Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Renee.
Whitney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My photography/videography journey has been quite a long road. I started taking photos with a simple point-and-shoot camera my father gifted me when I was around 15 years old, I was homeschooled due to an unfortunate horse riding accident that lead me to a long road of recovery and corrective surgeries. So during these years of being cooped up full of boredom, I found my love for art, I sketched, I loved creating things and I knew that someday that would be incorporated into my career.
Whatever that might be. My dad seemed to have seen my future calling long before I did, He is one of the few in my life that really did encourage me to pursue this career. Like many others who buy their first camera in hopes of becoming a professional photographer, we think it’s simply taking photos and learning to edit them, how fun and easy is that? Well, at least that’s what I thought in my early 20s when acquired my first DSLR. I’ll be honest I struggled for years trying to figure out my editing style, and learning how to use my camera properly and I knew nothing about managing a business or my money…I was working multiple jobs to make ends meet which made it quite hard to focus solely on photography.
Around age 24 I came across a stand at the MN state fair where I saw IHeartMedia-KDWB I had brought some of my business cards with me that day and I decided to hand one of the people working the stand my card and had a quick conversation. I walked away sure I wouldn’t hear back but why not try? A few weeks passed and I received an email. “IHeartMedia needs a lead photographer for upcoming events, would you be interested?” for the next two years I covered large events such as Jingle Ball, Fan Jam, Booty Cruise, and other events they held. Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone! A small town homeschooled girl meeting, well photographing the Backstreet Boys, fifth harmony… Dierks Bentley! Was this real?
From these events, I made connections with new people and soon started working for a photography/videography company out of Stillwater MN. A new challenge, I hadn’t done a video before. My first gig I was sent to do on my own. I was terrified but not only did I shoot one wedding that day I did two in separate locations. I had clear directions, I followed them and I got the job done. Despite my anxiety, I did it and I wanted to do more. With every challenge I faced the more I realized what I was capable of. Inspired by these media companies and mentors I had come to know, I saw just how possible this was for me.
I was working my hourly jobs and then photo and video on the weekends but one night my daughter called me while I was working quite late… I answered and she was crying, “Mommy I miss you, when are you coming home?”. I already worked so much and that was the night I decided I could no longer do this kind of work. For the next few years, I managed a gym, it was finally full-time with a consistent paycheck. I wasn’t making more than $11 hourly with the commission “maybe”. I wasn’t proud of my work but my little girl was happy and that was most important to me. Covid came around, the gyms closed and well for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t working. What would I do with this time? I pulled out my DSLR camera from its hiding place under my bed.
Was this my chance to focus on just this? Days, months passed and I began taking photos for anyone who needed them once we were able. I spent hours studying, editing, Youtubing, and learning every skill I could to better myself. I did my first wedding video for free and it happened to turn out really well. I also offered wedding photography for very little. It didn’t take long and people found me through referrals or word of mouth. I would post my work almost daily on social media which seemed to keep me fresh in the minds of those who were following me. Work just started flowing in. I saved enough to upgrade to a mirrorless camera, with a nice lens, and within a few months, I was able to invest in more.
A 4k monitor for editing photo+video, a second camera, another couple of lenses, audio equipment, a gimbal…. the list goes on. In about a year I was doing 4-6 weddings a month. What I found out as I grew and found my way is that what I loved more than anything, I loved the reactions from my clients, the “thank you’s” and hugs, and the friendships I have made along the way. For me, nothing was more rewarding. Today I spend close to every day with both of my beautiful girls, I have a wonderful supportive man in my life who encourages my dreams. Today I own my own Photography and Videography business “Venture North Media LLC”.
We serve couples all over the US. I specialize in Weddings, elopements, and events. I offer education and coach other aspiring photographers and videographers to help them not only do what they love but have a profitable business. I want to help others like myself follow their dreams and succeed in that. Every photographer is an artist, we can all offer something unique and beautiful.
I hope that my story can encourage others to never give up. Find your niche, and keep chasing your dreams!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Wedding Photography and Videography, My editing style is moody, vibrant, and dreamy. I also create cinematic highlight films and candid-style documentary films.
My work has been published and featured in online magazines, local billboards, and more! I think what sets me apart from others is that I am not afraid to be different, I embrace it. I want my art to be my own, I want to create authentically and be exactly who I am meant to be.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Want to be friends or join my educational photography group? Facebook https://www.facebook.com/venturenorthmedia/.
Follow my work, on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/venturenorthmedia/.
Collaborate? https://www.venturenorthmedia.com.
Follow my Youtube channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflp-xBVs-stugcg1kh3FiA.
Pricing:
- Highlight film $2500
- Photography full day at $3000
- Video+Photo full day $6000
- The documentary film starts at $3600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.venturenorthmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturenorthmedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/venturenorthmedia/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflp-xBVs-stugcg1kh3FiA
