Meet Nate Dorn | Director of Photography, Video, and Editor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Nate Dorn and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nate, how do you think about risk?
Well, I adhere to the old adage, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” We’re given this moment, this life, this opportunity, from “the cradle to the grave” so to speak, and all we have is this time in-between to experience what we can with the opportunities that are given and that those we create for ourselves and for those around us. Every day is a gift and it is imperative that we make the most out of it. It should be everyone’s greatest fear, to look back at the end of one’s life, and realized they have squandered it, by not loving enough or not being creative enough, or not at least trying to live to one’s full potential, no matter how significant it may be. Whether we make a difference to one life, a community, or on the world’s stage, every day matters. Risk taking can be a lonely road at times and if doubt and fear doesn’t play role in those small and big decisions, you’re probably doing it wrong. The rewards are great, the process is hard, but everything you do requires a leap of faith.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am primarily a stills photographer and editor, but in the last several years I’ve become more of a video shooter and director, that’s where the market has lead me and what I’m being hired for. “Story” or message has always been important to me, it’s the underlining factor. Growing up, my mom was a professional portrait painter and my dad owned a book store, so naturally, I visualized everything through images and narrative. As kids, me and my brother and cousins would recreate Indiana Jones scenes on a VHS camera, edit was done in camera, shot for shot, so thinking in terms of timeline became second nature. Little did I know those skills would follow me into my future.
I don’t believe anything worthwhile is easy, you’ve got to put in the time (The 10,000 hour rule). And only in the last several years has that time really paid off, where I now work with national clients like Michele Watches (Fossil’s Luxury Brand), Chico’s, SOMA, Arden’s Garden, Bobby Jones, Carters Kids, Foxers, and many others. Advertising and media has changed so much and so quickly, and with social media the needs and models of these companies are ever evolving, with my connections, work ethic and flexible skill set, I just seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Given the last few isolating years, favorite spots have been closed or have yet undiscovered, but I have enjoyed biking the beltway and the new brewery communities that have emerged , like Monday Night Garage, Halfway Crooks, and Tree Taverns. Given our current state, bike tours are the way to go!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many individuals that have been inspiring, saw potential and have helped me out along the way, people like Andrea Fremiotti, Liz Von Hoene, Pat Molnar, and many others, but mostly, mostly, Tommy Crow. I started working for Tommy while in collage and almost 20 years later we are still creating, collaborating, working together and having so much fun along the way! Tommy Crow came from the old school world of photography, but inspired me by his ability to evolve, to pivot, to embrace the ever changing technology and world that we were working in. He also recognized my film/video background and pushed me towards that direction. In hindsight, probably a smart move on his part, I mean, who wants more competition? But also to his credit, he always said, “There’s room at the top for everyone” when you see an opportunity to bring someone up, do that.
Website: natedornimages.com
Instagram: https://www.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.
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