In the world of event organization, e-commerce, and digital marketing, videography plays a crucial role. I wish to share a compendium of my insights and experiences drawn from numerous instances where I've had the opportunity to hire videographers for various projects. These are things I wish someone had told me before I embarked on the journey of working with professional videographers.

Firstly, it is essential to understand the fundamental difference between videography and cinematography. Despite the colloquial interchangeability of these terms, they denote distinct disciplines. Videography predominantly refers to the capturing of moving images on electronic media, like video tapes, direct to disk recording, or solid-state storage. In contrast, cinematography is the art and science of recording light either electronically onto an image sensor or chemically onto a film stock. Videographers are to videography what cinematographers are to the commercial film industry.

It is also of paramount importance to understand that videography is not just about operating a camera. A significant amount of a videographer's time is devoted to editing -- the post-production process where the raw footage is transformed into a polished, final product. Thus, when hiring a videographer, one should consider their editing skills and style, and not just their ability to capture footage.

The third point pertains to the equipment used by a videographer. While it's true that “the magic is in the person, not the equipment,” it is equally true that better tools can facilitate better execution. For instance, a camera with a higher dynamic range can capture more details in the highlights and shadows, providing more flexibility in post-production. However, the trade-off is often a higher cost for the service.

Fourthly, consider the specialization of the videographer. Videography is a vast field, with niches ranging from wedding videography to commercial videography, drone videography, event videography, and many more. Each niche requires unique skills, knowledge, and experience, and it's crucial to hire a videographer who specializes in the type of videography you require.

The fifth point to consider is the size of the videographer's crew. Based on the theory of division of labor, a larger crew might be able to deliver a more polished product in a shorter amount of time. However, a larger crew will also likely cost more, and necessitate a larger footprint on set, which may not be feasible for all projects.

The sixth point revolves around the legalities. It's crucial to understand and agree on the intellectual property rights of the footage. Who will own the footage? Can the videographer use it in their portfolio? These are critical questions to address before hiring.

The seventh point is the videographer's understanding of your vision. Every director has a unique aesthetic sense and style. Therefore, finding a videographer who can understand and replicate your vision is vital for the success of the project.

The eighth point is the importance of a contract. A well-defined contract can protect both parties in case of any disagreement or unforeseen circumstances. It should clearly specify the deliverables, timeline, payment terms, and other responsibilities of each party.

The ninth point is the importance of planning and communication. Videography is a creative process that requires careful planning and effective communication between all parties involved. This is especially important when capturing events as they unfold as there’s no room for retakes.

The tenth point is the importance of reviews and testimonials. Just like any other professional service, it's crucial to check the reviews and testimonials of the videographer before hiring.

The final point is the cost. Videography can be expensive, but it’s an investment that can deliver significant returns. However, it's essential to understand the breakdown of costs and ensure they align with market rates and your budget.

In conclusion, while the process of hiring a videographer may seem daunting initially, understanding these key points can significantly ease the process and ensure a successful outcome. Ultimately, the goal is to find a skilled, creative, and reliable professional who can bring your vision to life.