What should I send a videographer before asking for a quote?

Start with the business goal, not the camera request. Say what a viewer should understand or do after watching: ask a question, visit a location, book, buy, or remember an offer. Add a sentence about the business and the audience so the scope is tied to a real decision. Then name where the finished work should live, such as a website, an Instagram Reel, a sales conversation, or an event recap. Those details change the framing, length, captions, and versions that may be useful.

Next, say whether you already have footage, photos, logos, written copy, or a page that the video needs to support. For filming, include the location, possible dates, people or products involved, access limits, and anything that must not be shown. A quote is clearer when the request distinguishes known facts from questions that need Esteban's recommendation.

Send two or three references that show the feeling, pace, or structure you like, and explain what you like about each one. A reference is direction, not a request to copy another business. If there are words, prices, product details, names, or a required call to action, send the approved version instead of asking the editor to guess. Mention any music, brand, privacy, location, or customer-permission limits that affect what can be filmed or published.

Name one person who can gather feedback and approve the final direction. Include the date that actually matters, such as an event, launch, opening, or campaign, rather than promising a delivery date before the work is understood. Esteban can use that information to confirm scope, formats, deliverables, timing, and price in writing. Use the video brief template if a copy-ready outline helps.

For an event, add the date, location, schedule, moments that matter, speakers or people to prioritize, and the purpose of the finished piece. A recap, a private memory, and a social clip are different requests even when they come from the same event. Say whether filming is needed throughout the event or only for selected moments, and do not assume that extra cameras, editing versions, or rush delivery are included without a written scope.

For footage you already own, send original files when possible, not copies compressed by a messaging app. Add the intended length, platform, reference style, required graphics or words, and known audio problems. If you are still deciding whether you need filming, editing, social content, or a website update, start with the small-business content decision guide.