Photo and video production are more than just a job for me; they’re my creative playground, my intellectual challenge, and my way of connecting with the world. Every project brings something fresh to the table and pushes me to grow.
What keeps me going in this field? On Valentine’s Day, here’s what keeps me pursuing work in photo and video production:
There’s always something new
Working in photo and video production, you’re never bored. There’s always a new tool or a different story to tell. No two projects are ever the same. Every shoot and video brings new challenges, subjects, and creative opportunities. My work as a producer means I don’t spend every day doing the same exact thing. Some projects I’m tracking assets for a post-production video project and others I’m finding fresh examples of photos to capture for a campaign.
I enjoy brainstorming with a photographer or DP to experiment with a different lighting setup or try out a unique camera angle to capture a unique moment. Yes, it can be a lot at times, but I’d rather spend my days adopting a new approach instead of taking on the same tasks every day. One of the best parts of photo and video production is that it keeps me on my toes and prevents my work from ever feeling routine or stale – there’s always something fresh to explore.
It satisfies my passion for lifelong learning
My love for learning is one of the reasons I was drawn to photo and video production in the first place. These fields are ever-changing, with new technology, techniques, and trends emerging all the time. I enjoy diving into the latest innovations—whether it's mastering a new editing tool or understanding the psychology behind framing and composition. This constant learning not only keeps me sharp but also helps me understand what I need to do as a producer to support photographers and videographers with creating their best work. My desire to learn something new is what continually drives me and photo and video production never fails to deliver.
It’s about making meaningful connections
On the set with artists Brett Cook and Liz Lerman
At its core, photo and video production are about storytelling, and storytelling is about connection. Whether I’m working with a photographer or videographer on a brand video, event photography, or a short documentary, I’m always striving to connect with those behind the camera, the subjects in front of the lens, and the audiences who will ultimately see the work.
Establishing a connection with each of these groups so they feel seen and heard is what matters to me as a producer because it leads to a quality experience and content. It’s deeply fulfilling to create visuals that resonate emotionally with others, tell important stories, or capture the essence of a person or event. These connections with the production crew, the subject, and with the viewers are what give my work purpose and make the process so rewarding.
An ideal combo of art and science
Being a successful producer requires a balance of logic and creativity. One of the things that keeps me constantly fascinated with photo and video production is the beautiful balance between art and science. On one hand, it’s a highly creative field, full of artistic decisions about composition, color, lighting, and narrative. On the other hand, it’s deeply technical—requiring an understanding of camera mechanics, lighting physics, and post-production technology.
As a producer, I love that I get to use both sides of my brain on a daily basis. I enjoy being a part of the production process to see how my work organizing schedules, timelines, budgets, and more contributes to something visually compelling and emotionally engaging.
Room to experiment and innovate
Something I enjoy as a producer is being a part of the many possibilities in photo and video production. It’s exciting to see how photographers and videographers take the shot lists and statements of work I create to try something new, push boundaries, and take risks. When we’re working together, I’m excited to see them experiment with new techniques—whether it’s playing with long exposure photography, using drone footage to capture unique perspectives, or editing a video in an unconventional way to convey a specific mood. Seeing the plans and legal paperwork I put in place come to life through a photographer or videographer’s innovation is one of the major reasons I love photo and video production.
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Cover image by Lucio Alfonsi on Pixabay