Swell Media Solutions is hiring: Videographer/Editor in Bellingham

Contract Videographer & Editor (Whatcom/Skagit/Snohomish Counties, WA — Local Only)

Swell Media Solutions is looking for a go-to local contract videographer and photographer to lead local social media shoots at various businesses across Western Washington who is also adept at editing to support ongoing video projects—primarily social content. This role is ideal for someone with 2-3 years of experience with proven ability to handle a shoot end-to-end: pre-pro planning, production, audio/lighting basics, and polished edits for multiple platforms.

Location Requirement (Non-Negotiable)

• Must be based in (or able to work as a local) in Western Washington
• Must have reliable transportation to local shoots

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Production

• Collaborate on creative approach: shot lists, simple storyboards, interview questions (as needed)
• Confirm logistics: location, schedule, permits (if applicable), gear needs
• Provide guidance on best practices for on-camera interviews and b-roll planning

Production (On-Location)

• Film interviews, events, and b-roll with strong composition and camera movement
• Capture clean audio (lav/boom) and manage basic-to-intermediate lighting setups
• Maintain consistent look/feel across shoots and match brand guidelines
• Back up footage and organize assets after shoots

Post-Production

• Edit footage into deliverables for web + social (Reels/TikTok/Shorts + YouTube/website)
• Color correction/grading, audio cleanup/mixing, basic motion graphics/titles, music selection
• Export versions in multiple aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16, 1:1) and specs for each platform
• Manage review rounds, incorporate notes, and deliver final files on deadline

Deliverables (Examples)

• Short-form social videos (15–60 seconds)
• 1–3 minute brand stories / customer testimonials
• Event recaps / highlight reels
• YouTube videos (3–10 minutes)
• Cutdowns, teasers, and thumbnail frame grabs

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience shooting and editing professional content (portfolio required)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with branded/social-first editing styles (captions, punchy pacing, etc.)
• Proficiency with Premiere Pro
• Solid fundamentals: framing, pacing, story, lighting, and sound
• Ability to produce consistent results with minimal supervision
• Strong file organization and backup habits

Preferred (Nice to Have)

• Drone (Part 107) and/or gimbal experience
• Ability to source/select music with proper licensing awareness
• Photography capability (occasional stills)

Equipment Requirements

• Professional camera capable of 4K (or high-quality 1080) + lenses
• iPhone mobile video equipment for social media shoots
• Bluetooth Audio kit (at minimum: lav mic setup; ideally also shotgun/boom option)
• Basic lighting kit (key light + modifiers; practical lighting awareness)
• Stabilization (tripod; gimbal preferred)
• Editing workstation capable of handling 4K + fast turnaround

Workflow & Communication

• Comfortable with shared folders (Google Drive, etc.) and structured file delivery
• Responsive communication and reliable scheduling

Contract Details

• Contract / 1099 (project-based)
• Rate: Hourly or day rate for production + edit rate (include your standard rates)
• Turnaround expectations vary by project (often 2–7 business days depending on scope)

How to Apply

Please send portfolio directly to Swell Media Solutions. Applications on LinkedIn will not be reviewed. Email:

• Link to portfolio/reel (include both filming + editing examples)
• Your location
• Gear list
• Typical day rate (production) + edit rate (hourly or per deliverable)
• Availability for the next 1–3 weeks

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to getting to know you!