Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Rogers.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I remember being fascinated with cameras since a young age. My Dad used to film everything, so I always took an interest in how they worked. It was around the age of 14 when I began taking things seriously. I was lucky that my high school offered a video production class, so I took advantage and began working on projects in and out of school. Filming and editing videos quickly became an obsession that took over my life.
In college, I decided I couldn’t wait until graduating to begin working on larger projects and productions, so I pulled out a business loan to buy all the cameras and gear I needed to get started. With some serious determination and constant networking, I formed a solid group of friends that I went on to begin multiple successful video production start-ups with after graduating from the University of Georgia in 2012.
Since graduating, I’ve taken full advantage of the growing production business in Atlanta. I work mostly on creative and commercial projects and use this line of work to support myself and fund outdoor photography trips and excursions, which is ultimately what I’m trying to pursue full-time.
Last year, I was given the opportunity to film my first feature-length documentary, 3MPH, along with the Continental Divide Trail stretching 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico. For five months, I followed a group of thru-hikers through some of America’s harshest terrain, dealing with a variety of climates and extreme weather. It was the most mentally, creatively, and physically challenging project I’ve ever done.
I got to experience and live in some of the most incredible landscapes the American West has to offer and was given free reign to practice and improve my skills. The film is in post-production and set for release in 2019.
I am currently back in Atlanta working and planning my next trip this fall. In my free time, I’ve been editing some of my favorite photography and will soon be offering limited prints on my new website. The last few years have been quite a journey, but I feel like I’m just getting started.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being an artist is never easy, nor is any career for that matter. Nothing comes easy in life and you have to constantly work hard in any field to succeed. The most critical tool to learn if you are an artist is learning how to do business and charge appropriately so you can support yourself and your passion projects. Working for yourself requires discipline and also learning how to step away to make time for your personal life.
There are always multiple deadlines approaching, travel is frequent, and hours are long and random. I’ve been lucky and had an insanely supportive network of family, friends, mentors, and co-workers that have always helped me through all the ups and downs over the years. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am now.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Justin Rogers Visuals – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a freelance cinematographer, photographer, and drone pilot. I’m known as a perfectionist and enjoy creating each and every step of the visual process, especially lighting, shot design, and camera movement. I’ve worked on a variety of productions including documentaries, commercials, live concerts, cooking shows, music videos, and narrative films but am currently pursuing my true passion, which is working outdoors.
I enjoy being outside, staying active, and using natural light. I’d like to specialize in adventure & wildlife documentaries and sell fine art photography. I hope the two documentaries I am currently working on propelling me into this line of work permanently, and inspire others to go out and experience all of the amazing places our country and the world have to offer.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
2018 is off to a great start. We are currently in post-production for 3MPH and I have been contacted about filming another documentary this fall. If all goes as planned, I will be traveling to some of the most untouched jungles in North Borneo, Indonesia with a team of scientists to study the environment and wildlife there.
Our focuses will be on insects, reptiles, amphibians, bats, carnivorous plants, and caves. I hope I can continue to film these kinds of projects and eventually take my camera underwater to make scuba-diving documentaries I’ve always dreamed of.
Contact Info:
- Website: JustinRogersVisuals.com
- Email: JustinRogersVisuals@Gmail.com
- Instagram: JustinRogersVisuals
- Other: 2018 Reel –
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