Today we’d like to introduce you to David Whitaker.
David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I shot video for fun on a GoPro back in college. I ended up editing my wedding video after a friend attempted to shoot it. I managed to put something together that must have been good because a friend of mine asked if I could shoot their wedding soon after. I bought a camera on a loan and learned how to use it the night before my first shoot.
I ended up shooting almost 30 weddings in my first year. Eventually, I transitioned to corporate and automotive video work, balancing a full-time job until 2021, when I went full-time as a videographer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Crohn’s was my biggest test for sure, it hit me in 2020.
I found myself getting terrible stomach cramps and throwing up occasionally. Then it turned to weekly, then daily, then twice a day. I could keep anything down and the doctors were confused for months. My blood tests were terrible, showing large inflammation and an irritated liver.
Eventually I was placed on an all liquid diet as a last-ditch effort to keep the weight from falling off. I was on the diet for three months, I had soup for thanksgiving.
Somehow during all this I was still able to grow my business. I still took as many clients as I could and maintained my full-time job at a car dealership. Sometimes that meant excusing myself and vomiting side of the road on the way to a shoot or in a random bathroom, but I did it. I learned a lot about myself that year.
Finally the doctor pinpointed the problem after a colonoscopy; my lower intestine had essentially swollen itself shut from all the inflammation.
After a few weeks of medication, I found out I could cure myself through diet. As long as I stick to my diet I remain symptom free.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make a living from retainer clients across various industries; however, I’d say my bread and butter are automotive and lifestyle, in that order.
I’m most known for my sound design. I remember, as a teenager, watching the Pennzoil commercials featuring the yellow sports cars. To this day, those are crowned as the best automotive films out there. The sound design is immensely captivating, and the cinematography is top-notch.
Now, I’m no audio expert, but I’ve learned how to sound design my videos in a way that stands out form most creators.
I’ll soon be launching my own Sound Effects bundle to help all the creators out there. My goal is to eventually replace my service income with digital income to sell products like this
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I never found a video mentor, so I wouldn’t feel totally confident speaking to that. All my “mentors” were on YouTube and Instagram. However, offering to help other videographers on their shoots for free might be a good place to start.
If you’re trying to start as a videographer, I fully recommend weddings. You’ll learn quickly how to use your gear, find clients, please clients, and edit all while making money at the same time. You have to start as the budget option, but doing so means you can quickly rack up a lot of weddings. As you get better, you can charge more.
If you’re trying to break into a niche section of your industry (e.g., cars, fitness, music videos) and move away from weddings, I suggest shooting those things for free until you have a decent enough portfolio to charge for them.
Retainer clients were the key to my transition into full-time videography. It provided me with a steady income while allowing me to do what I love. You have to approach clients with a strong value proposition to convince them to invest in your talent, but it’s very possible to go full-time with this technique
Pricing:
- $1000 a day for filming single projects
- Retainer plans start at $1500 and climb depending on client needs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Dwvisuals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidwhitaker_?igsh=MWM2Znl6eng5c29jcg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-whitaker-850439156
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@davidwhitakervisuals?si=EaaVWw93MUfXtYIp
