We were lucky to catch up with Rj Ibe Ibe recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi RJ Ibe, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

Growing up, I always had an affinity for cameras and capturing life’s moments, bridging my interests with a passion that allows me to look back in time as I pictured it—through my lens. There was something about the storytelling in movies and music or the authenticity of my favorite creators that inspired me to pick up a camera and try it myself. I was the friend who was always taking photos and filming videos, even making YouTube vlogs that still make me cringe to this day. But the moment I made my first video, I was hooked. My friends thought it was weird, but I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I used to think, “This would make a cool shot,” or, “This would be a dope photo or video idea,” but too often, hesitation held me back. Fear of what others might think kept those ideas from ever seeing the light. No matter how on-and-off I was with this hobby, I always knew I wanted to do something in the creative space—photography, videography, design, and more. Even when I didn’t know exactly what I wanted in life, that idea lingered in the back of my mind.

It wasn’t until my final semester at UNLV, in the spring of 2023, that this idea really solidified. At that time, I was working at an influencer marketing agency, where I contributed to media projects for clients, athletes, influencers, and more. Being in those spaces, meeting the people I did, and experiencing so much—all because I had a little Canon M50 camera—was the first step in bringing my idea to life. But this experience also showed me how much I still needed to learn. Being in that role was exciting, but sometimes it limited my growth because I was receiving big opportunities with only a little experience. Eventually, I was let go and told my “quality wasn’t good enough,” and that’s when things really shifted. I was hurt at the time, but I was also grateful for the lessons and the experience itself. From that moment on, it was like a fire had been lit beneath me, and I felt a renewed drive to make this dream a reality.

With the knowledge and resources I had, I began my media journey by offering $100 graduation photo sessions. This allowed me to expand my network, practice my craft, and spread the word that I was the go-to person for media needs beyond just graduation photos.

From there, I began to find my footing in the industry, working alongside other creatives, professional athletes, influencers, and brands. After graduating, I still wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted to take my brand. Yes, I was shooting for some high-profile clients, but if I wanted to continue to propel forward, I needed a stable job to fund this journey. At this point, I had to juggle part-time fast-food work, fulfill client projects—big or small, paid or unpaid—and continue my search for a role that aligned with my creative goals. It was an uphill battle, but eventually, I found a position in social media with a focus on photography and videography in client fulfillment.

Alongside this role, I signed my first client, upgraded my gear, and surrounded myself with like-minded people who continually help me improve my craft. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to shoot with UFC fighters, cover the NBA Summer League, capture moments for the Las Vegas Aces, and work with UNLV athletics, among other highlights. Additionally, this experience pushed me to figure out how to properly package and price my services, create contracts, make sales, organize my regular 9-5 work with my creative work, budget, and more.

Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to be where I am, but I also know I still have a long way to go. This journey often feels like a roller coaster with its loops, ascents, and descents, but every twist is part of the process, and I’m grateful for it all. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead and look forward to each new experience on this path.

RJ Ibe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is RJ Ibe. I’m 23 years old and proudly Las Vegas-born. My journey into the Creative Production and Marketing industry began with an incredible opportunity to meet and work with micro-influencers and athletes, capturing editorial and personal content that showcased their stories. This experience allowed me to hone my skills and build connections in the industry. From there, I started taking graduation photos for friends, commemorating their milestones, and discovering my passion for creating visual narratives that resonate. What began as a simple passion evolved into a dynamic career, now spanning diverse fields like sports, events, and social media.

I specialize in photography, video production, social media management, editing, and strategy. My mission is to bring clients’ stories to life, helping them find confidence and clarity through compelling, high-quality content that resonates and elevates their brand’s presence.

What I’m most proud of is capturing moments that truly connect with clients and their audiences. There’s something profoundly powerful about sharing my creative work in a way that amplifies a brand’s identity and aligns with my purpose. Above all, I want clients, followers, and fans to know that I’m dedicated to celebrating the uniqueness of their vision, ensuring my work not only meets but consistently exceeds their expectations and leaves a lasting impact.

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

Every creative journey or goal has a “why” behind it. For me, this motivation is rooted in my upbringing and my family. It’s always been about more than just money or prestige; while those can be byproducts, my mission is far clearer and more personal. I want to prove—not only to my family and friends, but most importantly to myself—that I can break beyond the traditional limitations of sitting behind a desk for my entire career.

Growing up, I didn’t have the like-minded, creative friends I have now. I was often an outlier among my peers, seen as “different” because of my passion for creativity and my camera. Although daunting at times, I eventually embraced this uniqueness, seeing it as a strength. I’ve always known who I am and understood that the path others chose wasn’t mine to follow.

I’m not driven to excel just to prove others wrong—I’m doing it to prove myself absolutely right.

My family inspires me deeply, and it means a lot for them to draw strength from my accomplishments, empowering them to pursue whatever they want in life as well. Growing up in a Filipino household, I was often encouraged to follow stable paths, like a career in the medical field or the military, as a secure route in life. While I respect these options, I always felt drawn to something else. I wanted more—I felt a pull toward business, marketing, and photography. Pursuing these fields allowed me to study what truly interested me and align my career with my passions. I’m grateful to have the support of my parents and family as I continue on this journey.

With this, I hope to set an example for my nieces and nephews, showing them that they, too, can forge their own paths and follow their dreams.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is receiving recognition from both other creatives and non-creatives alike. While I don’t pursue my craft solely for validation, it’s an incredible feeling when my art resonates with friends, strangers, and colleagues. Knowing that others in my field appreciate, praise, and support my work gives me all the motivation I need to keep going. Additionally, the opportunities I’ve been able to create for myself and the people I’ve had the chance to meet and connect with has also been a blessing themselves.

One unforgettable experience was last March when I participated in a photo gallery for the popular hat company, Lids. The compliments I received that night for the photo I submitted were incredibly meaningful to me. It was the first time my art and photography had a moment in the spotlight, and being surrounded by so many talented creatives who genuinely appreciated my work helped solidify that this dream I’ve been chasing has real potential.

Every day, it’s rewarding to do what I love and create lasting moments for myself and others—all thanks to this little shutter device we all call a camera.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byrjibe/profilecard/?igsh=djlrZnp2OG91ZzJ0
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/services/page/4a861332482a763352/

Image Credits

Angelo Ednacot