An Inspired Chat with Sam Grant of Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sam Grant. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Sam, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Music always makes me lose track of time and also helps me find myself again. Whether I’m behind the camera at a live show or just listening with headphones on, music resets my perspective and fuels my creativity. Surfing does the same — being in the ocean clears my head and reminds me why I create in the first place. Both give me balance and keep my work in photography and cinematography grounded in energy and rhythm.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sam Grant, an award-winning and internationally published photographer and cinematographer based in Los Angeles. Through my company Sam Grant Productions I specialize in lifestyle, commercial and branded content — creating high-end visuals for clients like John Deere, Jim Beam, State Farm and Hellmann’s as well as emerging companies and artists.

What makes my work unique is the balance I bring between large-scale productions and intimate storytelling. Having lived in Brazil, Canada and Australia I bring a global perspective that shapes the way I capture people, culture and design. My projects range from shooting in industrial settings like boiler rooms and data centers to documenting car culture through a 10-episode YouTube series on the restoration of a 1964 Impala Super Sport.

Currently I’m expanding into long-form branded content libraries — a model that helps companies build consistent visual storytelling at scale — and developing original series like Her Drive In Style and This Is My [City] which spotlight design, culture and the human side of industries that often go unseen.

At the heart of my work is the belief that visuals are more than aesthetics — they’re about connection, identity and impact.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was the Creative Director from my first global campaign. At the time I was living in Australia and they discovered my work, giving me the chance to shoot a campaign that completely changed the course of my career. That project taught me the value of trust, vision and collaboration at the highest level of production and showed me how much impact great creative leadership can have. It gave me the confidence to move to the United States where I’ve grown as a photographer and cinematographer and built Sam Grant Productions, working on lifestyle, commercial and branded content projects for clients like John Deere, Jim Beam and State Farm.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something success never could — that you can never give up. There will always be setbacks and challenges, but aside from a few uncontrollable factors, your future and your success are ultimately in your own hands. Pushing through difficult seasons gave me the discipline and perspective to build a career as a photographer and cinematographer where consistency, adaptability and persistence matter just as much as talent.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that a large social media following equals expertise. Just because someone amasses followers doesn’t mean they have the experience, technical knowledge or creative depth to deliver at a professional level. In photography, cinematography and branded content, results come from years of practice, collaboration and learning how to tell stories that resonate — not just posting content that trends for a moment.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I know I’m out of my depth when I’m on the edge of a breakthrough. For me, that uncomfortable space usually means I’m about to create something amazing. As a photographer and cinematographer, I’ve learned that the best work often comes when you’re pushing past your comfort zone and taking risks that feel bigger than you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.samgrantproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samgrant
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samgrantproductions/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SamGrantProductions