Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Ochoa
Eric, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I originally wanted to be play guitar in a a band and tour the world. I’ve been playing music since I was 9 but have never properly learned music theory. So back in high school (Galena Park), I choose music theory as one of my electives and was accidentally put in “Audio/Video Productions” instead. I meant to speak with a counselor to change classes but quickly found I had a knack for filmmaking and became obsessed. Those two years in School Video Production led myself and team to SXSW film fest, as finalists, two years in a row. Upon graduating, I had to hit to workforce quick to take care of my family as a young father and tried for years to make it in construction as an electrician. But it wasn’t meant to be. I was let go from job after job until finally deciding to try and make it on my own as a freelance Photographer/Videographer. I began taking non paid or low pay jobs from places like craigslist until I had enough content to start charging proper money. I started EJO Productions in 2016 and have been swimming against the current ever since. As a freelancer, it can be quite a volatile road. Some months you’re down and others you’re very very up. But even with the stress of not knowing where the money for my mortgage will be coming from 4 months from now, nothing beats meeting new people and having new adventures with every project. There’s nothing else like it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly hasn’t been the smoothest road. You hit blocks and speed bumps along the way. The universe is always ready to throw some tests your way to see how solid your base really is. You have to stay creative and think outside of the box to keep up with the times. Last years problems are not the same as this year’s problems. Maybe your mortgage just shot up an extra $300 a month, maybe groceries have gone up 40% and the cost of feeding the 5 people who depend on you has gone up with it. These are some of the issues impacting everyone, not just small business owners. You have to be able to acknowledge when something isn’t working anymore and intervention is necessary. As business owners, we have to pivot and evolve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
EJO Productions is a Photo and Video Production Company doesn’t specialize in any particular area, as we are passionate about telling stories as cinematic-ally as possible. Regardless of medium or industry. Be it a Wedding, Corporate video, portrait/headshot session, or event recap, we pride ourselves on delivering only top tier quality.
How do you think about luck?
As with anyone embarking on their own business ventures. We have experienced plenty of both good and bad luck throughout the years. From flat tires on the way to big events and memory cards corrupting, to being in just the right place at the right time to come through in a big way for a client in need. Luck comes in waves, and you have to be ready for either side of that coin. Backup plans just in case there’s bad luck, and attack plans for capitalizing on the good luck.
Pricing:
- Videography – $800 per day (Lead shooter)
- Photography – $750 per day (Lead Shooter)
- Video Editing – Starts at $500 (Depends On Project)
- Photo Editing – Starts at $400 (Depends on Project)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ejoproductions.biz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejoproductionsofficial/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjochoa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VideoDiariesEJO
