Careers / Chicago, IL
Wedding & Event Videographer Jobs in Chicago, IL
1099 independent contractor lead videographer with Candid Studios. Pay is tiered: $250 first hour, $100 second hour, $80/hr after (8 hr ≈ $830). Requires minimum two 4K-capable bodies (three preferred), pro audio, and backup media. 4K UHD delivery standard. Field social BTS deliverables per assignment standards. Training reimbursement after hire. Not W-2; no guaranteed hours.
Pay: $250 (1st hr) · $100 (2nd) · $80/hr after · 8 hr ≈ $830
1099 independent contractor · not W-2 · no guaranteed hours
Apply in ChicagoCompensation
Field lead pay is tiered by hour of coverage (1099):
- 1st hour: $250
- 2nd hour: $100
- 3rd hour onward: $80/hour
Examples: 6 hr = $670 · 8 hr = $830 · 10 hr = $990
Mileage: $0.70/mile round trip when confirmed on your Assignment Confirmation.
Payment is typically after successful file upload (contract allows up to net-30). W-9 required before first payment.
Field assignment standards may require professional social BTS (photos and short videos) from the day. Missing required social deliverables can reduce final pay for that assignment by 10% under the contractor agreement - we disclose this up front.
Role requirements
Must have to apply
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Reliable transportation to events
- Wedding and event shooting experience provided
- Videography wedding experience provided
- At least two field-ready video bodies
- Delivery bodies are 4K-capable
- Video-lighting experience provided
- Video, audio, and backup-media plan described
Preferred, not required
- A third video body for preferred multicamera coverage
- Private portfolio or work samples provided
- FAA Part 107 certification
What Candid Studios Offers
- 1099 independent contractor - not W-2 employment; no guaranteed hours
- Candid handles client booking, coordination, and (for field roles) editing delivery
- Training reimbursement and career ladder after you are hired (Education unlocks post-hire)
- Tiered field pay: $250 first hour, $100 second, $80/hr after - transparent on this page
- Mileage $0.70/mi round trip when confirmed on your Assignment Confirmation
- You supply professional gear (see requirements below), including backup media
This role covers weddings, engagement sessions, and events across the Chicago, IL area and surrounding metro. Travel within the region is expected; destination work is available for contractors who want it. Education and full portal tools unlock after hire.