Your Cousin Is Not a Videographer: Why DIY Event Coverage Usually Backfires

We all have that one cousin. The one who bought a DSLR during lockdown and now thinks he’s the next Spielberg. You ask for help recording your birthday or anniversary and he says, “I’ve got you.”

Free of charge. Sounds great… until the event is over and you see the video.Blurry shots. Missing momenwts. Audio that sounds like it was recorded underwater. No edits, no highlight reel, nothing worth posting. Just vibes.

If you’ve been there, you’re not alone.Hiring a professional event videographer might sound like an extra expense at first. But truthfully, it’s the difference between a memory you can relive and a clip you wish never existed.

The Problem With DIY Event Videography

Let’s be honest. Just because someone owns a camera doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing. Professional videography for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special event involves more than pressing record. It’s about knowing where to stand, how to catch moments as they unfold, and how to tell a story with footage.

Your cousin might know how to take a selfie, but do they know how to:

Work with low lighting at night?

Capture both video and crisp audio during a surprise speechHandle pressure when something goes wrong?

Probably not.

When It All Goes Wrong

I remember someone who planned a beautiful surprise party for her parents’ anniversary. She got the cake, the music, even matching outfits. Her nephew volunteered to shoot the event. He came with a gimbal and a ring light, so everyone thought he was ready. After the event, everyone kept asking when the video would be ready.

It never came. Apparently, he ran out of storage halfway through the event and didn’t notice. No footage of the toast. No shots of the couple dancing. Nothing usable.And sadly, there’s no second take for a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

This is why you should hire a professional videographer; to avoid stories that touch. A professional event videographer knows how to capture the feel of your celebration. They understand timing, lighting, storytelling, and sound. They edit your footage into something you can actually enjoy watching.

Here’s what you get with a pro:

Full event coverage without missing key moments

Clean visuals and clear audio

Edited video, possibly with music and titles

Professional equipment and backup plans

You also get peace of mind. So you can be present and enjoy your event without worrying about who’s recording what.

You spent time and money planning your birthday or anniversary. Don’t let your only memory of it be a shaky 3-minute clip from a family member who got distracted halfway through.

Your cousin is great. But let him enjoy the event as a guest.

Leave the memories to someone who knows how to capture them.

Need a team that can bring your vision to life whether it’s for an event, photoshoot, podcast, or music project?

At Tebeba Media, we offer professional videography, photography, podcast production, music recording, and live streaming services tailored to your needs. Send us a message now to get started.

Let’s help you create something unforgettable.