Conversations with Arson Sefi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arson Sefi.

Hi Arson, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a Visual Producer.

Back in 2018 and even before that, I used to create a lot of digital sketches inspired by photos of people on social media. One day someone asked if I could take photos of them for me to make more art with. I was so flattered by the thought of somebody liking my art and wanting to be a part of my work that I bought a camera for me to use the next day.

I set up my first photoshoot and it was a blast, I really liked the idea of creating illustrations based of the photos I took! I had so much fun taking photos however that I stopped creating illustrations and focused more on taking photos. Capturing something genuine and organic without having to fabricate a scene was always important to me.

I only did shoots where I felt a genuine connection with whoever or whatever was involved. I made sure to not mix my passion for taking photos with the need to make money or achieve recognition. Keeping things genuine was very important and “Mindful content for conscious consumption.” was my slogan.

Within my first months of taking photos, I ended up being introduced to creatives in the fashion and music industry. It was a lot of fun and soon enough, I began to shoot videos as well. Eventually, I was taking the photos, editing the photos, taking videos and putting edits together! I loved it and was very grateful!

In December 2019 after experimenting and having lots of fun with fashion shoots I ended up getting my first set of photos published in Jadwiga Magazine #2 volume.3, a high fashion magazine. After my first fashion publication, I felt energized and decided to pursue more of the live music and music events scene. I came into contact with varying musicians and I really enjoyed capturing them doing what they love to do whether it was via photographs or video!

In early 2020 I did cinematography for musical artist ‘”Wolfe Jackon’s” new music video: “Just Can’t Get Enough. We produced the music video out on the Salton Sea in collaboration with Gibson Guitars.

I was learning a lot, growing a lot and doing more than I could ever dream of with some really amazing people, it was very fulfilling. Then Covid hit and everything stopped, no one wanted to shoot, fear and panic seemed to be creeping up on people and opportunities began to disappear. By this point, I had already invested some money into my equipment and didn’t know what to do with it as no fashion and music events where happening at this time, given the Covid-19 social situation.

Throughout 2020-2021, I branched out of fashion and music. I picked up some new skills and began to shoot for cannabis growers doing close-up macro photography. Photographing plants, nugs and trichomes in detail. I also bought a drone and a wide-angle lens to get landscape photos and footage. I was camping a lot during this time.

By the end of 2021, I began taking up real estate jobs, photographing and taking videos of properties for rent or sale, using my drone and wide-angle lens. I made a living this way and before I knew it 2022 came and the social climate seemed to heal up a bit.

Currently, I’m back to doing what I love! Capturing some fashionable moments and helping musicians with their visual ideas! Most recently, I got some new fashion photos published in Never magazine, 20th issue volume 1. On the music side, I was able to help direct a music video for artist “Jim Mullin’s” new music video: A Girl Like You, published and released on October 3.

We will see what the future holds!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The creative road I’m on has been beautiful but not without its bumps. 2020-early 2022 in particular was a tricky time period in the media industry, there where all sorts or restrictions and or requirements going on because of Covid-19 and not everyone could link up.

Finding genuine people to work or create with was also always a problem. Sometimes I’d meet some very talented individuals but all they cared about was either money or status, there was no passion or genuine interest for the art.
That’s always sad to come across.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a visual producer, I produce visual creations using photos and or video taken by me with my camera. I specialize in capturing genuine moments and producing organic art with them.

I’m known for being mindful of what goes into my work, I don’t like the word ” proud” but I’m fond of not using the audience or people I create with to make money or get ahead materially.

I come across a lot of people who put themselves and or their passion aside just to make some extra money or to ” get ahead in life” on a material level. I don’t taint my passion and the beauty of what life has to offer with material wants or toxic needs.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Long Beach is pretty cool, it’s close enough to Los Angeles for career opportunities but also just far enough to not get distracted with everything that goes on in the city. I’m actually currently in the process of leaving the busy city for a calmer change of scenery in mountains of southern California. Making content and creating edits in peace amongst the quiet of the trees sounds pretty good to me! – I’ll still be working a lot in the Hollywood area.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mezmeriscenes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mezmeriscenes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arson.sefi

Image Credits
Model: Morgan Cours Dj artist: I am DateNite Model: Sara Designer: Rosalie