We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nate Dorn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nate below.
Nate, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
I aspire to be remembered for my unique and imaginative perspective on life, my ability to bring humor and light into situations, and my artistic contributions. Above all, my aim is to make a positive impact on the world around me by embodying thoughtfulness and decency. I’ve always been loyalty to a fault and have a natural inclination to seek out the goodness in people and every circumstance I find myself in. As a creative individual, troubleshooting and problem-solving are integral parts of my identity, extending beyond my professional endeavors and into every aspect of my life. I believe in finding solutions, I value open-mindedness, honesty, and the importance of both communication and active listening. Even in disagreement, it’s so critical to feel understood. Reading the room and using approbate humor are vital skills that can foster connections and build trust with clients, friends, and even strangers. Ultimately, my hope is that I am remembered as someone who enhanced and inspired the lives of those around me by the way I lived my own life.
Nate, 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?
From my earliest memories, I have been captivated by the world of cameras. As a child, I kept photo-journals and crafted illustrated stories using printed pictures, carefully arranging them in timelines. When my brother, cousins, and I finally got our hands on a VHS camera, we spent our summers recreating Indiana Jones and James Bond-style adventures, meticulously editing each scene in-camera, shot by shot. It was during those moments that I truly began to understand the power of timelines, perspectives, and storytelling. I firmly believe that “play” is the most effective way to learn. When you are genuinely interested in and enjoy what you’re doing, the process of learning becomes effortless. While I’m still on the journey of figuring out what I want to be when I grow up, I have had the privilege of working professionally as a Director of Photography and Cinematographer for nearly 20 years. Throughout my career, I have had the honor of collaborating with national brands, such as Michele Watches (Fossil’s Luxury Brand), Chico’s, SOMA, Carters Kids, Arden’s Garden, Foxers Sleepwear, Arby’s, OOBE Brand, SUNICE Activewear, Bobby Jones, and many, many, others. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work with exceptional teams and studios such as Tommy Crow Studios, Phenix Direct, RiTE Media, Liz Von Hoene, and Applebox Productions, to name a few.
The advertising and media landscape has undergone significant transformations over the years, particularly with the emergence of social media and streaming services. As a result, the ever-evolving needs of these companies to connect with consumers in creative and captivating ways pose a constant challenge, and yet, that challenge is what makes the industry so exhilarating and enjoyable.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe that several factors have contributed to building my reputation within the market. Firstly, I take pride in my proficiency in my craft and consistently deliver high-quality work. I firmly believe in finding creative solutions to challenges, pushing boundaries, and thinking, “outside the box”. However, what sets me apart is my approach to work with a positive attitude, infusing lightness, fun, and a forward-moving energy into every project.
On set, I recognize the importance of collaboration and fostering a sense of unity. It is crucial for everyone to feel valued, heard, and appreciated for their contributions because each person’s role is significant. Over time, working with the same crew can create a bond akin to a family, and thus, it is vital to genuinely enjoy the company of those you work with. When I am hired for a job, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, and the team is genuinely glad to have me on board.
Ultimately, I believe my reputation has been established as a team player who brings a sense of enjoyment and camaraderie to the work environment. Additionally, my ability to contribute a creative vision and effectively collaborate with others has played a significant role in shaping how I am perceived within the market.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to bring forth compelling narratives, captivating visuals, and thought-provoking messages that leave a lasting impression on the audience or viewer. Wether it be through virtual art or in the ad world, any time I get a chance to make a positive impact through my work, or something inspiring, insightful, surreal, or fun, I’m into it! I love working through the process, from conception to completion. Ultimately, my creative journey is driven by a desire to make a positive difference, to touch people’s lives, and to contribute to a more vibrant and meaningful cultural landscape and world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natedornimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nate_dorn_images/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/N8DornImages
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natedorn/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/n8dornimages
Image Credits
Director / Editor: Nate Dorn