Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Ray.
Hi Samuel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My story started in Cambodia, the country where I was born. At a young age, my mother offered to buy me one of two presents — I could choose between a Macbook and a camera. I decided to go with the camera, a Canon 500D. I remember thinking I could use my cousin’s computer to edit the photos while I was saving up to buy my own Macbook. Since that day, I always bring my camera with me everywhere I go. Shortly after getting the camera, I joined a few photo walk events and met many like-minded people who became life-long friends.
After moving to the United States, I did a few senior photo shoots during high school. The shoots made me a little bit of money, but it wasn’t until college that I realized I could do this for a living. During my sophomore year in college, I started working as a university photographer. I captured all kinds of sporting events and had my photos published on the university website and the school newspaper.
That year, I also joined the university’s Film Society and began learning how to implement more video into my work. I shot weddings, events, and commercials, constantly working at improving my craft and honing my skills with a camera. I also made two short films that won awards at the Houston Film Festival.
Fast forward to today — I own a video production company based in North Dallas, where I create product commercials, interviews, and personal branding content for small businesses.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I remember maxing out my credit card in college to purchase a Sony camera. The camera would give me the capability to capture and produce high-quality video, but it was a scary moment where I wasn’t sure if I was making the right decision. Using a camera to create was all I knew. I had to view the purchase as an investment in myself and my future.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in product videography and commercial video. I’ve worked with global brands like Sony and Aputure Lighting and local brands such as Onoroff Clothing, Truebrvnd, Wolvyn Luxury Timepieces, and Evogen Nutrition. I am really proud of everything I have created. Every video I’ve made has put me in contact with interesting people and created more opportunities to create, so I approach every project with the same mindset, giving it 110% every time. I think what sets me apart as a content creator is my attention to detail and the ability to tell a story in a way that keeps the audience engaged.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Do as much as you can, create as much as you can, and experiment as much as you can. That’s the only way to find out if you really enjoy what you do. I would also suggest reaching out to other people in the same industry. You’d be surprised how much people are willing to help if you ask.
Looking back, I wish I’d taken more risks at the beginning of my career. With that said, I am satisfied with where I am right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taketwomedia.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelrayy/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@samuelrayy
- Other: www.officialsamuelray.com
Image Credits
Daniel Chavez
Matthew Fitch
