Pilotlight Media

There are so many questions to ask when beginning a new project, especially with a new client. There are the obvious questions of budget, deadlines, and scheduling, but as a photographer and videographer my primary goal is to develop an idea of the final deliverable in my mind's eye. What is the attitude of this video, or series of photos? Is this a fast paced, high energy video? Knowing that much answers many more questions I might have for myself, and gives me plenty others to ask or of which to advise the client to consider. For instance, simply knowing a three minute video production is going to be "fast paced and high energy" immediately tells me that I might need to plan for more shots, longer shoots or more days of production, or maybe even a much bigger budget for stock b-roll licensing.

The best part of my job has been the opportunity to work on so many different projects, in so many different industries, with such a wide variety of people. This career has taken me throughout the United States and Europe, and allowed me to work with clients and employers within dozens of industries, including; automotive and aviation; elite sports and fitness; military, defense contractors, and tactical accessories; medical, charities, and fundraising. Along the way, my professional pursuits have allowed me to enjoy the opportunity to grow my personal projects as well, including the production of a documentary film featured in international film festivals, and the publishing of a book of photography.

I have always been creative, and independent minded. The business grew out of a personal side project as a regional photographer for independent musicians and small businesses. Those opportunities led to inquiries about video production, which I was also interested and familiar with. From there, the snowball had developed its own momentum, and before I knew it I was expanding my scope of clientele, equipment, and skillsets. Over a decade later, the momentum is still there. The projects continue to grow and offer new challenges, and the portfolio has become robust, and with astonishing depth. I tend to think the business chose me, more than me choosing the business!

The video production world is a bit of a gamble for the previously uninitiated. In the modern era, everyone has a camera, and everyone has a computer with non-linear editing applications at the ready. I have seen the most amazing work produced simply, with a small crew, and a small array of selective equipment. I have seen the most abysmal work imaginable produced by folks with a snappy website filled with lots of jargon, cool portraits of the "founders", and a stack of extremely expensive equipment. Ultimately, a client should be concerned with choosing a producer who has an easily identifiable reputation. Outside of literally being recommended to that producer by a satisfied friend or colleague, I am referring mainly to readily available examples of their work, or past clients. A robust portfolio with a uniform level of quality throughout the material presented is the first thing I look for when reviewing my peers, or searching for collaborators. Beyond that, a client needs someone who is friendly, adaptable, and trustworthy. Videographers especially tend to work with a broad spectrum of clients, so a friendly, patient demeanor is of the the utmost importance. These are all facets of myself, and my business that I am proud of. Perhaps this is why many of my best friends actually started off as clients, or collaborators!