Alexey Koyfman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alexey, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
I am currently learning a lot about business from Alex Hormozi. I like his idea that you have to focus on one specific goal until you master it instead of pulling yourself into multiple different directions. Other goals might look appealing at the moment. However, without taking the time to do proper research, you will not see their shortcomings. I love his quote: “The grass is greener where you water it.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Koyfman Photo and Video Production specializes in making video content. We record commercials and create YouTube channels for businesses. In the past, we created music videos, filmed weddings, funerals, and quinceañera celebrations. We also film corporate events, client testimonials and create customized DVDs. We also photograph events, ceremonies and families.
You can see our work in these YouTube videos:
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
When I just got to the University, I thought that I could put in as much time to study for my classes as I did in High School. This all changed with the first test I took. I did not ace the test even though I put in some time to study for it. Everybody at the University was at the similar or higher academic level than me. This is when I realized that I will have to study much more at the University than I did in High School. If I wanted to graduate with a University degree, I would have to put in much more work.
After a few months I was putting in the right amount of work and I was ready for the academic rigor of upper division classes. For the first time in my life I learned to put in the work and step up to challenges. This ability to force myself to do more work is still helping me today.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of trying something new held me back. My heart dropped the first time a client asked me if I photograph weddings. I only photographed a wedding for a friend once before. However, I wanted to level up. I have already done plenty of family photo sessions. Once again I had to step up to the challenge.
When you are a photographer or a videographer for a once in a lifetime occasion such as a wedding, there is a lot of pressure on you to get the perfect shot at the right moment. For the first few times it was stressful when you are under pressure to perform. It is still stressful. That is why wedding photographers and videographers charge so much.
Another example of a fear holding me back is learning video editing. Video editing is a daunting task. There are so many different menus and settings in professional video editing software. Moreover, you have to invest not only time to learn the software but also money to purchase the software and a fast computer to run it. It took me some time to learn basic video editing. Every time I see an effect or a video edit I like, I learn how to duplicate it in my videos. However, I also learned that clients often do not care about a fancy edit. They just want me to capture the moment so they can rewatch and enjoy it later.
Every time you start a new endeavor the first step is not easy to take. You will question yourself if you are making the right decision. However, just like I learned during the first semester at the University, if you want to level up then you have to step up to the challenge.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie in photography that customers have in their mind is: Somebody can do this job cheaper. I get calls from potential clients and sometimes they tell me that another business can do it for less. I tell them: Good Luck!
Landscape and wedding photographs are very different. However, relatives and friends ask landscape photographers to photograph their wedding. This is CRAZY! If the photographer is not comfortable photographing your wedding, do not hire them. You might receive photos you do not like. The reason it looks easy when I film a commercial is because I have done it so many times. I put in the reps. I know all the camera settings, the lighting and sound setup I need to use. Moreover, if something goes wrong, I know how to fix it.
The common wisdom: “You get what you pay for” is pertinent in photography.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I deliver the project to the customer that I am proud of. I know that I did the best job for that project based on my current abilities. Maybe in the future, with the help of AI, this project could look better. However, I feel at peace knowing that a have done my best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.koyfmanphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koyfmanphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/koyfman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koyfmanphoto/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/koyfman-photo-and-video-production-league-city-2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@1kfmn
- Other: https://linktr.ee/koyfman
Image Credits
Photographs were taken by Koyfman Photo and Video Production
