Life & Work with Garrison Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Garrison Thompson.

Hi Garrison, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
It all started when I was young and fell in love with filming. I used to make skateboarding movies with my friends using my parents’ old Sony Super 8 camera (which I still have, by the way!). As time went on, I bought a flip video or GoPro-style camera and started capturing moments at concerts and sports games with friends… I absolutely loved editing the clips to music – it was my passion. 

Around that time, I was also leaning into my faith and found a pastor who inspired me to become everything God created me to be. He spoke about how we all have unique gifts, that our lives have divine purposes, and that I was meant to do something I loved for work. I realized that my current career wasn’t fulfilling that purpose. So, I made a decision – I wanted to pursue video editing as a full-time career. 

One day, while visiting my chiropractor, who I was very close with because I would go about twice a month. I mentioned my desire to leave my current job and focus on video editing. To my surprise, he needed videos for his website and offered to support me by providing the necessary equipment. He paid for my first professional camera and audio recorder! My Chiropractor! Who would have thought? It was perfect timing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his support at that part in my journey. 

To build my portfolio, I shot seven weddings for free. It was a lot of hard work, but it paid off because I met another videographer who needed help capturing his weddings. It was then I realized I could make money shooting for other companies while building my network; I started booking paid weddings and taking photos for friends and family. However, I was still stuck in my full-time career, which made me miserable. I knew it was time to take a leap of faith and pursue my passion full-time. 

Around that time, my wife and I had just welcomed our newborn girl, Marlowe, into the world and were searching for a church to attend. One weekend, we stumbled upon a nearby church and decided to give it a try. Little did we know that the pastor’s message that day would have such a profound impact on me. 

The pastor spoke about how God wants the best for our lives and how sometimes we need to take a leap of faith to pursue our true calling. He mentioned that if we wake up every morning feeling miserable because we know deep down that there is more to life, then it might be time to make a change. 

That message hit me like a ton of bricks. I couldn’t help but feel that God was speaking directly to me. After the service, I couldn’t hold back my emotions and shared with my wife that I felt a strong calling to quit my career and go for videography full time. 

With my wife’s support and our financial stability of being debt-free, I quit my job and focused on building my videography business. In the beginning, I had to drive for Uber and take on gigs through Craigslist to make ends meet. During one of these gigs, I came across a gentleman who mentioned a company called HooFilms in OC. Intrigued, I checked out their videos on Instagram and was blown away by their quality. Little did I know that reaching out to them would change my life. 

I decided to write a “hustle letter” to wedding companies in the area, offering my services as a freelance videographer. Out of all the companies I contacted, Hoo Films was the only one that responded. They offered me a job, and I have been working with them for the past eight years, shooting an average of 30 weddings per year. Thanks to this opportunity, I was able to quit driving for Uber and spend more time with my family. I now have an 8-year-old (Marlowe) and twin boys (Hugh and Welles), But if that gentleman I met through Craigslist hadn’t mentioned them, I have no idea where I would be today. I believe it was God directing my steps. 

Over the past eight years, I’ve expanded my photography services as well to include special events, family portraits, and corporate events. Additionally, I have been serving as the photography lead at the church I mentioned earlier. A true full-circle moment. When the pandemic hit, I took on the role of the main videographer, recording and editing the services each week. It’s obvious God has been leading and guiding me the entire way. It has been quite a journey! 

And lately has been no exception. I found myself at a similar crossroads, and it was time for another “Hustle letter.” I’ve been shooting mostly on weekends for other companies, and I’ve reached my max as far as income as a freelance creative. I feel like it’s time to focus on my business again and to do so in the corporate world of videography and photography, which will allow me more time on the weekends to spend time with my family… 

However, the response to my “hustle letter” hasn’t been as expected, which has been very discouraging. Especially during this time of year when things tend to slow down, and money can get tight. Last year, we said yes to a lot of things and didn’t have our usual winter fund in place. Once we took inventory and really noticed where we were financially, my wife and I started praying and trusting that God will provide. Then, what seemed like out of the blue, I received a call from an old friend, who is a fellow photographer and works for a private high school. She reached out and was looking for a videographer to capture videos for the school and asked for a quote from another company and the owner’s name was Marlowe. It reminded her of me since my daughter’s name is Marlowe! She said if I’m interested, to give her a quote for the job as well, and guess what? I got the job! 

All that to say, I truly believe that God has played a significant role in getting me where I am today. He has continued to provide for me and my family on this journey, and I can’t wait to see what He has in store! 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been an easy road, especially when my wife and I had our twin boys. Balancing family responsibilities and a growing business took a toll on us mentally and physically. I found myself overwhelmed, drinking excessively, and neglecting self-care. 

Realizing I needed help, I made the difficult decision to seek medical assistance for my depression and anxiety. It was a humbling experience, but with the support of my faith and therapy, I gradually regained control. Today, I am proud to say that I am medication-free and more self-aware. 

This journey has taught me valuable lessons, making me a better business owner, husband, and father. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I provide professional photography and videography services. I love capturing special moments and creating memories that you and your loved ones will cherish forever. Whether it’s a wedding, family session, or any other special occasion, I’m here to make sure every moment is authentically captured in its best light. 

One thing that sets me apart is my ability to have fun and be silly with my clients. I believe that when you’re comfortable and having a good time, it truly reflects in the photos. 

I also offer videography services! I love telling inspiring stories through videos and capturing live events. After the event, I’ll create highlight videos that will bring back all the emotions and memories your company worked so hard to create. 

I take pride in being easy-going and laid back, but I’m also punctual and professional. I’ve learned that goes a long way in the creative industry. 

I also value the relationships and respect I’ve built with some of the most influential people in my industry. It’s been a privilege to work with so many great men and women who have trusted me with their video and photo needs. 

Additionally, I take great pride in being a dedicated husband and father. I have the opportunity to be there for them every day. Helping with whatever they need and being fun a loving to them. That’s my greatest joy in life. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am truly blessed to have a strong support system behind me. My wife for caring the weight of our finances on her shoulders in the beginning of this incredible journey, and I am grateful for her unwavering belief in me. Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Clint Moran, my mentor and best friend, who has always been there to guide me and answer my questions. I truly believe in the power of helping others because of the incredible support I’ve received from him. 

I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Shannon Avery at Hoo Films in Orange County and Joe Ung, the owner of Cassidy’s Corner Cafe, who has provided me with valuable business leadership insights and connected me with valuable networking opportunities. 

The DeYoungs and Donnenfield’s believed in me early on. They saw a photographer in me before I saw it. 

I also want to give a shoutout to my amazing parents and in-laws, who always step in to watch the kiddos when I have gigs and my wife is working. Their support means the world to me. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.garrisoncharles.com
• Instagram: @garrisoncharlesphoto

Image Credits
Marlowe Thompson