My Journey

Becoming a Videographer

I’ve always had a passion for creating videos. As a kid, I was constantly behind a video tape camera that my stepdad brought into our home. I vividly remember the joy of filming family events, staging a music video with my friend where we pretended to be Korn, and capturing our neighborhood adventures and antics with my dog. Those early experiences laid the foundation for my lifelong love of videography.

As I grew older, life took me in a different direction. For 15 years, I worked in the oilfields of the San Juan Basin. It was a demanding job that taught me valuable lessons and skills that I still carry with me today. But as the years went by, I found myself questioning whether I wanted to spend the rest of my life in the oilfields or pursue my true passion for videography.

The decision wasn’t easy. The oilfield had been a significant part of my life, and leaving it behind felt daunting. However, the pull of my dream was strong, and I knew I had to take a chance. I decided to start small by recording Quinceañeras for my friends’ daughters.

My first event was a revelation. Seeing the joy and excitement on my friends' faces as they watched the video I had created was incredibly rewarding. That moment was the catalyst I needed to fully embrace my new career as a freelancer. The positive feedback and the recommendations from friends led to more opportunities. I started filming more Quinceañeras, weddings, and eventually expanded to producing commercials, corporate interviews, real estate videos, and car commercials.

Leaving the oilfield was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the best. I’m now living my dream as a videographer, and I’m excited to see where this career will take me next. It’s amazing how listening to your dreams and having the courage to follow them can lead to new and fulfilling paths.

Why I Named My Company “Pera Photo & Film ”

Naming a company is a deeply personal decision, and for me, the story behind "Pera" is both heartwarming and memorable. The name actually has a charming origin that goes back to my childhood.

When I was born, I was quite chubby, and my family affectionately remarked that my face looked like a pear, thanks to my round cheeks. This playful observation led to a family nickname: “Pera.” It was a term of endearment that stuck with me throughout my life.

When it came time to name my company, I wanted something unique and meaningful. "Pera" felt like a perfect choice. It represents my roots and the loving memories of my family.

Interestingly, many of my clients initially assume "Pera" is my last name. They’re always amused when I share the real story behind it. It’s a great icebreaker and a fun way to connect with people.

So, every time you see “Pera,” remember it’s more than just a name—it’s a piece of my personal history and a tribute to the family who gave me that charming nickname.

From the Sony a6300 to the Sony FX3 Cinema Line

I've been using Sony mirrorless cameras since 2015, and it's been an incredible journey watching their technology evolve. My career as a videographer started with the Sony a6300 a camera that was both a great learning tool and an innovative piece of tech at the time. It offered 8-bit format video, which was impressive back then, but it also had some challenges, such as overheating. Despite its flaws, I stuck with Sony because of one key feature: autofocus. Sony’s autofocus technology was miles ahead of other brands, and it gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward in my work.

Over the years, as I honed my skills and the demands of my projects grew, so did my need for better gear. That’s when I upgraded to Sony’s Cinema Line cameras, specifically the FX3 and FX30. These cameras are game changers. They offer unparalleled reliability, which is crucial for the kind of events I record, especially during the scorching summer heat.

At weddings, when the temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, I don’t have time to worry about my gear overheating or malfunctioning. The Sony Cinema Line cameras handle extreme conditions with ease, delivering the high-quality, consistent results I need.

What started with the Sony a6300 has now evolved into a full-fledged professional toolkit, allowing me to capture cinematic moments in any environment. Sony’s dedication to innovation is why I continue to trust their cameras for my work, and I can’t wait to see where their technology takes us next.

Bringing My Projects to Life with Final Cut Pro & Motion VFX

As a videographer, my tools are everything. One of the most important aspects of my workflow is the editing process, and for me, Final Cut Pro has been the go-to software. I've been using it for 8 years, and its ease of use is what makes it my preferred editing platform. Whether I'm working on a quick project or spending long hours on a more complex piece, Final Cut Pro makes those hours productive. Its intuitive interface lets me focus on the creative aspects of editing without getting bogged down in technical hurdles.

But Final Cut Pro isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. To really make my projects stand out, I rely on Motion VFX plug-ins. For over five years, Motion VFX has been my plug-in effects of choice. I love how seamlessly these plug-ins integrate into Final Cut Pro, making it incredibly easy to add high-quality effects that elevate the final product. From transitions to text animations, Motion VFX offers a wide variety of tools that save me time while still giving my videos that professional polish.

Combining the powerful, user-friendly editing capabilities of Final Cut Pro with the dynamic effects offered by Motion VFX has allowed me to bring my projects to life in ways I never imagined. The synergy between these two tools makes my workflow smoother and more efficient, allowing me to focus on storytelling and creativity. Whether I'm editing wedding videos, corporate films, or personal projects, these tools have been key to my success.

From Phone Photography to the Sony a7R III

My love for photography began long before I ever held a professional camera. I would take my phone with me on every trip, capturing moments from North America to Europe. It became a natural habit to photograph everything around me, and what started as a hobby slowly evolved into my dream career.

When I decided to take the leap into professional photography, I knew I needed the right tools. Enter the Sony a7R III and the Sony 135mm G Master lens my trusted companions since day one. Transitioning from phone photography to a full-frame camera was no small feat. Learning how to harness the power of this camera was a challenge that took me about six months to master. Understanding the settings, features, and capabilities of the Sony a7R III opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Once I felt confident, I began offering natural light photography sessions for my clients. This was my comfort zone, and I felt ready to take my work to the next level.

Two years into my professional journey, I decided to push myself further and introduce flash into my photography. Learning how to use artificial lighting was a whole new challenge, but my passion for photography kept me motivated. It didn’t take long to get the hang of it, and now I can’t imagine doing a session without flash. It adds so much depth and versatility to my photos, allowing me to capture stunning images in any lighting condition.

One of the things I love most about my Sony a7R III is the camera’s 42-megapixel resolution. The level of detail it captures is truly remarkable, and when my clients see the final, edited photos, they’re always blown away by the clarity and quality.

Every image I capture is carefully edited in Lightroom and Photoshop, where I’ve spent years experimenting to create my own unique style. It’s been a long process of trial and error, but I’m now at a point where I’m incredibly happy with my signature look, and my clients love it too.

This journey from hobbyist to professional photographer has been an exciting, rewarding adventure, and I’m excited to see where my camera takes me next.

In videography, staying on top of the latest technology is crucial. I’m passionate about using new tech to enhance both video production and editing.

Attending CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is a highlight for me each year. It’s where I discover the latest advancements, connect with fellow creators, and visit my favorite booth from Sony. Seeing their new innovations inspires me and helps me decide which tools to invest in.

I love integrating cutting-edge cameras, editing software, and plugins into my work. This investment in technology not only improves the quality of my videos but also streamlines my editing process.

Meeting new people and exploring the latest tech at CES fuels my creativity and keeps me excited about what’s next in videography. Embracing these innovations allows me to push the boundaries of my work and create impactful content.