Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Chism.
Hi Brian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to LA from Michigan in 2006 to pursue music. After attending a music school I started gigging as a hired guitarist while interning at a recording studio. Once my savings were depleted, I secured a job at a photography grip and lighting house through a friend. The idea was to pay the bills while I continued pursuing music, but over the course of a few years I fell in love with photography and it slowly became my primary focus. I set up lights in our warehouse and did my own test shoots with friends which helped me learn how to use the lighting equipment we rented out. With the encouragement of some great friends and mentors, I started working as a photo assistant and learned how to do lighting on commercial shoots on my off days.
After several years it became obvious that if I wanted to grow and create something of my own, I had to take a leap of faith and pursue photography on a freelance level. This was simultaneously the scariest and best decision I ever made. As someone who worked a steady 9 to 5 for over ten years, it felt very unsettling to quit a well-paying job for the hopes that people would hire me for freelance gigs. This was a big mental hurdle to overcome but eventually I made the leap of faith. Within the first year I knew I made the right choice. The transition was pretty seamless thanks to the support of some amazing friends and acquaintances who hired me early on and still support my business to this day. I owe my success to them!
Forming my business: Early on in my freelance career I started buying my own photo equipment and renting it out on jobs where I was hired as a photo assistant/lighting tech. That transitioned into renting my equipment even if I wasn’t on the job. Over the years my small equipment kit snowballed into a full on “one-stop-shop” for grip and lighting rentals in and around LA. Now we supply equipment to various photo/video productions, large or small.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My first obstacle was an internal one. As a quiet introvert, I feared the social aspect working on set and interacting with new people regularly for 10-12 hrs at a day. It was basically my nightmare at the time if I’m being honest. However, like with most things, stepping out of your comfort zone generates positive change within. As time went by I learned to speak up, be more open and communicative, be comfortable in my own skin, and it has thoroughly helped in other aspects of my life as well.
Another hurdle for me was letting go of control. I’m a perfectionist at heart and for a long time didn’t feel like I could let anyone else help with the day-to-day operations if I wanted things to get done the right way and be the best at what I do. When you’re building a business it can feel like one mistake will end it all for you, and it’s easy to burn out if you’re trying to do it all perfectly while putting your needs aside. In recent years, I’ve learned to hire help when needed, and it has really changed my quality of life for the better. Realistically, every business owner is going to make mistakes, but the biggest mistakes I’ve made were the times where I’ve forgotten to live and enjoy life along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chism Grip, Inc.?
We are a “one-stop-shop” grip and lighting rental house servicing Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We offer delivery, pre-loaded vans/trucks and pickup/return at our office in Glendale off the 134 fwy & Brand Blvd. We are known for being reliable, punctual, and having some of the cleanest equipment in the rental game. Our service, friendly attitude, reputation, and top notch equipment helps us stand out from the rest. We also offer discounts/incentives to working photo crew members, as a way to give back to our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness to me is spending time with friends and family, getting outside and being active, and traveling. It also really makes me happy to give back. I have always tried to be generous, supportive, and kind to my peers, because at the end of the day that’s what matters most to me. I think prioritizing being good to people, and supporting your community is always rewarding in itself.
Pricing:
- (Dependent on the project’s needs)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chismgrip.com/
- Instagram: @brianchismgrip
Image Credits
Saman Assefi, Graydon | Herriot, Matt Sayles, Phylicia J.L. Munn
