I mostly make videos of my family vacations and such as a hobby.
A distant family member liked my edits, and now wants to hire me to shoot a video of a professional conference. I haven’t accepted yet, and I’m reluctant to because I’ve never done anything on this level before. They’re quite desperate because they can’t find a “real” videographer for their budget ($500 USD for ~4 hour shoot). Money is not really a concern for me. I’d love to do this job, but I don’t want to let them down if something goes wrong.
I only have one camera - Fuji X-T3, and one lens decent enough to possibly work in low-light indoor setting - Sigma 16mm f/1.4. I’m worried about data loss since even though the X-T3 has dual SD Card slots, it only writes video to one of them. I also don’t own any lighting equipment aside from a GoDox flash (not even a remote trigger for it). I do have a gimbal for stabilization, but very little experience actually filming with it. And of course the fact that they’re extended family complicates things even further.
Not sure what else I should be worried about. Should I bite the bullet and take the job? I’ll be up-front with the client about both my (lack of) experience and limited equipment, of course.
Do it.
You’ll be grand.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and nobody enters the professional end of things with a full-compliment of perfect gear.
But, you can often hire lenses and other equipment & there’s currently a healthy market for second-hand x-mount lenses, so if you did buy one specially for this, you’re unlikely to lose much if you sell it afterwards (though obviously research the situation and don’t just take a randomer’s word for it before laying down cash).
It sounds like they know you’re not a professional and that they cannot afford to hire one, but you’re correct to ensure they are clear about your experience & equipment & it might be wise to state that in writing as well.