How to hire a videographer or photographer near you: 9 questions to ask

Start with the portfolio, not the price

Look for work that matches what you need. A great wedding filmmaker isn't automatically right for a gym's TikTok content, and vice versa. Watch full pieces, not just highlight reels, and check that the style fits your brand.

Credits help as a signal of reliability under pressure: shooters who've worked live sports, festivals or national brands have proven they can deliver on tight schedules.

The 9 questions

1) What exactly is included: hours, edited videos, photos, formats? 2) How fast will I get it? 3) How many revisions are included? 4) Can you shoot photo and video in one session? 5) Who owns the footage, and can I run it as ads?

6) Are you licensed and insured? (Many venues require proof of insurance.) 7) What do you need from me before the shoot? 8) What happens if the date or weather changes? 9) How do I lock in the date?

Red flags

Vague quotes with no deliverables listed, no recent work in your category, slow or unclear communication before you've even booked, and prices far below everyone else's. How someone responds to your first message is usually how they'll handle your project.

How Ravine Media answers them

Every quote lists what you get and roughly when (photos usually in about a week, videos in one to two), with express 48–72 hour delivery available. Revisions are included, photo and video are quoted together, deliverables are ready to post and run as ads, and Ravine Media is licensed and insured. You'll get availability and an exact price within 24 hours of reaching out.