Today we’d like to introduce you to Aric Thompson.
Aric, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started out in the 70’s as a go-for for my father who was a Navy photographer. As he became closer to retiring in 86′, I was doing more shooting around the community in Kingsville TX with 35mm cameras. Our last duty station. We moved to the Atlanta area and was busy doing other things such as Corporate America and Dji’ng at night. I married and joined the USAF in 1989 and got out in 1993 where I found myself a single man once again.
We were in the midst of Desert Storm so the jobs were scarce, to say the least. I worked in sales at an electronics store but began doing installations of home theaters on the side. I purchased a couple of digital cameras to document my work via stills and video. I took on work with a few different companies but still documented them via the cameras. In the early 2000’s, the housing market began to tank and I was losing hours. I had upgraded my equipment to a DSLR and began taking it up as a hobby. I had no idea at the time God was moving me into a position to become a full-time photographer.
After I was suddenly let go with no word so that the owner could save money. I found myself with no job and no job openings. I ran through my savings trying to maintain and went into overdrive studying and basically crashing events with my cameras and uniform. Luckily, it all worked out because I began to make a name for myself for my quality and fast turnaround with images.
Over time, I studied other genres of photography to become proficient in all aspects, not just events. I became a PPA member (Professional Photographers of America) and began accumulating awards for my work.
Soon after, I began shooting for celebrities, which gave me the exposure I needed. Working with Corporate clients opened up a new experience as they flew me to their locations all over the nation and parts of the world I would otherwise not have visited.
I partner with many organizations so I’m not tied down to one type of client or atmosphere.
I was being hired as set photographer for major motion films here in GA. Georgia is #1 in film and television but many films have small to no budget. Thus I have worked with them as well as studied to grow my own knowledge. After seeing the type of equipment needed and the extraordinary costs, I decided to build my own equipment such as dana dollies, doorway dollies, sliders, camera sound blimps, lighting and more. Basically, I built a production company for filmmakers on a budget to buy or rent.
I’ve been Blessed to be able to be lead photographer for the AEBL (Atlanta Entertainment Basketball League) which is one of the nations largest Summer Pro/Am leagues for five years now. Also, a contributing photographer for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream for the past five years as well! That has given me the opportunity to shoot for the Atl Falcons, Atl United, Atl Hawks, Atl Blaze pro Lacrosse team, several NCAA teams and many many more sports functions around the country.
It’s always a joy to see my works published in print as well as online!
The next stage of my evolution so to speak was as photographer for The Suite Jazz Series for over four years now, I’ve been privileged to shoot marketing photos as well as album covers for various Jazz/R&B artists!
My latest ventures are filming and producing music videos, stage productions, product commercials, documentaries and short film for others and soon my own! I also have a client with a food truck that is wrapped with my images all over it!
It’s truly been a journey from the caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly several times over! LOL!
My journey is far from over as I’m now a drone pilot and preparing to get my professional commercial pilots license this year!
I’m also preparing criteria for classes as well as mentoring programs for aspiring photographers. My hope is to teach a new generation a professional skill that will not just sustain them but something for them to be passionate about!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has most certainly not been a smooth road. Unfortunately, the profession is saturated and people tend to think they are doing you a favor by “Allowing” you to shoot their events. Media has become another word for getting free work out of you.
There are many people that will get your work, use it and put off paying you as long as possible. Contracts as great but you have to put in the time and money to enforce them when needed. Copy-write infringement is everywhere as others will steal your work when they see it online as claim it as there own.
But it’s about blood, sweat, money and work ethics to separate you from the rest of the crowd.
Please tell us about Dream Multimedia Group.
I specialize in pretty much everything at this point. My joy is being allowed to be creative with my work. I’ve been careful not to pigeon hole myself so that I’m only thought of as one or two types of photography. That keeps you working year round and not seasonal.
I’ve been told I’m known for not just quality work but fast turnaround and over delivering. For example, I was recently hired to shoot a step and repeat for an organization. I brought my laptop and edited whenever it slowed down thus, they had the images loading to a private file they had access to while the event was going on. I also brought lighting and a red carpet as well as large mobile studio lighting to take a group photo of close to 80 individuals. I had no idea it was needed, but I had it with me just in case. Those are the types of things that separate you from others. I can do any job while others have to decline.
I’m proud of the growth in a relative short time. The trust that people all over the world have in my work and in me.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory is being able to travel as a Navy dependent and become exposed to so many places and cultures.
Pricing:
- Event photo/video starts at $150hr for each
- Headshots are $300 for up to 3 looks several edited images
- Photoshoots begin at $450 for up to 3 looks and several edited images
- Weddings begin at $1,500 depending on your needs
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aricthompson.com
- Phone: 4042079366
- Email: aricthompson1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreammultimediagroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aric.dp.thompson
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dream_Photos
Image Credit:
Dream Multimedia Group LLC
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