What I’ve Learned Shooting Testimonial Videos in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas

Producing testimonial videos for small businesses across the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas has taught me one major lesson above all else: you have to be ready for anything.

No two testimonial shoots are ever the same. One day you might be filming inside a quiet home, the next inside a busy office environment, and the next out on a cattle ranch in rural South Texas. That variety is part of what makes working as a freelance videographer in this region both challenging and rewarding.

Be Ready for Any Location, and Any Lighting Situation

Testimonial videos in the RGV rarely happen in perfectly controlled studio environments. Instead, they happen where real people live and work.

That means being prepared for extremes in lighting:

• Harsh, bright outdoor sunlight

• Dimly lit interiors with mixed lighting

• Small rooms with limited space

• Large open areas with no shade at all

As a videographer, you have to be comfortable adapting quickly. Sometimes you’re dealing with intense South Texas sun; other times you’re trying to make a dim office look clean and professional. Knowing how to handle both ends of the spectrum is essential when shooting testimonial videos in real-world environments.

Don’t Let Too Much Gear Slow You Down

Another important lesson: more gear isn’t always better.

Some testimonial shoots require you to be in and out quickly. Bringing too much equipment can:

• Slow down the process

• Make clients uncomfortable

• Disrupt people who are trying to do their jobs

Being efficient and respectful of the environment matters just as much as image quality. I’ve learned to pack intentionally and only bring what I know I’ll realistically use.

Always Have a Point of Contact

Clear communication before and during the shoot makes everything smoother.

I always make sure there is a clear point of contact on-site — someone who:

• Knows the schedule

• Can help coordinate interviews

• Can answer questions quickly

I also print and bring pre-approved interview questions and a pre-approved shot list, especially in case B-roll is needed. Having these physically with me helps keep the shoot on track and avoids confusion if plans change.

Start Building Comfort Before the Camera Rolls

One of the most overlooked parts of shooting testimonial videos is what happens before you ever press record.

As soon as I walk in, I start with light, casual conversation:

• Talking about the weather

• Asking about the area

• Asking for lunch recommendations nearby

Nothing forced. Nothing annoying.

The goal is simple: make people comfortable communicating with you. When people feel relaxed, their testimonials sound natural and authentic, which is exactly what small businesses want from testimonial videos.

Set Expectations Early, and Try to Overdeliver

Setting expectations early helps everyone feel confident about the process. I always explain:

• How long the shoot will take

• What the interview will feel like

• What happens after filming wraps

Whenever possible, I also try to overdeliver, even if it’s something small like providing an extra social media clip. Small touches can make a big difference in how clients feel about the final product.

Scheduling Multiple Testimonials the Smart Way

When filming multiple testimonial videos, scheduling matters.

In my experience, it’s best to:

• Shoot all testimonials on the same day

• Keep them within the same block of time

  • Either all in the morning before lunch

  • Or all in the afternoon after lunch

Under the right conditions, you can comfortably film 3–5 testimonial interviews in one block, depending on the subject matter and setup.

This approach is efficient, respectful of everyone’s time, and helps maintain consistency across the videos.

Think Long-Term With Testimonial Videos

Coming from a background in newspaper advertising, I’ve learned that consistency matters.

Just like placing a single newspaper ad rarely produced results, filming just one testimonial video often isn’t enough to make a lasting impact. When appropriate, I encourage businesses to think about additional testimonial shoots down the road.

Testimonial videos work best when they’re part of an ongoing strategy, not a one-time effort.

Final Thoughts

Shooting testimonial videos in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas requires flexibility, preparation, and strong communication. Every location is different, every person is different, and every shoot comes with its own challenges.

Being ready for anything, while keeping the process simple and respectful, is what makes testimonial videos successful and authentic.