How I Got Here.

In July of 2008, I received my first camera as a gift: a small red Canon point-and-shoot camera. It became a daily companion until it was eventually lost and already half broken. I realized it was time for something more. So I saved up and purchased my first DSLR. I used the camera for years, even after multiple expeditions that caused the lens mechanism to break, the screen to crack, and the shutter button to stick. The experience of seeing the mirror flip up and the exposed sensor during the first dry fire instantly hooked me. It was something about the mechanics. Upgrading from a point-and-shoot instilled a greater interest in exploring the possibilities of my skill set.

In 2010, I established a YouTube channel, which included various types of videos, such as product reviews, unboxings, vlogs, and gaming content. With each video, I gained more experience in shooting entertaining content, talking to the camera, and learning how to edit. Over the course of a decade and two channels, I amassed over 7,500 subscribers and almost 1,000,000 total video views before my sophomore year of high school.

To expand my technical knowledge of content creation, I enrolled in several film and TV classes at school. During my high school career, I took over ten creative arts courses that revolved around photography or videography. Beginning with camera operation and the three basic elements, the courses quickly advanced into a more creative realm, creating portfolios and producing short films. After two years in the program, I became the Assistant Director of Operations for our daily morning show and rebuilt the program from the ground up. Incorporating my newfound experience into my second YouTube channel yielded excellent results.

Eventually, I realized that I had the skill and expertise to transform my hobby into a part-time gig. I started out as a freelance video editor, working for clients throughout my hometown, editing videos ranging from home movies to promotional content for businesses and other freelancers. This soon evolved into opportunities for shooting and filming, including homes, retail businesses, residence buildings, interviews, and snappy promos, such as creating drinks or cooking food.

While continuing my freelance efforts in college, I am in the midst of a media production minor at the University of Colorado Boulder. More recently, I’ve been honing my theoretical knowledge of photography. I have always felt this has been my discipline, and I hope to be a master in that craft. With the expansion of my practical and technical knowledge and encouragement from my professors, I am excelling beyond my expectations.

In summary, I have spent the last thirteen years shooting and filming various styles of content. I consider myself an adaptable content creator and market myself as such, eager to take on any challenge. My portfolio continues to expand each day, and I am excited to enhance it further.

-ED