WE THE COLLECTIVE l THE INTERVIEW
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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?
Well long story short, I knew this was my passion and I wanted to make money from it. I honestly couldn’t work for somebody else anymore, I hate having a boss and answering to “the man” and building someone else’s dream so getting out of the employment game, moving to Southland and having my wife go into full time work as a teacher, really gave me the opportunity to have a fighting chance at making this work. After, what seemed like, a year of “No thank you’s” and rejection emails/messages, I stuck at it and worked bloody hard and everything is now falling into place and people are realising there is a need for my work here. That’s what I think inspires me the most - the NEED for my passion. And the fact I get to say in my head “I told you so” is also very satisfying ;)
TAKE US THROUGH A DAY IN YOUR BUSINESS…
Well here’s how my day went yesterday (6/11/2018) -
- 5:15am alarm….snooze it until 5:30am and then get up.
- Brew all the coffee - a very large and very tasty Chemex coffee. Black - how it should always be.
- Check and reply to all emails, Facebook & Instagram messages.
- Start working on whatever project I need to get finished.
- I change hats from We The Co to Stay at Home Dad and get my daughter ready for the day. Breakfast, shower, clothed, plait in the hair. Then I will drop her with Grandma for a few hours.
- Travel 45mins to another town for a real estate shoot @ 11am. Finish at 1pm.
- 2pm - Back into Invercargill to film drone footage.
- Lunch = half assed made Quarter Pounder Combo, Fanta no ice.
- Another real estate shoot at 3:15pm. Finish at 4:30pm.
- Pick my little girl up, home and get dinner made before Chloe get’s home. Nachos baby.
- Then from 6pm until 9:30/10pm, it’s family time. Non-negotiable.
- After that, I’m right back into editing projects and all footage & photos shot from the day.
- Shower, brush teeth and bed at 12:40am.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BRIDAL TREND AT THE MOMENT?
I’m really loving the first look stuff that people do. I guess couples have been doing it for ages and maybe I’m just noticing it more now.. I dunno, but it always gives me the happy feels whenever I see a choked up Groom.. because that was also me haha!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING (IN REGARDS TO YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE)
Get the speeches recorded. Even if it’s not done by me or a hired videographer. Get Uncle Jimbo or Cousin Willy to put a camera/phone on a tripod and press record. Those are the moments that you want to keep. Unfortunately, as human beings - our memories aren’t as good as we think they are. You’re not going to remember the stories that Grandma Tilly told in her speech. So it’s a really nice way to look back on all the kind and funny things people have to say about you on your day.
BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
I have many different pieces of advice but the one I live by the most is - “If you’re on time, you’re late” - always be 5-10 minutes early to any client meeting or interview or any important gathering of people. It shows that you’re professional, responsible, you manage your time well and that you have willingness to care. All very important traits for clients to see in you.
I personally STRONGLY dislike it when people are late, so if you’re meeting with me - be 10 minutes early!
I WISH I KNEW HOW TO…
Do a backflip! I’m not built for acrobatics so being able to pull a back flip out in any situation Is something I wish I knew how to do!
TV SHOW YOU WISHED WAS STILL ON AIR?
He-Man and the Masters of The Universe and The Office US. I have Lightbox and Youtube at my fingertips now so..
Do people even still watch On Air TV?
#bythepowerofgreyskull
NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION
Hmm.. somewhere with a bit of heat and not too third-worldy?! Venice is definitely a place I would love to photograph and climb to Machu Picchu.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 18YR OLD SELF?
If I had the ability to travel through time to visit my 18 yr old self, I wouldn’t change a damn thing. I would watch from a distance and reminisce on all my teenage antics. Everything I have done, has lead me here and I wouldn’t trade or change what I have for the world. So my advice would be - nothing. Then I would also travel back to 1840 to witness the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and take a few sneaky snaps! That would be something I would have loved to have witnessed!
