The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
7
Hustle (job)
Professional videographer and photographer
What do you do?
As a photographer, I capture a lot of moments, but my favorite are always the moments of in-between. I’ve done various headshots, family portraits, corporate photos for websites and printables, as well as photos for social media and restaurants. For video, I can help write, concept, storyboard, edit and shoot for corporate, small business, and humanitarian/conservation causes.
Why do you do it?
It’s all I want to do. Getting behind the camera and creating something special for someone or a cause or business, and seeing my clients’ reactions to what I’ve worked years for is always really rewarding. I am most myself behind the camera, and I am happiest when I am being both useful and creative.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
I picked up a camera in middle school and haven’t put it down since. After teaching myself how to edit in an after school program, I began piecing together bits of video and became fully involved in everything photography and videography. After graduating from the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg and learning from various film production internships, I began working in film production full-time and also had a side hustle of video and photo gigs on the weekends. I look for every opportunity to strengthen my craft and do good for the community.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
A lot goes into both photography and videography, though they are two very different animals. People are surprised that I can storyboard, write, edit, and shoot.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
Balancing the many roles you have as a freelancer, like being my own accountant, marketer, and agent is always a difficult task, but it’s all part of the game.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
A quote told to me by a great friend, “Step by step, ferociously.”
