Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Sagherian.
Christopher, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A good place to start was when I was living in Orlando. I needing a way to make money and support myself so I started looking at in-demand services businesses needed. That’s when I came across graphic design. I wouldn’t say the internet was at its peak at that point but it was at a place where every business needed graphics, websites, etc. So, I began learning everything I could about web design, graphic design and more. I posted adds every day on craigslist offering my services.
After moving from Orlando to Mexico and finally to Dallas (long story, but a great experience), I continuously had issues with clients needing better and more engaging photos of their actual business, versus simple stock photography. So, I picked up a camera and started shooting. That eventually turned into building my confidence to move into video production. It’s exponentially more difficult, and unlike photography, you can’t simply “fix” it after the fact. To this day, I take every new client as a learning experience, building on my experiences from past clients. We’re constantly trying to improve our product.
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?
No, the road hasn’t been smooth. Building a business is tough. You’re your own boss, which is the best and toughest part of owning your own business. There’s no one to tell you the right answer and when you mess up, it’s all your fault. One memorable moment was when a large client booked a Monday shoot the previous Friday, the shoot called for high-value equipment that was being overnight but wasn’t entirely guaranteed to be here Saturday. Our mail tends to run late and without the gear, the shoot would need to be postponed and because it was LIVE, that wasn’t an option. Needless to say, that weekend was TENSE. Waiting for the gear to arrive and thinking about having to calling the client Sunday to say, “Sorry we aren’t prepared” would have been terrible. Luckily, it all turned out and the shoot went great. When I moved back from Mexico, I essentially had nothing, I was living out of my car and the YMCA for a period of time. I haven’t told many people this story, but I had to find clients, edit their photos, build their websites, work on videos, etc, all while presenting myself as the professional I was. Fast forward 6/7 years and countless long nights editing, booking shoots, scrambling to meet deadlines but never giving up and always pushing myself to do better. Thinking back on those days keeps me very humble. Even if it seems crazy and that there’s no possible way you might think things will work out, never stop working your hardest at your passion. Never give up!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about DFW Video Services – what should we know?
DFW Video Services was started out of a need to help smaller businesses have access to creative digital media that’s on par or better than large, very expensive local or national production firms. We’re doing our best to give them a run for their money. Small businesses don’t have the time or the resources to pay $10,000+ for a video shoot so we’ve stepped in to show them how it’s possible to receive a similar if not better results for $1,000. My favorite videos are the ones that tell a story, stories about families, or people, in general. I’ve worked for VNA Texas for a while now and I’ve filmed many stories about Meals on Wheels clients and the relationship between volunteers. I’ve also filmed stories about hospice patients and the relationship they’ve formed with volunteers who take care of them. I know it’s not a feel-good topic, but image having no one by your side on your death bed. Some seniors on hospice have nobody and the bond they form with the volunteers who visit with them makes these stories truly powerful to capture. The latest video I filmed for them made almost everyone who watched it cry tears of joy. It’s not my intention to make people cry when watching my videos, but that emotional connection and emotional response is pure gold to me. If my videos can spark emotion in those who watch them. I feel like I’ve done a good job. That’s not to say I don’t love making the happy quick marketing video, but there’s a special place in my heart for stories of triumph and tribulation.
What am I most proud of? The next video I’m going to make!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
People skills, I think that’s something that’s lacking in today’s society. The ability to level with people as individuals. Everyone wants a paycheck, everyone is so focused on their own needs vs the needs of others. I like to consider my clients as friends. Because of that I work for them as if I’m working for a friend. I’m sure, sometimes even giving too much. I’ve even had a few beers with some clients in between projects just because they’re interesting to be around. Working with large businesses can be very impersonal, some even send accounts overseas. I like to be the one getting the text message from the client asking for a change or an update. Sending them a picture text asking if that’s what they’re looking for–type of business owner. I’m very hands on. Lastly, I love teaching my clients something new. I’m not the type that likes to safeguard information or techniques, if I can teach a client how to better use a service or a video we’ve created I’ll do it.
Pricing:
- Commercial Video $899 – $1500
- Real estate Videos $799
- Commercial Photography – $499
- Drone Photography – $299
Contact Info:
- Address: 6323 Kenwood Ave STE 1
- Website: dfwvideoservices.com
- Phone: (214) 273-6235
- Email: sagherianc@dfwvideoservices.com
- Instagram: @dfwvideoservices
- Facebook: @dfwvideoservices
Image Credit:
Chris Sagherian
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