What to Look for When Hiring a Construction Videographer
Whether you’re managing a major infrastructure project or building a new subdivision, hiring the right construction videographer can save you time, protect you from costly disputes, and even help you win more business. It’s crucial to choose a team with proven construction expertise to ensure the video production process is tailored to the unique needs of construction projects. But how do you know who to trust with that responsibility?
At Acclaim Media, we’ve worked with contractors, municipalities, construction firms, and corporate clients across the Midwest for over 25 years. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what to look for when hiring a construction videographer for your project and why it matters.
Why Hire a Construction Videographer?
Hiring a professional videographer is about more than just pretty visuals. You’re investing in:
Accurate site documentation
Legal protection and compliance
Stakeholder communication and effectively communicating your company's message and capabilities
Marketing and future project proposals
Construction photography
The goal is to provide construction-specific video work, using drones, time-lapse, and progress updates to provide clear, visual records. Acclaim Media brings the added benefit of full post-production services and a streamlined process from start to finish.
Professional construction videography not only supports your current marketing efforts but also helps attract and engage future customers by showcasing your company's strengths and completed projects.
Types of Construction Videos
In the construction industry, video content comes in many forms, each tailored to meet specific needs throughout the construction process. Promotional videos are a powerful tool for construction companies looking to market their services, highlight their expertise, and showcase completed construction projects to potential clients. These videos often feature dynamic footage of past projects, testimonials, and branded messaging that help set a company apart in a competitive market.
Educational and training videos play a critical role in safety training and ongoing professional development for construction professionals. These videos can demonstrate new construction techniques, explain safety protocols, or provide step-by-step instructions for complex tasks, making them invaluable for onboarding new team members and keeping crews up to date with industry standards.
Documentary-style videos capture the entire construction process, from groundbreaking to final completion. By documenting progress over time, these videos provide a comprehensive record of the project, which can be used for stakeholder communication, project management, and even legal documentation if needed. They also serve as a valuable resource for future projects, allowing teams to review what worked well and identify areas for improvement.
By leveraging these different types of construction videos, construction companies can effectively communicate their message, showcase their work, and provide valuable information to clients, project teams, and the broader industry.
What to Look for in a Construction Videographer
1. Industry Experience
Construction sites aren’t like film sets—they’re active, noisy, and often dangerous. You need a crew that understands jobsite protocols, knows how to stay out of the way, and can still get the shots you need.
Tip: Ask for past examples from similar projects. Bonus points if they’ve worked with general contractors, DOTs, or utility companies.
2. FAA-Certified Drone Operators
Aerial drone shots are now a standard part of construction documentation. But it’s illegal to fly commercially without an FAA license.
Ask to see a Part 107 certification and check that their drone work is insured and legally compliant.
3. Pre-Construction & Progress Video Services
Before you start digging, you may be required by local agencies to document existing conditions—this is where pre-construction video comes in.
Make sure your videographer can:
Capture clear, time-stamped footage
Organize it for easy access
Cover roads, sidewalks, utilities, and haul routes
Know how to respect and work with the trade union construction professionals
Thorough documentation is essential not only for contractors and municipalities but also for property owners to ensure project transparency and avoid potential disputes.
4. Post-Production Capabilities
Capturing footage is only half the job. Editing, labeling, archiving, and delivering usable files is where a lot of videographers fall short.
At Acclaim Media, we handle:
Organized file delivery (by location, date, and asset type)
Web-friendly formats
Optional narrated edits and motion graphics
5. Flexibility & Turnaround Time
Construction schedules shift. Weather happens. Your videographer should be able to adapt. Make sure they offer:
Flexible scheduling
Rapid turnaround for urgent deliverables
Consistent communication
6. Visuals That Work for Marketing, Too
Your documentation doesn’t just need to satisfy inspectors—it can double as powerful marketing content. Companies like Guerilla Capturing specialize in time-lapse videos and promo reels. At Acclaim Media, we offer branded edits that can be used on your:
Website
RFPs and bid proposals
Social media
Investor reports
7. Insurance
You’re covered, but is your camera crew? [Acclaim Media carries $1M liability insurance on every video shoot we do.]
Incorporating video content into your email campaigns and digital marketing can lead to higher open rates and increased engagement. Drone footage showcases your company's accomplishments and expertise in a visually compelling way, helping you stand out to potential clients. Acclaim Media also produces corporate videos for construction firms, supporting branding, training, and internal communications.
