Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawrence Roy.
Hi Lawrence, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Jersey native but was raised in Atlanta. I’ve loved storytelling for as long as I can remember and always dreamed of making movies. The first time I picked up and camera and helped on my first photoshoot, I was hooked. I started off helping a friend of mine with his shoots until I got the basics down and from there started to find my own style.
In the beginning, it was just a hobby and I was very unsure if I could turn this into a sustainable business; so I continued to work a full-time job at an insurance company. Long story short, I was miserable!! Every day I was going to a job that I hated and after Covid and working from home, I started to feel as if I lived at work. I was getting photo jobs but not enough to be my main employment. Then it happened, I was recording a performance one night when I got an offer that changed my life. I was approached to help shoot a movie. A very low-budget independent movie, but a full production non the less. I jumped at the opportunity, taking off a week from work and not getting paid to help. I loved it! It was hectic, fast-paced and demanding but I left every day with a smile.
Immediately after, one of the producers liked my work ethic and enthusiasm and referred me to a higher-budget film. I had a choice to make, comfort zone and steady pay or chasing the dream. After deliberating all of 10 mins, I decided to follow my dream. I started working in film and doing photography full time. It was a big leap of faith and one full of hardships, but a year later, I have never been happier. My business has been growing and I’ve worked on several films and tv shows. I run a photography and video production service called Concrete Films. We shoot things big or small and work all around GA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
By no means has this journey been smooth. I’ve faced many adversities. Getting out of my comfort zone was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. To leave a steady paying job for uncertainty. There were times I was unable to book gigs and had to drive instacart to pay bills. There were also times I was so busy I had to find people to help cover my events. I’ve had equipment malfunction on the job or clients who expected their photos 10 mins after the event was over. Even now, marketing and finding clients is a challenge we hurdle every day. But by far, the biggest challenge in any venture or life in general is our own fear. Fear will keep us from pursuing our dreams or believing in our abilities. Once we overcome that everything opens up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love all things camera. I’m a photographer and videographer. I’m known for my portraits and bts work mainly. I love capturing candid moments and showing people different perspectives they may not have thought about and letting my work tell a story. What sets me apart is my ability to tell a captivating story with my photos or videos. My ability to keep shoots fun and relaxed and capture great shots!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is offering people different perspectives than they’re used to. One of my favorite movie quotes is “your perspective determines your reality” Obi-Wan Kenobi. It may be from a fictional movie but I’ve found that to be 100% true. Too much we get bogged done in one way of thinking or one way of seeing ourselves that we fail to see how beautiful this world is.
Pricing:
- Standers shoot 1 look- $125
- Music Videos starting at $600
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reelconcreteco.com / www.roninxmedia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/concrete.ronin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Twitter: www.Facebook.com/roninxmedia
