We were lucky to catch up with Caleb Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Caleb, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I have always loved stories. Narratives, storylines, topics for discussion are all aspects of life that fascinate me. My mission, ultimately, is to tell other people’s stories–whether it be my friends, family, or strangers. This can be through wedding films, documentaries, music videos, commercials–there are so many avenues within the medium to tell stories. Through this, I hope to glorify the Lord, inspire others, and tell a narrative that people can resonate or learn something from. The people around me continually inspire me to chase stories and bring them to life through cameras.

Caleb, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My father, who also works in the creative industry, got me into watching movies at a young age, and I just loved the art of storytelling as done through that medium. I fell in love with telling stories–or trying to create my own–whether it be through playing with LEGOs with my brother, making up my own universe out in my backyard with my friends, or filming Vines and short videos with my iPod. As I got college, I felt God laying it on my heart to pursue a career in storytelling through the filmmaking medium, as I had such a passion not only for the cameras and the process, but the people and their stories. It became my dream.

In chasing this dream, I pursued a degree in digital media: video from Liberty University, with a minor in digital photography. I graduated in 2022, then immediately continued pursuing my passion to work in the video industry. At first I worked in educational video, then transitioned into a role as a video producer for Liberty Flames Athletics in mid 2023, where I still continue to work as of this writing.

On the side, I also am an independent video production contractor where I film weddings, commercials, music videos, and continue to try working in new areas in this field. In addition, I am also a freelance photographer, doing branding, weddings, events, and of course trying to branch out in others areas there as well. I also recently started hosting a podcast with my housemates, where we interviews creatives or people making an impact, which is just another way I can learn people’s stories.

I’ve always said I will take people trusting my creative visions and trusting me in my role over awards or fame any day. I want people to believe in me and that I will work as hard as I can to execute their vision or mine, and trust me to deliver results. I want my brand to be me as a person who will always put people before myself, and do what I can to inspire, encourage, and deliver results within a high-quality product. I love taking bits of an idea and filling in the rest, like a creative puzzle almost.

The biggest thing for me has been trying to overcome imposter syndrome and confidence issues. I am so thankful to be surrounded by such incredible friends and people also in the industry whom all push me and encourage me–and push me outside of my creative comfort zones.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I believe the biggest resource possible is the people around you. Sometimes, especially when I first started, I struggled to ask for help from my friends and peers because I felt the pressure of trying to prove myself, and I felt as though asking for help was a sign of not knowing something, which made me feel like I wasn’t worthy of creating. Of course this stemmed from confidence issues and imposter syndrome. Admitting that you don’t know or asking for help on a problem is one of the most beautiful things about creative collaboration. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you, a lesson I am still learning.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, God is the ultimate Creator. The most rewarding aspect for me is just being able to create to glorify My Creator. The people whom stories I get to tell, the beautiful mountains and areas I get to be in while filming, and just the technology I get to hold in my hand–they all truly remind me of what I do what I do. Even if I get to inspire one person, or make some change with what little platform I have, I pray I never take for granted just being able to create visual art and tell beautiful stories of beautiful friends and people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebsmithmedia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-t-smith-6945721a0/
• Youtube: UCdlQqMzhh8cW1xWzzRXlMpQ

Image Credits

Anna Burton

Christopher Abercrombie

Cam Ferland

Quincy Coppage

Bryce Ella

Eric Carson