Understanding the Construction Video Production Process
A successful construction video production requires a well-organized and effective video production process. It all starts with a clear understanding of the video’s objective—whether it’s for marketing, training, or documenting the construction process. Once the goal is set, the next steps involve scripting and storyboarding to outline the key messages and visuals, followed by detailed planning of logistics such as scheduling, location scouting, and assembling the right crew and equipment.
During the production phase, the team captures high-quality footage using a mix of ground-level videography and aerial shots, often with drones, to provide a complete picture of the construction project. Attention to detail is critical at this stage to ensure that all important aspects of the project are documented.
Post-production is where the footage comes together. This involves editing, adding music, voiceovers, and graphics, and ensuring the final video aligns with the intended message and quality standards. The final delivery includes providing the video in formats that are easily accessible for clients, whether for web, presentations, or internal training.
A smooth and effective video production process is essential for delivering construction videos that are not only visually engaging but also serve their intended purpose—be it marketing, training, or documentation. By following a structured approach, construction companies can ensure their video content is professional, impactful, and ready for any audience.
Tips for Creating Effective Construction Videos
To create construction videos that truly resonate, it’s important to start with a clear understanding of your audience and the purpose of the video. Whether you’re targeting potential clients, project stakeholders, or your own team, tailoring the content to their needs will make your message more impactful.
Investing in high-quality visuals is essential—sharp images and steady footage reflect the professionalism of your construction company. Good lighting and sound are just as important, ensuring that every detail of your construction projects is captured clearly. Keep your videos concise and focused, highlighting the most important aspects of the project without overwhelming viewers with unnecessary information.
Incorporating interviews with construction professionals—such as architects, engineers, and contractors—adds credibility and a human touch to your videos. These insights can help tell the story behind the project and demonstrate your team’s expertise. Additionally, drone footage can offer unique perspectives, showcasing the scale and complexity of your work in ways that ground-level shots can’t match.
Finally, optimize your videos for online platforms by using relevant keywords, clear descriptions, and engaging thumbnails. This will help your construction videos reach a wider audience and improve their performance on search engines and social media.
Measuring the Success of Construction Videography
To ensure your investment in construction videography is delivering results, it’s important to track key performance metrics. Start by monitoring view counts and engagement rates on your video content—these numbers indicate how many people are watching and interacting with your videos. For videos shared on social media, pay attention to likes, shares, and comments, as these reflect how well your content is resonating with your audience.
If you’re using videos in email campaigns, track open rates and click-through rates to see how effectively your video content is engaging potential customers and driving them to take action. Additionally, consider the number of leads or inquiries generated as a direct result of your videos—this is a strong indicator of their impact on your marketing efforts.
Beyond numbers, consider the qualitative impact of your construction videography. Are your videos helping to build your company’s reputation, attract new clients, or improve communication with stakeholders? By regularly analyzing these metrics, construction companies can refine their video strategies, create more engaging content, and achieve better results in their marketing and communication efforts.
Respecting the Pros: Working With Trade Unions and Skilled Crews
At Acclaim Media, we understand that every jobsite is built on the backs of experienced, highly trained professionals—many of whom are proud members of trade unions.
We’ve worked side-by-side with union crews across Illinois and the Midwest, and we know how to:
Respect protocols and safety guidelines on union jobsites
Coordinate around trade schedules without disruption
Highlight the craftsmanship and expertise of tradespeople in a way that honors the work
Whether it’s ironworkers erecting structural steel, laborers handling site prep, or electricians finishing out a WTP, our cameras are there to capture the process without getting in the way. We believe in showcasing the real story—the people who do the work, the precision of their craft, and the pride that comes with a job well done.
We don’t just film construction - we respect the culture behind it.
FAQs About Construction Videography
What does a construction videographer do?
Construction videography involves filming and photographing all phases of a project, using high-quality construction photos and video to document progress, ensure legal protection, and support communication with stakeholders and clients. Professional photos are essential for capturing key details and providing comprehensive project documentation.
Why do I need pre-construction video?
Pre-construction video documents site conditions before work begins. It helps contractors avoid false claims and is often required by municipalities, DOTs, and trade union agreements.
