Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to CAMRON VERBARG. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

CAMRON, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Going out and shooting hands on was the best way I learned and became knowledgeable within my craft, not just skill wise but problem solving and executing the end goal. I would reach out to several businesses in my local area, look up their website or social media, take notice of any elements that were lacking and begin to strategize how I can provide an improvement for their content. I would then directly contact the director, manager, organizer, etc. and pitch my idea. Not only did this immensely contribute to beginning my portfolio, but the networking skills to conduct my business successfully in such a way was a tremendous attribute I acquired. Till this day clients come back because of my efficient communication and my ability to problem solve, as well as my dedication to producing high quality content and their overall desired product.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started out with just a “FLIP” camera, recording my friends on their BMX bikes. I would spend hours creating recap videos for them. I also would edit video game recaps, and creating more fast content of that genre.

I began experimenting with making music for my friends who were vocalists, singers. rappers, poets. I incorporated my passion for videography and editing, capturing the visual correspondence. We would record a song and then create the music video; I became a one stop shop for aspiring creatives.

This evolved into my own multi media business. I began getting booked by various independent artists and would co-create a “roll-out” for their upcoming content, basically a scheduled curated release of their artistry. I created album covers, music videos, photoshoots, and more, all showcasing the unique looks and sounds that each artist presented.

After gathering a roster of local talent and a nice resume of work, I finally landed a gig in LA as a day to day personal photographer for a signed artist. I was able to work closely with them and that really was my opportunity to meet studio directors, artist managers, A&R, and other personal photographers., who I eventually started working with. My portfolio grew along with my eye for composition.

Not long after, I co-created a production company with other seasoned and known creators, fully producing multiple videos a week and on much larger budgets with much higher cliental.

Today, I work as Director of Photography and Cinematographer on various film and TV sets. I also have my own team of filmmakers, and we continue to produce high quality commercial and independent content. I am most proud to provide a service where I can help bring these amazing ideas from the imagination to reality.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the start of my career, I was taking any job I could get, including the not so great ones. I would also say yes to multiple projects at a time. It got to a point where I was either being underpaid, or not paid at all, for the amount of work I was doing, or became so swamped with work that I never had time to actually enjoy what I was doing. I was stuck in the hustle and grind mentality but it ultimately wasn’t truly fulfilling anymore. I had to pivot my entire approach to clients and to my own boundaries of limitations.

Learning to focus on a few projects and ensure quality rather than to try and rush a large quantity of projects really helped my business flourish. Also, gaining the confidence to put my price point where it deserves to be significantly enhanced my motivation to continue pursuing this career.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal is always to materialize the imagination in the most incredible, visual way!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Cillacam_
• Facebook: Camron Verbarg
• Youtube: @cillacam