Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Guzman.
Hi Jonathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my photography and video production skills while stationed in Misawa, Japan in 2013. I was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, working for the Armed Forces Network (AFN), producing radio and TV broadcasts daily for service members and their families all over the Pacific. Sometimes my products would reach back to the states and even in deployed locations. During my time at Misawa Air Base, Japan, I met a fellow airman that introduced me to photography while I was creating video content for the base. He was a base cop, and I was a radio personality and a news anchor, a funny combination. One day he asked me to produce a video for one of his video shoots, and from that point, I had a camera with me every weekend. Japan is a beautiful country, and at every chance I had, I was taking pictures and producing videos with my new Friend (Jared), which helped me up my video skills. Jared helped me think about the type of lenses I was shooting with. He also educated me on how to shoot photography and helped me think about themes when shooting with models.
Jared was great with models and themes that would put them in very colorful settings. I was all about video production and telling a story like a movie. We made a great team. In the three years, I was in Japan, I learned to shoot video with a DSLR and take pictures of locations I never thought I would ever visit.
After 3 years living in Japan, I moved to Washington, D.C., where I had to do my job as a Broadcast Journalist for the Air Force. I was working for the secretary of the Air Force public affairs office, where I got to meet some of our country’s most important leaders. I also got to work on feature products that were viewed by Airmen all around the world. One of my most significant products was where I got to work on a documentary about the Tuskegee Airmen that later won an Emmy. The title of that product was “Red Tail Angels – The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen.”
Living near Washington, D.C., was completely different from living in Japan. Taking pictures was a lot harder, and making video projects was even harder; thankfully, the Air Force sent me around the world. I was able to visit places like Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Cologne, and parts of Africa, and in each one of those places, I was able to take my camera with me and produce a video and imagery to share with the world. Traveling has allowed me to grow with my camera and learn about storytelling and how people want to see the video footage of an event and the pictures. I learned you could tell a story better if you have both. I also learned that it was very time-consuming and challenging to do it all by yourself, but I love it.
So, when I stopped traveling, I decided to start my business during the pandemic. It was the perfect time to line up my ideas on what I would like to offer as a service. During my active-duty service in the Air Force, I learned that I could provide full service to a clients; I learned how to shoot pictures and videos for high-ranking people and people who wear costumes to play their favorite characters.
Working in the Air Force as a public affairs broadcast journalist for 15 years has gained me some close friends, one of which has retired and is now a professional Chef. Currently, I have partnered with Chef Jeff Fritz as his personal Multimedia specialist, and I have provided him and his business with a website, video products, and pictures of him and his food. I love seeing how my products have helped his business grow and gain exposure. I can’t wait to grow my business with a team of content creators to continue that work with other clients.
My journey as a photographer and video producer highlights the power of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. I have always been passionate about photography and video production, and I started with a willingness to learn and a desire to improve. I faced challenges and obstacles along the way, but I persevered and grew into a skilled and successful professional. My story is one of determination, persistence, and hard work, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their dreams with the same level of dedication and commitment. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had in the Air Force and as a photographer and video producer, and I look forward to continuing to grow and develop my skills in the future.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Although I have come a long way, my journey has been far from smooth. Even today, I struggle to make my mark in the industry and get people to notice the value of my services. With the ubiquitous presence of cameras and the prevailing attitude that quality doesn’t matter, it has become exceedingly difficult for me to charge what my work is truly worth. The current generation claims to prioritize quality, yet they hesitate to pay for it or put in the necessary effort. It’s disheartening to see that the moment someone creates something of value, others rush to create a cheap app to replicate the same thing and profit off of it, which undermines the integrity of every industry.
When I receive calls for my photography or video production services, potential clients are often deterred by my rates and suggest that they can get the same service from a friend with a smartphone or inferior camera equipment at a lower price. At that point, I politely end the conversation, feeling frustrated that people fail to recognize the hard work that goes into producing high-quality work.
Real freelancers do real work, and they deserve to be compensated accordingly. While social media can be a valuable tool for getting the word out about an event, it cannot compare to the impact of a thoughtfully crafted, original product. When I work under my business Guzman Multimedia, I make it my mission to create products that stand out from the social media template crowd. Though this approach requires more effort, it ultimately results in a superior quality that sets my work apart.
Currently, I produce products for the military, but I remain committed to delivering exceptional results in all of my freelance work. While it can be discouraging to encounter people who undervalue my work, I am confident that the right clients will recognize and appreciate the quality that I bring to the table.
