Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started videography when I was about 15 years old and haven’t looked back since. I remember my father always bringing his Nikon d3000 along on family outings and taking pictures of my sister and I. This would ultimately be my initial source of inspiration. After realizing my interest with cameras, my parents always sought out opportunities for me to cultivate my passions for videography. I joined an organization called The Backpack Journalists where I had the opportunity to use high quality cameras to record the war stories of Vietnam Veterans. This would eventually lead to the documentary’s installation in the military museum in Columbia, South Carolina. I was also recognized by the state for the work I did. Thanks to this opportunity and media mentee Linda Dennis, I was able to see early on the impact that videography and media had on humanity.
After understanding the weight of my talent, I pursued improvement in my craft constantly. Completely self-taught, I was able to learn more about the editing process and how to improve my skills in videography and photography. I was gifted with the opportunity to travel from Charleston, South Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Oglethorpe University on a full-tuition theatre scholarship. Currently, I major in Film and Media Studies with a minor in Theatre Arts. Since freshman year, I have been enrolled in classes that have tested my creativity and have continuously pushed me to grow in my craft. I’ve had the opportunity to bring students together on campus and create meaningful films, all created with the intention to uplift the community and bring awareness to social issues that we continue to face in America. In one of my favorite videos entitled, The [African] American Fact, I curated a short film with contrasting images between reality and stereotypes within the black community. I aimed to bring awareness to the fact that African Americans are often thought about in a negative way when in actuality the community has undoubtedly paved the way in many areas for America and culture. The courses I have taken since freshman year have helped me refine my skills in different sectors of videography. It is very important to understand that in order to be the best at what you do, you have to fully understand all the working parts of your craft. Whether it be how to light a scene, how to properly record audio, etc. I have and will continue to expand my knowledge in all aspects of videography. I believe my tenacity and faith has what has gotten me this far in addition to my strong support system.
Most recently, I have started my own media company and am coming up on just about a year of its inception. Avery Media is a media company designed to handle all of your creative needs. From video recording, editing, creative direction, etc. Avery Media guarantees that your vision will come to life. The root of my work is to make sure that my clients see their most heartfelt moments in the most beautiful way. Within this year of work, I have been able to work with many influencers in Atlanta, Georgia. Ranging from B-list to A-list celebrities, I have had the opportunity to photograph or record influencers such as Gunna, 21 Savage, G Herbo, Young Thug, Quavo, KCAMP, Earthgang, and many other influential individuals. Outside of celebrity work, I have had the opportunity to shoot for local businesses and thoroughly enjoy creating videos with my friends and writing original short films. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride, but nonetheless videography is something that I see myself doing for a very long time with the ultimate goal of becoming a successful Creative Director.
It would be wrong of me to not thank my family, specifically mother and father, for all their support and sacrifices made to further my success in the videography field. I would not be as successful as I am today without their support and love. In addition to my parents, I would also like to recognize my friends and professors at the campus Oglethorpe University for constantly pushing me to achieve more than I have. The people that are a part of my circle have always resembled the same core values that I hold dear such as dedication, tenacity, humility, etc. All of my village and God are the roots of my success and I couldn’t be more grateful for the roles they play in my life.
Alright, 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?
The main struggle that I’ve experienced since pursuing professional videography has been myself. I am a firm believer in that you are your biggest critic and also your biggest competition. This can be a toxic trait if you’re too hard on yourself. Before competing for the Optimist International Oratorical Competition in 2018, my father taught me this valuable lesson that I apply to pretty much every aspect of my life since he told me. Sometimes you don’t get as many views from your audience on a project that you would like. Sometimes your video footage doesn’t turn out exactly as you envisioned it to. Sometimes you spend more time on projects than you thought you would and have to sit hours on hours trying to reopen a software that’s crashed what feels like a million times over. Above all else, you stay committed and internalize the root of your work. The purpose of my work and creativity has always been to better those around me as humans. This is something that I will do until I leave this earth and I’ve recognized helping others through my talents in film to be my purpose.
I would encourage those pursuing the same dreams as I am to get up early in the morning and always bet on yourself. The internet is one of the most accessible and convenient tools that we have today. If you don’t want to wait on someone to walk you through everything you want to learn, then take the time and risk of teaching yourself for free. The biggest help I’ve gotten has been from researching on Google and YouTube for answers on my own time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in videography and video editing. I shoot with a Panasonic Lumix GH5. It has been a game changer in comparison to my original Canon Rebel t5i. It has the ability to shoot in 4k slow motion videos and just has a cleaner overall image for the events I cover. Although the Lumix GH5 may work better for me and what I do, I would tell others that it’s not about the equipment you have, it’s about how you use it. Avery Media is my official video company name and I believe that my work could be recognized by the very intentional photo flash sequences in between clips.
I am most proud of how I have come since picking up a camera in my Sophomore year of high school. Frequently, I look back on my work from my younger days and get emotional from my creative growth. It shows me that I am upholding the promise I made to myself in always seeking improvement in my craft. I am also very proud of all the people I have encountered while working in the industry. I have met many people dear to my heart who are more than passionate about this line of work. I would like to give a shoutout to WeCraftCreative, a black owned media company based in Charleston, South Carolina for the opportunity to work alongside some of the most creative and inspiring people in my hometown. I will be forever grateful for the lessons they instilled in me and their efforts to push me further in the media industry.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I don’t focus on any other outcome from my work except the satisfaction from my clients. Many people prioritize monetary benefits over the happiness of the people they work with and I have seen this damage the person’s passion for media. I would also encourage people that are pursuing any goal to remain authentic with their work and to always seek improvement instead of money or recognition. This is why it’s so natural for me to put pieces of work together for my clients. I make a genuine connection with them first, learn more about them and their lives and then apply that to the shooting and editing process of the video they want. It all matters, and the personality of your client or their product should come into play the most when you sit down to work with someone.
Any big plans?
After I graduate this year in May, I hope to stay in Atlanta and continue my pursuits in the media industry. My ultimate goal is to become a successful creative director and continue to work with major influencers, brands, etc to help create the most outstanding works that represent them.
Having the opportunity to study abroad in London, United Kingdom at the University of Oxford has also given me an extra push to pursue my talents in screenwriting. I would like to one day have a feature film on a major streaming platform such as Netflix, Hulu or HBO and eventually have my work displayed globally in a theater on the big screen.
I believe with faith, support and dedication that anything is attainable. Above all else, whatever God has planned for me and my creative/career edeavours, I will listen and trust his plan, becasue he hasn’t let me down yet.
Pricing:
- Photoshoots – from $200
- Video Shoots – from $300
Contact Info:
- Email: Averymediabooking@
gmail.com - Instagram: @Averymediainc
Image Credits
All Photos are credited to Caleb Smith from Avery Media