How much does it cost to hire a construction videographer?
Costs depend on the size of your site, scope of coverage, and deliverables. At Acclaim Media, most packages start around $2,500 and include planning, filming, drone coverage, editing, and organized delivery.
Will you coordinate with union crews and schedules?
Yes. We’ve worked with union trades across Illinois and understand how to respect jobsite procedures, safety rules, and crew schedules. We operate with minimal disruption and maximum respect.
Can we feature tradespeople in the video?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it. Featuring the skill and professionalism of your workforce is a powerful way to showcase your company’s values and capabilities—especially for RFPs, recruiting, and community engagement
Can a construction videographer help with legal disputes?
Yes. Time-stamped, high-resolution footage is often used in litigation to prove pre-existing conditions or clarify what happened on-site.
Do you work with related fields?
Absolutely! Our video services extend to related industries. We've shot for many other construction companies. Crane operators? Yes. Training videos for steel workers? Yes. Additives for concrete companies? Yes. You get the idea...
We've done a lot of construction video production through the years, including safety training. Odds are, we've worked on a project similar to yours.
Do I need drone footage?
For large or complex sites, drone footage is extremely valuable. It captures site layout, progress, and context in a way ground-level video can’t. Most construction clients include drone coverage in their package.
FAQs About Acclaim Media
What makes Acclaim Media different?
We combine professionalism, flexibility, and deep respect for the trades with full-service production. From site documentation to polished promotional edits, we do it all—with zero hassle for you.
We offer turnkey video production tailored to the construction industry. From planning to editing, we handle it all—so you can focus on your job, not ours.
Are you familiar with union jobsite requirements?
Yes. We’ve filmed on union jobsites throughout Illinois and the Midwest. We follow all required safety and access procedures and know how to work in tandem with your team, not around it.
Can we use your footage for marketing or recruitment?
Yes. In addition to documentation, we can produce branded edits, interviews, and time-lapse videos that showcase your team and work in a way that attracts new business or talent.
We offer branded edits, motion graphics, and short clips that are perfect for use on websites, social platforms, or during investor presentations. Many of our clients re-use footage for their construction marketing efforts.
Where is Acclaim Media located?
We’re based in Naperville, Illinois, and serve the entire Chicagoland area, including Aurora, Elgin, Plainfield, Peoria, Mokena and beyond.
Do you offer rush services?
Yes. We can accommodate tight timelines and deliver fast turnaround on urgent documentation needs.
Built With Respect. Delivered With Precision.
You don’t just need a camera crew—you need a partner who understands the jobsite, respects the people on it, and knows how to tell your story.
At Acclaim Media, we work directly with contractors, project managers, and union trades to document your project the right way—safely, accurately, and with zero disruption. We pay close attention to details, capturing close-up images and photos that highlight specific architectural and design features, ensuring a comprehensive visual record of each project.
Whether it’s pre-construction documentation, drone coverage, or a promotional video that makes your team proud, we’ve got you covered.
A great construction videographer isn’t just someone with a camera - it’s a partner who understands your project, your schedule, and your risks. Whether you need pre-construction documentation, construction process video, drone footage, or a time-lapse video that makes your next bid stand out. Hiring the right team makes all the difference. We help you speak to decision makers.
Don’t Leave Your Project Open to Risk, Document It Right the First Time
Thorough documentation of your construction project is not just a best practice—it’s a critical safeguard for your business. Utilizing professional video services to record every stage of the construction process ensures that you have a clear, accurate record of your work, which can be invaluable in the event of disputes or claims. High-quality construction video production also serves as a powerful training tool, helping construction professionals stay up to date on safety procedures and industry best practices.
By investing in construction videography, construction companies can protect their interests, enhance their marketing materials, and provide a lasting record of their expertise. This not only strengthens your reputation with potential clients but also contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of the construction industry. Whether you need documentation for legal protection, compelling marketing content, or effective training resources, construction video is an indispensable tool for every construction project.
Let your work speak for itself - document it right, from the ground up.
One call. One crew. Zero hassle.
You build it - we’ll help you prove it, protect it, and promote it.
Acclaim Media is a Chicago-based video production company helping brands nationwide create high-impact content—from marketing and corporate messaging to training and events. With 25+ years of experience and hundreds of successful projects, we make video production simple, strategic, and results-driven.