I firmly believe that putting in the extra effort to create something unique and special is worth it. It speaks to the care and attention that goes into the product and reflects positively on both myself as a creator and the client who commissioned the work. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize this and opt for cheaper, low-quality alternatives that do not measure up.
It’s time for society to shift its priorities and recognize the value of real, quality work. We need to understand that shortcuts and cheap imitations ultimately lead to a race to the bottom, where true creativity and innovation are stifled. By supporting and valuing authentic, high-quality work, we can create a culture that fosters growth, creativity, and innovation.
I am determined to continue producing work that exemplifies these values and to educate others about the importance of quality and creativity in the industry. It may be a challenging road, but I am confident that by staying true to my principles and delivering exceptional results, I can make a positive impact and help to shift the industry towards a brighter future.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a multimedia specialist, I possess a diverse skill set that enables me to excel in a range of roles. Thanks to my experience in the Air Force, I am proficient in shooting and editing video, taking photographs, and managing social media accounts. Additionally, I hold a degree in Multimedia and Web Design from Devry University, which has equipped me with the skills to build basic websites. However, I see myself more as a director now and am seeking a production crew to leverage the market.
What I am most proud of is my ability to network and strategize. I understand that a video or picture is just the final product, and what makes it great is the plan or story behind it. I thrive in the role of making those plans come to life, and I take pride in working with people who share my vision and drive. I value honesty and reliability in my collaborators, and I am always on the lookout for clients who have clear goals and the motivation to achieve them. My favorite client is a good friend of mine, Chef Jeff Fritz. Whenever he has a plan for a video or social media post, we work together to develop a strategy and set a clear deadline.
What sets me apart in the industry is my unwavering commitment to achieving goals on schedule. I am trustworthy and honest, and I always strive to deliver top-quality work. I enjoy taking on new projects and sharing my expertise, but I also value my time and expertise. If I am unable to provide a service, I will be transparent about it and help my clients find alternative solutions. While I am happy to offer advice, I charge for my time, as I believe in the importance of respecting one’s own expertise and valuing the time and effort it takes to provide quality work. At the end of the day, I am determined to be respected as a true entrepreneur who values integrity and excellence above all else.
In the current market, it can be difficult to stand out, but I believe that my approach and work ethic set me apart from the rest. I am driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to bring my clients’ visions to life. With my diverse skill set and experience, I am able to provide comprehensive multimedia services that are tailored to each client’s unique needs.
As I continue to grow my business and take on new projects, I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. I am always looking for new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry. Whether I am working on a video production or developing a social media strategy, my goal is always to exceed my client’s expectations and deliver exceptional results.
Ultimately, I believe that success in this industry comes down to a few key factors: hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. By embodying these principles and focusing on delivering high-quality work that truly meets my client’s needs, I am confident that I can continue to build my reputation as a trusted and respected multimedia specialist.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite podcast is RAW Talk, hosted by highly talented photographer Jared Polin, who has been a driving force in the industry since the early days of YouTube. His creativity and dedication to quality have always set him apart from the competition, and he has grown from photography to video production with ease. His studio and successful business enable him to shoot what he wants when he wants, and he has worked with a variety of clients, including sports teams and politicians.
While some episodes of RAW Talk may not directly relate to photography or video production, it is clear that Jared has a deep passion for the industry and encourages his listeners to keep up with evolving technology and social media trends. He offers a wealth of knowledge on shooting both photography and video and even sells image presets to help with editing in Photoshop and Lightroom. While he may be a bit rough around the edges, his honesty and authenticity are refreshing and appreciated.
In addition to podcasts related to photography and video production, I also enjoy Monstercat Call of the Wild, a weekly hour-long podcast featuring EDM artists from around the world. The record label, based in Canada, maintains a strong global community and regularly engages with their fans. The music is a great source of inspiration for me while I am editing my projects, and always gets me motivated to push my creative boundaries.
I would like to recommend a book that I believe is a fantastic read for everyone: “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David Schwartz. This book was instrumental in helping me think about starting my own business, and it eliminated my hesitation to take action in pursuing my life goals and career aspirations. Essentially, it encouraged me to stop merely discussing my plans for the future and instead, start taking concrete steps towards them. While the book is primarily aimed at entrepreneurs, its stories and lessons can be applied to anyone’s life. By closely examining Schwartz’s anecdotes and examples, readers can gain inspiration and motivation. Upon finishing this book, you may even find yourself starting a business, just as I did.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.guzman-multimedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guzmanmultimedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guzmanmultimedia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanguzman2/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@guzmansrandomreview
Image Credits
Jonathan Guzman
