Shoots and edits, not the best idea

It appears to be a trend. I see ads looking for someone who can shoot and edit. I see people who claim they can shoot and edit. And with inexpensive cameras and inexpensive software, anyone can do it. But is it a good idea? I say no.

I can shoot and edit. I've done it. I've been paid for it. My work has occasionally been praised. Does that mean I'm the person you should hire to shoot and edit? If one takes video seriously, the answer is no. Specialties exist for a reason. There's a reason for surgeons and anesthesiologists and nurses. You don't look for a doctor who anesthetizes and cuts. There's a reason for pitchers and catchers and first baseman. I mean, if you can find someone who can pitch for a .93 ERA and bat for .400, more power to you. But I don't think we've seen that kind of talent since Babe Ruth and he stopped pitching pretty young.

If using video is important to you, get a shooter and an editor. The skills are pretty different. A good shooter gets you great pictures that will tell your story. A good editor puts those pictures together to tell your story. Keep in mind that a slightly larger investment in good video will pay more dividends than a smaller investment in not-so-good video.