Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Houseknecht.
Scott, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I transplanted to Georgia from Pensacola, Fl as a leader in a large retail company. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Business Management and saw retail store management as a great way to earn a living and to raise a family. In many ways, it is. Over the course of 16 years, I married the love of my life, had four amazing children, and experienced many wonderful moments. Despite having most of my physical needs met, I often missed out on family activities and ended many hard days without a sense of purpose of meaning in my life.
Throughout my career in retail, I would spend much of my free time pursuing creative and spiritual projects. I have always had a love of photography since I got my first Olympus SLR 35mm camera when I was 15 years old. Often I was found taking photographs for myself or tagging along on various photo and video shoots. Surrounding myself with talented individuals and learning from them. My faith played a huge role as well in my development as a creative. As I formed relationships with others, my passions shifted away from personal goals and I became more interested in serving others. A desire I have never felt fully fulfilled despite working primarily in customer service.
In late 2018, I decided to focus all my efforts into artistic endeavors. Parenthetical Media is more than a media creation company. My vision is to bring creative people together and encourage them in pursuing their dreams, eventually establishing creative workspaces with resources to help these dreams be realized. In the meantime taking beautiful photographs, shooting compelling videos, and telling inspiring stories. For me, there is nothing that brings me more joy in a career than seeing clients light up when they receive a piece of art created especially for them. Telling their personal story.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are so many challenges when pursuing anything worth meaning. Our stories would not be exciting to tell if there were no obstacles along the way. Many people choose not to pursue creative endeavors due to a fear of not being successful or being able to make a living. These fears are, unfortunately, rooted in some truth. It is much more financially rewarding to invest in a career outside of photography, music, acting, or the like. I have experienced this first hand.
What I have learned instead is a redefinition of success. What caused me to pursue a retail career was that my definition of success centered around a large paycheck and a distinguished title. As I have matured, my view has changed drastically. Today, while I have less income than before, I have an abundance of joy and a new sense of purpose. Success for me is now defined by the time I spend with my family and the time I am able to serve my community. In addition to Parenthetical Media, I now serve as a pastor of a small church and volunteer with Boy Scouts of America. Changing my perspective has been one of the biggest challenges for me.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Parenthetical Media – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Parenthetical Media is about finding the story within the story. The words in between the words. Moments inside moments. Our goal is to produce images and media that tell a story worth telling. Although we offer a variety of services, I primarily work with photography. I have photographed weddings, couples, families, businesses, products, and more.
In addition to our current work, the goal of Parenthetical is to encourage other creatives and establish good working relationships. We currently have a small team of partners all specializing in various mediums such as videography and web design. These are individuals who have been working for many years with much experience.
Eventually, we hope to open a creative space where freelancers can work and access resources such as studio spaces. Allowing creatives to work together ultimately creates a synergy that benefits each individual, their clients, and ultimately the community.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
As a photographer, I’m always looking for the beauty in any city I have lived in. I personally love the historic districts. Areas with rustic bricks and architecture. Places where vegetation has crawled up the side of a wall or fence. These places have a unique history that we all get to share in. I can’t really say there is any place I like least. You can find beauty in any place if you look for the right details or observe from a new angle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.parentheticalmedia.com
- Email: scott@parentheticalmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentheticalmedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentheticalmedia/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/parentheticalm/
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