We were lucky to catch up with Estevan Reynoso recently and have shared our conversation below.

Estevan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

It’s actually a funny story. I applied and got a gig as a model for a sunglasses company called Foldies. At the time the owner Shea noticed my video work outside of modeling and hired me to make small videos on the side for the brand. Since then the rest is history, here I am now. It was a big highlight in my life for someone to notice my video skills, as I never took off on my own as a filmmaker without exposure. I give the Foldies brand a lot of credit in changing my career from modeling to full time cinematographer hahaha.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I always sold myself as a cinematographer aimed towards social media, striving to give clients the cinematic edge sought out by brands and companies across the globe, rectifying their story. Cinematography is my craft, aimed at turning their vision into an experience.

Working with a variety of brands across Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, and San Bernardino county, some of my biggest accomplishments were sponsorships with Foldies along with a partnership with Yelp for New York and Greece excursions. Finally reaching my dream of creating content across the country and being paid to travel as a cinematographer.

In the fashion/consumer industry, I have a sponsor and client in Foldies sunglasses whom I create commercial ads for. Other clients in the industry include Somewhere Sunny, Rain Goat, Energia Coffee Creamer. I have worked for various restaurants in the food industry such as Ballast Point Long Beach, Matador Cantina Fullerton, Baby Bros Pizza San Dimas, Friscos Carhops La Habra and Madres Brunch in Whittier.

Since being discovered by Yelp Community managers TD and Margaret, Yelp has been a repeat client since 2022. I have been honored to partner up with Yelp filming at awesome events such as Yaamava Casino, BMW of Buena Park, Rooftop Cinema Club as an independent contracted film maker.

Despite my freelance work, I also love creating original films and partnering with brands such as Polaris Slingshot, Adrenaline RushLA, K1 Speed, DeLorean Rentals, and Speed Vegas.

What separates me from videographers is that I specialize in creating a cinematic experience for a client’s audience, hence cinematographer. Shooting with gear ranging in 7K-1080p resolution to produce commercial quality content for social media, I possess the tools to level up any client idea. I use an advanced post-production software also commonly used in the production of feature films. This, along with a music license, I cater my services in creating personalized projects for clients. Every shot, scene, sound, and color is calculated to my client’s expectations and beyond.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Love this question! I would say being able to turn my client’s vision into a reality. I’ve encountered clients who hire me because they’ve seen my work and know I can give life to their idea. I’m grateful for those who see my creative eye and know it’s worth to further their business above the competition.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

A big risk I took with the experience I had and only my smartphone was actually filming a concert! I eventually got my first big break being offered an opportunity by Nico from the band Tribal Theory to film their live concert at the Anaheim House Of Blues. I remember I showed up and their manager was kinda iffy about me filming on a smartphone haha. But when I delivered the final product they were shocked with it! This would lead to other opportunities such as filming other Tribal Theory concerts in San Diego at the House of Blues and Belmont Park Beer Fest hosted by Ballast Point. I trusted my skills and eye and they did the rest for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: vanreycinema.com
• Instagram: @estevan.rey

Image Credits
Tom Dewh