We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carlos Bown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carlos below.

Hi Carlos, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

My life has been about taking risks since day 1. I am originally from Caracas, Venezuela. I played Golf for the National team since the age of 15, my goal and dreams were always to play professional Golf. At the age of 17 I decided to move to the US. by myself, without my parents, to chase my dreams. I wanted to get recruited to play NCAA Golf. That was a hard year. Venezuela was going through an incredibly hard time, and when I moved to the US, I didn’t really know how to speak English. Only knew the basics to survive. Spent the year practicing, playing tournaments across the country, learning English, and studying to pass the SAT in a different language. Luckily everything worked out and I ended up getting a scholarship to play golf at UWF (University of West Florida) which was ranked #1 in the nation in NCAA DII.

The way my business started was more than unexpected. While I was doing my MBA at the University of West Florida, I was a teacher assistant in the business department for two classes – Social Media Marketing and Digital Marketing. Immediately, I had a connection with these classes and seeing how everything was moving more towards a “digital / social medial way” in 2016, I knew the importance to learn some of these aspects if at some point I wanted to be a business owner. My mind was still stuck in finding a 9-5 job after school though. However, right before I graduated from my Masters Degree, I got a call from my mom that my dad terminal cancer, and needed to start chemo + surgery. They moved from Venezuela to the USA on a temporary Visa to be able to treat my dad. Long story short, after rounds of chemo, surgery etc.. I knew I didn’t want to spend the last few months (or year) of seeing my dad being stuck in an office 9-5. In addition, since they didn’t speak the language, I had to be there for most of their appointments.

That’s when I had the idea to put some pieces together and use my knowledge in Social Media Management/Marketing and started a small business called “Bown Media, LLC” that helped local businesses in the Pensacola area with content creation, social media marketing, customer support, online advertising etc.. However, something was missing. The content creation was very generic; normal phone photos like every other social media business in the area. I wanted to do something to separate myself from the competition. That’s when I decided to buy a professional camera with every single savings I had then and teach myself how to use it, and create better content for my clients.

Long story short, I found a “secret skill” I never knew I had. Apparently I was really good at taking photos (or at least that’s what people were telling me at the time) so I decided to dive deeper, learn the basics of videography etc. I started getting clients strictly for Content Creation and then everything started snowballing. More and more people, businesses, clients were reaching out for my services. I found a passion for photography/videography and became obsessed with getting better at it. Started shooting weddings, connecting with other creators in the area, sports events.. etc. Unfortunately, my dad passed away in 2019 and all I wanted to do is make him proud. Because he was a big supporter even when I started the first crazy idea.

Fast forward to 2025. I’m an award winning photographer/videographer, selected “Best of the Coast” by Pensacola News Journal. I’ve worked with some of the best athletes in the world such as Katie Ledecky, Mat Fraser, Rich Froning, Mattie Rogers, Ronnie Coleman, PGA Tour players, NFL Players, to name a few. And with some of the biggest brands in the world such. I directed my first feature length documentary called “Unbroken – The Story of the 2024 TYR CUP” and since then I’ve been directing multiple feature length and mini documentaries in 2025. I’ve traveled to countries like Japan & the UK for work, and it’s only the beginning of my journey.

Carlos, 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?

A lot of this was answered on the first page. However, If I have to summarize it. I am a professional filmmaker/photographer that focuses on creating stories, capturing emotions, and the journey of professional athletes, or any individual really. I am passionate about creating documentaries about people’s career. I love to have conversations with these people and try to understand what were some of the aspects that made them be who they are today. The setbacks, the roadblocks, etc. Most of the people that I work with are extremely successful, and most people only know them because of their success. I like to show the audience WHY they are successful and where they come from. The “behind the scenes” story. Everybody looks at the summit, but not at the road that took them to get there. I also make videos for clients and brands. Normal reels, YouTube videos, campaigns, products etc. In addition, photography is still a part of my business and I still do professional events/product campaigns in photography.

Overall, the thing I’m the most proud of is that I never gave up. That was never even a thought. I didn’t have a plan B. I knew it was going to work out, it was just a matter of when. A lot of people, even closer to me, thought I was crazy and needed to get a “real job” but that’s just fuel to the fire. For as petty as it sounds, I wanted to prove people wrong and I wanted to be somebody that at some point influences others to chase the same dream. Most of my success is because I didn’t take shortcuts. I went through the tough times and embraced them, and even when it felt like things were not moving forward, I always found a way to learn something new or try something different. It’s been a great journey and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I don’t take opportunities for granted. It’s the biggest privilege ever just to be here in the USA chasing my dreams. Sometimes I think “how did I end up here?” I was just a kid in Venezuela with big dreams and made life-changing moves to end up where I am today. I’ve surrounded myself with people over the years that have supported me and believed in me, and those are still around.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

In my own experience, I’ve grown my clientele by being who I am. I show them exactly who they’re working with, and I know the importance of being around people with “good vibes” and that can help you solve problems and go above and beyond. In the filmmaking/videography/photography business you’re always surrounded by people.. and personality plays an important role in working with teams. Every time I meet a client, I want them to know how excited / grateful I am for the opportunity. I want them to know they’re in great hands and that I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done and do it at the highest level. I am confident in my work, and I want them to feel that confidence.. It’s very important for me to create that relationship with the clients I work with and always have good energy around them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @BownMedia

Image Credits

First photo: @bkessler_photo Brandon Kessler
B&W photo: @tairandallphoto Tai Randall.

Please, let me know which photo you’re using and I’ll find the credits. They’re all good to use though. Thanks!