Community Highlights: Meet Myke De Rama of Dame x Dawn Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Myke De Rama.

Hi Myke, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Myke De Rama aka “Myke Truth” the Owner, Photographer, and Videographer of Dame x Dawn Studios in Long Beach, CA. I was born and raised in Long Beach, CA where I grew up and was influenced by the LA Culture and later found my passion documenting art, music and timeless moments for others. I graduated from CSUDH with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Business Concentration in Sports, Entertainment, and Hospitality in 2019. During my early college years, I was pursuing music and sound engineering but later discovered my passion for filmmaking and photography while taking courses to sharpen my knowledge and skills. Fast forward to Fall of 2021, I finally decided to shift my career path and started a small business called Mad Livin Studios LLC working from a small studio home office in Long Beach, CA. By February 4th, 2024, I officially re-branded the small business company name to Dame x Dawn Studios where I continued to focus on storytelling and capturing unforgettable moments for others for years to come.

When I’m at weddings, special events, or creating content, I’m in my true element and state of bliss when I’m capturing the love, joy, and thrills of other people’s life story I come across through photography, videography and content creation. My visual style is a combination of a light & airy + cinematic moody timeless look. I’m all about good energy, good vibes and connecting with others. All stories are unique and my passion and mission is to connect and capture your next chapter in life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
They say the it is always the ones closest to you, such as close friends or family members, who are the ones that will hurt you the most. In the beginning when you start any small business, brand, or some new hobby, others will think you’re trying to hard or not good enough to pursue that thing which doesn’t identity you as a person. True, in the beginning no one is perfect when it comes to starting a hobby or passion career and it takes discipline, practice, and perseverance overtime. I have been told “What if you don’t get bookings, what if my work isn’t good enough for people, or it won’t work out in the long run” but I found a way to use those comments to then turn it into a motivation drive to prove them and to myself that I’m the greatest at whatever I decide to set my mind to. Everyday, I continue to push past the haters or critics and dismiss anything that doesn’t help grow my small business and focus my mind and efforts towards getting better at my craft.

We’ve been impressed with Dame x Dawn Studios, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Dame x Dawn Studios is a collective team of talented and skilled videographers, photographers, special event coordinators, and content creators serving in Long Beach, CA, SoCal and beyond! Formerly known as “Mad Livin Studios LLC” we have been serving the community since 2022. Dame x Dawn Studios goal is to provide professional, high quality, impactful, and a seamless experience from beginning to end for your visual, content, and coordinating needs. Our style is a mix of a cinematic moody, light & airy, aesthetic, and a dynamic visual storytelling style. We specialize in documenting authentic moments and true to life experiences that highlights the key moments for wedding day, special events, fitness, entertainment, lifestyle brand, and more.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking and putting yourself out there on social media regardless if you’re an expert, intermediate, or a beginner at your craft will help you connect with the right people in your niche.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://damexdawnstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damexdawnstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damexdawnstudios
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@damexdawnstudios
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dame-x-dawn-studios-long-beach