I founded Production Studio 29, a business that specializes in commercial photography, video production, and audio/video integration, for two main reasons. Firstly, I wanted a career that would give me the flexibility and time to watch my kids grow up without missing out on important moments. Secondly, I wanted to use my skills and passions to assist others in achieving their goals and realizing their dreams.
Inspiration Strikes
When I was growing up, I had a fascination with photographs, television, and movies. I have fond memories of my family gathering together and my dad bringing out the slide projector to show us old family photos and pictures from his work trips around the country. Each photo had a story behind it that would bring it to life. After the last slide passed by, my siblings and I would make shadow puppets and tell our own stories.
Visiting the video rental store was a regular occurrence throughout my childhood and teenage years. I would get lost in the stories that these movies would tell. As soon as the movie ended, I would find myself pretending to be one of the characters and creating worlds from my imagination. It was usually Raphael from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or one of Mighty Ducks. As an 80s and 90s kid, it was critical to know how to do a triple deke. My passion for movies continued in high school and college where I worked at a movie theater and watched around 80% of the films that were released between 2000-2006 on the silver screen.
During my teenage years, I also developed a love for music. It was remarkable to me how a song could evoke so many emotions - joy, comfort, and understanding. Initially, I learned to play the bass guitar to fill in for someone at my church, but it led to me being part of four different bands, playing countless concerts, and recording two albums. The late-night studio sessions are some of my best memories, and that's where I discovered my love for music production. Although I didn't realize it at the time, these experiences were shaping my future.
Turning Childhood Passion into a Purposeful Career
My passion for creating and producing led me to attend a technical school in Saint Paul, MN where I earned a degree in live sound and recording technology. After graduation, I relocated to Madison, WI, and became involved in my church. In addition to playing bass and leading worship, I was tasked with overseeing the media production department and assembling a team of talented creatives. Although I was well-versed in live audio production, I had to learn everything about video production from scratch. Before this, I had only taken one multimedia course in college and had limited experience with a point-and-shoot camera. However, I was able to learn through trial and error, as well as from my team and other colleagues in the media industry. Although online learning was still in its early stages, I took advantage of whatever resources were available to me.
Over the course of a decade, I applied the skills I had acquired to capture images and videos of numerous conferences and events. Additionally, I helped produce a short film and two documentaries, designed and installed audio systems in our various locations, recorded an album, ran live sound for nationally known worship artists, and traveled to India, Israel, Cambodia, and Ghana to document our work there. All of these experiences taught me how to prepare for just about anything, problem solve on the fly, and above everything, serve an overall vision and execute a desired result.
Creative Freedom
As I already mentioned, I started my own company primarily because I wanted to have a career that would allow me to spend quality time with my children as they grow up. However, this endeavor has also provided me with the freedom to work on projects and create content that truly interests me. I offer my services not because I feel obligated to, but because I genuinely enjoy doing them. Over the past six years, I have refined my focus and identified my true passions, which has resulted in better experiences and outcomes for my clients. They can see that I am passionate about what I do and truly want to help them succeed.
It's All About People
I find that one of the most enjoyable parts of my work in commercial photography, video production, and audio/video integration is the opportunity to connect with people. Whether I'm working with realtors and homeowners on a real estate photography project, creating video content for businesses, or designing and installing a sound system,- it's always a pleasure to work with people from diverse backgrounds and hear their unique stories and experiences. I've formed strong bonds with many of my clients, and it brings me great joy to see them succeed and grow.
Live, Learn, Grow
Every project has its own distinct challenges that require unique approaches. Although I always come prepared with a plan, I must remain flexible since the circumstances may dictate a different course of action. This keeps me on my toes, sharpening my skills, and constantly pushing me to find innovative solutions to achieve the desired outcome. I enjoy the unpredictability of each day and the opportunities it provides for growth.
Living the Dream
As I reflect on the last six years of Production Studio 29, I am reminded that I am living out my dream. Not everyone gets to turn childhood passions into a career. I have been given the chance to use the gifts and talents that God has blessed me with to help others and support my family. I have had the opportunity to work on a number of gratifying projects. These include editing a cooking show that is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, filming the making of the Women's NCAA Final Four court, interviewing one of the top male and female pickleball players in the United States, and documenting the homecoming of Olympic gold medalist Nick Baumgartner. I feel extremely fortunate and look forward to many more years of creating.
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