Are you looking for a career that has the potential for you to potentially never work the same day twice? A career that won’t have you performing the same task with no uniqueness to your workday? If you have an eye for detail and are looking for an intriguing career, have you researched how to become a legal videographer?
Legal Videography Today
Technological advancements have made legal proceedings more efficient and legal practitioners who use legal videographers are becoming more effective in the capture of legal proceedings. This mean that there has been an increase in tech-centric legal support careers.
One of those careers is legal videographer. This individual, also known as a court videographer or a forensic videographer is charged with using video equipment to record digital images for court proceedings. There are times this individual will be called upon to replay the information they have recorded at trial.
A legal videographer is in the courtroom to capture video imagery used in wills, courtroom presentation, reconstructing incidents, documentaries, fraud evidence and more.
What are the steps you need to take to become a legal videographer in Phoenix, Arizona? Here are a few to consider.
Certification
It isn’t necessary to have a certificate in order to pursue a career as a legal videographer, but it never hurts to pursue one. The courses that a legal videographer takes will only serve to enhance his or her career.
Certificates and additional education to consider include: videography, editing, criminology and/or forensics; the last two will help you if you’re looking to specialize in a specific type of courtroom videography.
Equipment?
Let’s first dispel the notion that a legal videographer in Phoenix, Arizona or any part of the country can use a smart phone as his or her video equipment. You will need to show your professionalism by investing in a video-camera, film or digital, a tripod, handheld lighting, monitors, editing equipment and a high quality microphone. You will also need to invest in a computer that is equipped with video editing software so you are able to edit clips and footage.
Practice your technique by shooting short films on your own. Practice your editing skills. Interview friends and family in different settings so you can hone in on the lighting and the microphone quality you’re capturing.
Don’t feel you need to rush choosing your specialty.
If you want to specialize, many Phoenix, AZ legal videographers do, talk with others in your profession to see how they feel about their specialization. Do you have a particular interest in a legal field in which you’d like to become a legal videographer? Know your personality and that will also help you determine the types of cases you’d feel comfortable being in the courtroom recording.
Professionalism
Shooting a legal video is only a portion of the job of a legal videographer. You will need to edit clips or present raw video to whomever requests it. Remember, not everything you will be recording will be exciting, but you need to pay attention to whatever you’re recording so as to not miss any crucial nuances.
Always having a business mindset will keep you focused and will keep you in demand for your skills.
Legal videographers appear to be in high demand. If you’re looking for a career with growth potential and you love being behind the camera, pay attention to detail and are professional, this may be the career path you’ve been seeking.
For more information about how to become a legal videographer or court reporter, please contact Marty Herder at Herder and Associates in Phoenix, Arizona.
