Is videography just an expensive hobby?

Let’s be real. Videography or photography can get pricey. With all the gear, software subscriptions, and traveling you have to do, you can quickly see why some creators have big price tags on their work. A high-end camera here, a stabilizer there, a drone for those epic aerial shots—before you know it, you’ve spent enough to buy a small car.

But here’s the thing: does it have to be that way?

To be honest, a lot of hobbies require as much financial investment as you are prepared to put in. Take running for example (another hobby of mine). Shoes, glasses, wearable tech, race fees, recovery, food, supplements. Running can be as expensive as you want it to be. Or you can just put on your daily sneakers and run without the excess.

The same goes for videography. The belief is, in order to be taken seriously as a videographer, you need to have some impressive gadgets and a flashy Instagram. But is that really true? Some of the most compelling stories have been shot on smartphones. Great storytelling, composition, and creativity don’t come from the price tag of your gear—they come from you.

Sure, professional equipment can elevate your work, but it shouldn’t be a barrier to entry. Start with what you have, learn the craft, and upgrade when it makes sense. After all, the best camera is the one you actually use.

So, is videography just an expensive hobby? Only if you let it be.

What’s your most expensive hobby?