Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Ramos.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been directing and editing music videos since my junior year in high school & have been professionally taking photos for the last five years. The post-production process has always been my favorite aspect in both photography and video.
After high school I decided to drop out of college; attending only 3/4ths of my first year. I knew I had the skills to immediately earn income from making videos or taking photos so I felt like sitting in a classroom was a waste of my time and money. It quickly became apparent that through hands-on experience and searching for things on YouTube, I could educate myself faster than any college course.
My professional career started at a locally owned camera shop in the city of Fresno, CA. There, I sold cameras on the daily and took pride in being “The Video Guy” whenever a customer came in looking for help. One day my supervisor offered to let me use equipment from the store in exchange for video work to promote the shop’s camera rental service.
I ended up producing something that garnered the attention of a marketing agency in the city. Not long after the video was posted online, they reached out and offered me a full-time job as the head of the video production for their company. During my time at Top Hand Media, I was able to master and refine my skills as a videographer. I would also go on to win a few awards for commercials that I produced under their umbrella.
Throughout this entire time, I was also directing music videos for my best friend on the side. From those music videos I created over the years I ended up building a relationship with the Social Media Manager at Power 106 LA, Ashley Dingess. About one year into my employment with Top Hand Media Ashley posted a tweet about a video position that opened up at the station.
After applying for the position of ‘Video Content Manager’ at Power 106, I landed the job and made the move to Los Angeles. In the 15 months, I’ve been at Power 106, I’ve helped to grow their YouTube channel from 590,000 subscribers to 865,000. Working at Power has also tremendously developed my skills as a photographer, an area that until this last year I only considered a hobby and not a profession.
Over the course of my time there I’ve been able to photograph and document many iconic artists in hip-hop and music. I’ve amassed a photo library with thousands of pictures including memorable shots of artists like Cardi B, John Legend, Logic, Jaden Smith, Pusha T, Future and many more. I will always consider myself a student to the game and plan to keep working in order to achieve the many goals I still have.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has by no means been a smooth road. Money and food have consistently been scarce along my journey. At many times it felt like no one else could see the vision I had for my future.
Please tell us about Power 106 LA.
I work for Meruelo Media, managing the video content and taking pictures for Power 106 FM and 93.5 KDAY. I specialize in video and photography.
Over this last year, I have created two signature photo series that have increased the amount of support I receive for my work. One of those photo series is a slew of artist portraits in front of a giant green succulent wall. The second photo series is a collection of images that showcase an artists “profile” view.
The first photo series has no name while the second series is titled “PRO FILES.”
What makes me unique is the effort I put into the editing of my images. I try to create a unique style that is clean and monumental.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I believe everything in this life happens for a reason, so I wouldn’t wish for anything to have gone differently.
However, not maxing out my first credit card would be up for consideration.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiribolt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Spiribolt
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