06/18/2026
My first year of videography was full of wonderful lessons. I learned some the easy way and others the hard way. Let me explain:
Lesson 1: Relationships are everything.
This means any relationship. In my opinion, a consistent relationship with a client is way more important to me than a one off. I want to share trust. I want to share dreams. I want to share the feeling of knowing that we just nailed a project. I don’t want a one off. I want a relationship. Personal relationships are very important too. These are what keep me grounded. My wife is my biggest fan. I feel her belief in me, and that makes the hard days feel possible. Friends and family are there for you when you have nothing left.
Lesson 2: Lighting is everything.
If I could go back in time, I would drill this to myself over and over. Good gear + bad lighting = bad shot. Not that great gear doesn’t help, but you can create something beautiful without fancy gear as long as you know how to use light properly. Light and shadow help create depth. It’s a beautiful tension between the two, so it’s important to know how to find harmony. Want something that feels clean? Maybe harsh shadows can be left for a moodier project.
Lesson 3: Creating for fun is everything.
Seriously. Everyone sees the world in a different way. It’s easy to get bogged down in busy work. That makes it very easy to lose sight of what you bring to the table. Get out there. Create something just for yourself. Even if it means nobody in the world likes it but you. That’s enough, and that’s what makes it special.
Bonus tip: Keep Creating.
Never stop. It’s hard to stay in a creative place when all you do is consume. Get the inspiration, but go create. Put the phone down. Go touch some grass.
Forever grateful for this life. Forever grateful for the opportunities.
