Meet Trey G. Riley of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trey G. Riley.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been driven by one core principle: I don’t want to live a life filled with regrets. That mindset is what pushed me to make one of the biggest decisions of my life—leaving active duty military service to chase a dream that had been tugging at me for years. I knew I wanted to be a storyteller. Not just through acting or cinematography, but through the lens of adventure, emotion, and authenticity.

When I decided to become a full-time travel videographer and creative director, I jumped headfirst into the deep end—Los Angeles. A city where creatives are everywhere and videographers are a dime a dozen. I knew standing out wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew I wasn’t here to play it safe. I walked the streets of Hollywood, Culver City, and Santa Monica, introducing myself, pitching my skills, and chasing even the smallest opportunities. And while there was some momentum, the hustle wasn’t always enough to cover rent.

I started getting calls for shoots—many of them last minute—and I’d show up, give it my all, then do it again the next day. It wasn’t sustainable, but I kept going. I had this idea burning inside me for years, even while I was still in the military, but I was nervous about how people would react to it. Eventually, I said screw it—I didn’t move to LA to blend in. I came to express myself.

So, I committed and began collecting the pieces to become a shooter no one has ever seen. I invested in the gear, the accessories, and started building a visual brand that reflected my vision. When I finally dropped my first video under that brand, it felt like I was building my own Iron Man suit—custom, powerful, and built to elevate me beyond the noise. It became clear, it became real, “The Bounty Hunter of Videography” was born.

That’s how I got here. Not by accident, not overnight, but by betting on myself and never backing down from the discomfort that comes with growth.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. This journey has tested me in every way possible.

There were nights I slept in my car just to save the little bread I made from a shoot. I’d park in places I hoped were safe, praying I wouldn’t wake up to someone breaking in—or worse, my car being towed. Living out of a suitcase became normal. Sleep? That became a luxury I couldn’t always afford.

My Ford Explorer probably took the worst of it. Between maintenance and gas, I’ve spent thousands just trying to stay mobile. Every fill-up runs me $70–$80, which adds up quick when you’re constantly on the move for gigs. And to make it more frustrating, I’ve crossed paths with people who talked a big game but delivered nothing but empty promises.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that the same effort and energy I pour into some brands isn’t always returned. It stung at first—but I had to accept that not everyone operates with the same heart or integrity. Now, I’m a lot more selective with who I align myself with.

This path has forced me to grow—mentally, emotionally, and professionally. I had to learn how to navigate a world where I didn’t have the consistent income I once did. But even without the financial safety net, I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, lead creatively, and command respect—especially in a society where sensitivity and perception are everything.

It’s been far from easy, but every challenge has sharpened me

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize as the Creative Director for social media content creation. Combining my talents from the military and having the vision of becoming “The Hero” for content creators is what sets be a part from the rest. I am The Bounty Hunter of Videography.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking, in my opinion, isn’t optional—it’s a requirement. You won’t survive as a creator or entrepreneur if you’re not willing to take risks. This industry moves fast, and if you’re always playing it safe, you’ll get left behind—or worse, you’ll never really find out what you’re capable of.

Now, I’m not against being cautious. There’s nothing wrong with playing it safe if that’s what someone needs in that moment. But I’ve found that the real growth—the kind that pushes your vision forward—happens when you step into discomfort. Doing something that scares you, something uncertain, will always teach you something about yourself. And often, it’s that exact lesson that unlocks the next level of your craft.

That said, I don’t believe in taking risks blindly. Every major decision I make, I try to explore both the positives and the negatives. I sit with them. I mentally prepare for all the possible outcomes, good or bad. That process helps me manage the anxiety that comes with risk—it gives me a sense of control, or at least clarity, so that whatever happens, I know how to respond and not just react.

One of the biggest risks I took was leaving the military, a stable and structured life, to step into the chaos and unpredictability of the creative world. But it was that discomfort, that risk, that helped shape who I am and the art I create today. No reward without the leap.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.treygrileyllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trey_g_riley/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BountyHunterMedia