We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephen Mack a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

If I were to start over today, knowing what I know now? I would have NOT SPEND SO MUCH MONEY AND TIME ON THE LATEST AND GREATEST GEAR! it surely took me some time to realize that if I simply mastered the functionality of a camera first instead of looking for one that did what I needed automatically, I would’ve been so much further along in my career and would have come into a better understanding of my style of shooting.

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

With a keen eye for detail and a deep love for filmmaking, I strive to create visually stunning and emotionally captivating videos.

For me, filmmaking is more than just pressing the record button; it’s a way to transport viewers into a different world, evoke emotions, and tell stories that leave a lasting impact. I believe that each frame is an opportunity to convey a narrative, and I pour my heart into each shot to ensure that the essence of the story is beautifully conveyed.

Attention to detail is at the core of my work. I meticulously plan and execute every aspect of the filming process, from scouting locations to framing shots, to ensure that every scene aligns with the desired vision. I believe that the magic lies in the little details that often go unnoticed, and I take pride in capturing those moments that add depth and authenticity to the story being told.

With a deep-rooted love for films of all genres, I draw inspiration from the rich history of cinema. From classic masterpieces to contemporary works, I am constantly studying the craft and honing my skills to create videos that stand the test of time. Each project is an opportunity to pay homage to the art form that has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion.

I am excited to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a wedding, a documentary, or a promotional video, I am dedicated to delivering a final product that exceeds your expectations. Together, let’s embark on a journey to tell your story through the power of captivating footage.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The funny thing about social media is that the trends to stay relevant, are ever-changing. but that one thing that stays the same is that you must post consistently. I have been trying a few new methods to make sure I have plenty of content to share and I’ll share this with you.

1: Q&A:
you are going to interview yourself as if you were on a podcast.

2:Comment Coaching:
look in the comments of your favorite creators for any questions that have gone unanswered and create a coaching video on that question/topic.

3:Reintroduction videos:
Create content that tells people who you are, how they can work with you, and why you care about working with them.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Absolutely. As a videographer, along with side any other creative professional, there are certain aspects of our journey that non-creatives may struggle to understand. Here are some insights that I feel may shed light on this.

Creativity is a Process. Non-creatives may not realize that creativity is not something that always flows effortlessly. It often involves a lot of trial and error, experimentation, and pushing through creative blocks. The journey of a videographer or any creative professional is filled with moments of frustration and self-doubt, but also moments of inspiration and breakthroughs.

Attention to Detail: Non-creatives may not grasp the level of attention to detail that goes into creating a video or any creative work. From framing a shot to editing the final product, every aspect requires meticulous attention to ensure a polished result. This level of detail-oriented work can be mentally exhausting but ultimately rewarding.

Constant Learning and Growth: The creative field is ever-evolving, with new technologies, trends, and techniques emerging constantly. As a videographer, staying relevant and competitive means continuously learning and adapting to these changes. Non-creatives may not realize the amount of time and effort that goes into staying ahead in the creative industry.

Emotional Investment: Every creative work, including videos, often involves a deep emotional investment from the creator. Non-creatives may not understand the personal connection that artists have with their work and how criticism or rejection can feel like a personal blow. It’s important to recognize and respect the emotional labor that goes into creating.

Balancing Creativity and Business: For many creatives, including videographers, there is a constant struggle to balance the artistic side with the business side of their work. Non-creatives may not realize the challenges of pricing their work, negotiating contracts, marketing themselves, and managing client relationships while staying true to one’s creative vision.

Ultimately, the journey of a creative professional, such as myself, is a unique and rewarding one that requires a combination of passion, resilience, and creativity. By understanding and appreciating the complexities of this journey, non-creatives can gain a deeper appreciation for the art and the artists behind it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Digitalco_op.llc
• Other: https://vimeo.com/digitalcoop