Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Woodle.
Hi Aaron, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I fell in love with camera’s from a very young age, making home-movies with my cousins, modern day versions of famous Shakespeare play’s such as Hamlet & Macbeth in High school, and an original film called The Nexus Chronicles while in college. After that, I put down my camera for a few years, every now and then getting the itch to film or create but never feeling like I had a place to put that creativity. I ended up going into what I felt was the “safe option” in college, majoring in Communications and marketing. I had a few odd jobs post-college, until I settled into an inside sales position. I was in a cubicle setting for about 4 years selling electrical gear. At the time, while things were consistent, I really felt like the job itself was soul sucking and that I didn’t really have much of a purpose. The way that I even got back into videography felt like a God moment. My cousin was getting married, and she asked if I would either officiate her wedding, or do their wedding video. I chose the latter. I started diving back into camera work, buying my first gimbal, and figuring out how to film wedding’s. I felt less pressure in messing this up since I was doing it for family and for free. The more tutorials I watched, the more fascinated I was. At the time, I still knew I wouldn’t leave the safety of my Inside Sales job regardless because it wasn’t a safe option. Shortly after, our job had a lot of lay-offs, me being one of them. I remember crying, and being very upset for about 5 minutes, and then I felt like God gave me peace and said to me, this is the opportunity you wouldn’t have taken on your own. At this point with no job, I had nothing to lose. I threw all my time into tutorials, invested money into camera equipment, and went full force into making a business for myself. I asked a friend of a friend who I knew did camera work if he wouldn’t mind helping me with a wedding or two while I figured things out. Flash forward five years later and he is one of my closest friends and someone I regularly work with. I don’t think I would be where I am today if God hadn’t provided the opportunity. Getting laid off was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the biggest struggles along the way have been figuring out how to separate my business and self worth. You are not going to get every job inquiry and that is OK! Some months will be super busy, others may be a little lighter. It doesn’t mean you aren’t successful or doing things right.
Also understanding your strengths and weaknesses. I for one know that I am much better behind the camera than I am as a business man. Therefore its a weaker area that I need to learn more about and improve.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a videographer first and foremost. I specialize and known for weddings, but I also do commercial work, music videos, and work with marketing and branding for small businesses.
What I am most proud of, is also what I believe sets me apart. My love for cinema has bled into my career. I love taking a couples wedding day and turning it into something unforgettable. Something that is personal, but also makes the client feel like they are starring in their own movie. This is why I love putting together wedding trailers from the couples big day, pairing deep dramatic scores with the love and intensity that comes from ones wedding day.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Every now and then this job can feel isolating, and self doubt can creep in. Community is important, and I feel like the creative community is incredible at times, epecially if you are doing this on your own. Find a mentor, find a group of fellow creatives. It is true what they say, you are the people you hang around. Hang around like minded creatives and you are more likely to thrive, grow and come up with all kinds of wonderful ideas for your business. This job was never meant to be something you go at alone. It’s important to find those friends that will push you, so you don’t stay stuck in the same place. (Also if you are just starting out, gear alone will not be the thing that saves you. LEARN the technical aspects-how to film, how to light, what lenses to use, etc.
Pricing:
- $3-6,0000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aaronwoodlefilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronwoodlefilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronWoodleFilms/
