Special Events

Are you handy with a video camera? Do you like editing video? Special event taping may be just the home-based job for you. This article will explore what you will need to run your business, and the various specialties available to you.

Video Taping Must-Have Equipment

Video Camera: This is going to sound obvious, but you can’t tape high-quality special events without a good video camera. Get something fairly recent and look on eBay before you buy anything offline. Once your business takes off, consider purchasing a digital recorder. A digital recorder makes a digital file that is easier to reproduce and edit.

Have two video cameras—the one you use regularly and a backup in case of accidents while you are on the job. This may be an extra expense, but your clients will not be understanding if you fail to record their event because someone dropped the camcorder.

Microphones: You will want a couple of microphones as well. Depending on the types of events you record, you may only need one. Again, have a backup in case of accidents. You are a professional now.

Editing software: Remember those 4 hour home videos your Uncle Larry made you watch? Who cares what the hotel bathroom looks like anyway? The same thing goes with event tapes. You want to have the ability to edit out those moments that no one cares about—or that your client may not want to remember.

Professional Attire: Don’t show up at someone’s personal or professional event in jeans and a T-shirt. Buy yourself a suit and wear it to all of the events. You will find it easier to get higher prices.

Once you have this equipment you are read to start making money. But what types of events use your new services?

Where to Market Your Taping Services

Weddings
This is perhaps the best-known taping service. You can charge high prices, but you will work for every penny you earn. Besides being good with a camera, you will need to polish your people skills. Good places to advertise your services include: bridal magazines, wedding dress stores, and with local wedding photographers.

Birthdays / Mar or Bat Mitzvahs
You will make less money at these types of gatherings, but you will likely spend less time earning that money. You can find jobs through your local paper, parent magazines, and Jewish-centered publications.

Business Events
This can be a very steady source of income. Basically you tape seminars and speeches that various business and community leaders make. You can find jobs for this type of video taping service by contacting buildings that regularly host seminars and business events, through your chamber of commerce, and by calling professional promoters.

Really, any time people get together for a formal occasion, you have an opportunity to make money with your business. Pick the type of event you most like to attend, and make that your event specialty. This will give you the opportunity to focus your marketing efforts and customize your services for your clients’ specific needs.

Starting your own event taping service is easier than you think. With a little study and some persistence, you will be living the freelance life you have always dreamed about.