Meet Sean Woods: Sean Woods | Cinematographer, Photographer, Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sean Woods and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sean, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had a thing for media since my younger days when I worked in the audio booth and with the camera crew in church. I’ve just always thought there was something cool about the boards, cameras, lighting, music and everything else. While in college, I ended up going down the radio lane for a while and as I was traveling with the sports teams, I ended up picking up the camera more and more. At that time, the plan wasn’t to become professional…I was more so filling a void that I noticed. While traveling with the teams, I always noticed that the players would complain about not being able to get any photos from the sports photographers. So, over the next few weeks, I spoke with a few of the standout players and told them I would take a few photos for them during the game to use on their social media pages. It literally took one game…then word got around and everyone wanted to get photos. After I began to post the photos consistently, I started to receive inquiries from players of the other sports, as well as other local schools. Before I knew it, there were brides, models and families contacting me as well. It all seemed to happen so fast. But, I say all this to say…my thought process was literally…to fill a void. Yes I enjoyed taking photos and filming, but when there was an obvious void, I knew there was an opportunity to get some experience and possibly gain some traction. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a cinematographer, photographer and also an educator. As a cinematographer, I’ve had the opportunity to film weddings, documentaries, short films, events and television commercials. When it comes to photography, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph weddings, events, branding items, sports and families. Lastly, as an educator, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients that are interested in getting more familiar with their photography and filming cameras. I assist with everything from learning the basics, up to mapping out large budgets for projects. I believe the hardworking, hustle all the time, focus on growth and making great business relationships are what sets me apart. If you’re an entrepreneur and things are working for you, then you already understand the work, hustle and focus that goes into it. It’s tough, but if you learn to really push, things will happen. You just have to keep going! During these crazy times in the world…I’m most excited at the fact that clients are still calling, texting and sending emails. The world is a totally different place right now and I know plenty that aren’t as fortunate, so I’m excited and grateful! As far as getting to where I am today professionally…I can revert back to a few moments ago and mention putting in the work, staying on the hustle and pushing to stay focused. It’s an everyday thing as an entrepreneur. There’s no supervisor standing over your shoulder to make sure you’re on task. No one is making your schedule and telling you when to be up or what time to get off. The money isn’t guaranteed every other week, so you really have to be motivated and understand that if you’re going to survive…it’s really going to take some real work! And like I mention during some of my consulting sessions…you can’t work part-time and expect full-time pay! It just doesn’t work that way! It wasn’t easy and I don’t expect it to ever be. If it’s easy, then it’s time to push to move to another level with it. There’s always more to learn and more to strive for. The way I overcame some of the challenges was to just keep working. I stopped trying to pay attention to where I currently was and just put my head down and made sure I was always working or learning. I understand if I’m always doing a little bit of something, that will eventually grow! I just have to consistently water the plant. I’ve learned a ton of lessons along the way! One that sticks in my mind daily is that things are mental before they become physical. If you think you can win…you will! If you think you deserve more…more will come. You really have to believe the things you want in life are possible. Most are defeated because before you’ve taken one step, you’ve doubted yourself. There’s no way to win that way. Believe it…then go put the work in to get there! When it comes to my story…I would want the world to know that you have to work hard, make great relationships and do great work, believe in yourself and just go for it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmmmm…this is a difficult one since I’m still new to the city and learning my way around. But, first we would have to get a workout in during the early morning hours. I would also take them out to one of the trails. I love being on the bicycle! It’s a great workout and the trails here are great. We would then have to stop somewhere to grab a smoothie. Majority of the time, I end up at Smoothie King. Since I spend a nice amount of time at the studio, we would have to stop by the Cool Collective Studios for a bit to probably do some editing or prep for an upcoming gig. For food options, they would have to try Serpas and 101 Steak For an outing…we would probably end up downtown so they could see the city and just get a good feel for the atmosphere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow…there’s so many to mention and so much to say! I’m going to keep it short and shoutout to my family, close friends and the many supporters I’ve had the opportunity to cross paths with over the years. They’ve all meant so much and I know I wouldn’t be in my position without their continued support.

Website: www.seanwoodsmedia.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/seanwoodsmedia
Youtube: www.youtube.com/seanwoodsmedia

Image Credits
Allen Cooley Gerald Tookes Keith Taylor Roberto Rivera