We’re looking forward to introducing you to Samuel Diaz. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Samuel, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Seeing all my people doing well. Like, truly well. Smiling. Healing. Growing. Winning—on their own terms.
Because the truth is… you never really know what someone’s carrying. What they’re facing behind closed doors. The battles they don’t speak about.
So when I can be that person they come to—the one who listens, who sees them, who respects where they’re at without judgment?
That means everything to me.
It’s more than just being there. It’s about making sure they feel human. Held. Safe. Uplifted.
We all deserve that. And if I can be even a small part of that light in someone’s life, I’m good.
That’s the kind of impact I want to make.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Samuel Diaz and I am a Videographer/Photographer. For me, photography and videography aren’t just about clicking a shutter or pressing record…
It’s about capturing real moments—genuine emotions, natural energy, the little in-between things that make people feel something.
I focus on creating a space where people can be themselves. Comfortable. Seen. Confident.
Because when you’re at ease, the magic shows up on camera.
Every project I’m part of—whether it’s a brand shoot, a documentary, a wedding, or a creative concept—I pour into it fully. I don’t just show up to shoot. I believe in the vision. I believe in the story.
I’m here to bring ideas to life in the most authentic, powerful way possible—and to make sure every frame reflects not just the moment, but the meaning behind it.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
When I think about where I started in this journey in 2020… I can’t help but think of James Odell Johnson.
He wasn’t just a mentor or brother. He was the person who saw something in me—before I even saw it in myself.
Odell taught me the basics—how to really use a camera. Not just point and shoot, but to understand the light, the angles, the emotion behind every frame.
But more than that, he showed me how to command a room.
How to walk into any space—confident, prepared, and intentional.
He pushed me—hard. Pushed me to go beyond what was comfortable. To create beyond the limits I had set for myself.
He didn’t just teach me how to capture moments—he taught me how to create them. How to own my vision, trust my eye, and bring something unique to every project. And through it all, he made me believe in becoming the best version of myself in this craft.
Not just for the sake of the work, but for the purpose behind it. For the people. For the impact.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a moment where I almost gave up. Not because I stopped loving the camera. Not because the creativity ran dry. But because I was running on empty. Long hours. Constant edits. Shoots back-to-back. And the hardest part? Trying to balance it all. Work. Friends. Relationships. Family.
I felt I needed to give everyone a piece of me… And I gave it — every time. Because I wanted to be that person who shows up. Who’s reliable. Who cares.
And I do. I really do. But somewhere along the way… I was giving out more than I was getting back. And I started to feel it. I’d smile through exhaustion. Say “I’m good” when I was breaking inside. I was showing up for everyone… but myself. There’s this pressure in entrepreneurship, especially in the creative world, to always be “on.”
To keep the business moving, to meet deadlines, to grow your brand — while also being the perfect friend, the supportive partner, the dependable family member.
And giving quality time? That takes energy. Real, present energy.
But I was drained — mentally, emotionally, physically.
No time to rest. No space to reset.
It’s not just burnout. It’s this feeling of being stretched so thin, you start to question if it’s even worth it. But in those quiet moments… I remembered why I started.
Not for applause. Not for clout. But for impact.
I had to learn the difference between being available to everyone… and being present for myself.
Now, I’m working toward balance.
I’m choosing peace over pressure.
Alignment over obligation. I almost gave up. But I didn’t. And that choice — to rest, to reset, to keep going — is what’s shaping the best version of me.
Because I’m not just building a business.
I’m building a life I want to live.
And that? That’s the real success.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
One thing about me?
I’m the same everywhere I go.
Whether you see me at work, with my people, out creating, or just chillin’—I’m always gonna be me. Genuine, Caring, Goofy, & Positive…But always real. I don’t switch up depending on who’s around.
I don’t put on a mask just to fit the vibe.
What you see is what you get—with love, with honesty, and with that little bit of joy I carry wherever I go.
Because that’s how I was raised.To be myself, To treat people with respect, To show up with heart, To be kind without being fake, & To tell the truth, even when it’s not easy. We live in a world where a lot of people feel like they gotta perform… But I believe in just being.
Being real. Being present. Being solid—no matter who’s watching.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
You know… I truly believe I was born to do this. Not just photography, Not just videography, Not just any one profession. But to make people smile.
To impact lives in a positive way—no matter what I’m doing or where life takes me. It’s never been just about the job.
It’s about the energy I bring into the room. The peace I try to give people.
The love I show through my actions.
The positivity I spread—intentionally.
That’s always been my purpose.
Whether I’m behind the camera, creating content, showing up for my friends, or just having a quick conversation with a stranger—I take pride in the way I move.
Because the world can be heavy…
And sometimes, just one genuine smile… one kind word… one positive moment… can shift everything for somebody.
And if I can be that moment? That light?
Then I’m doing exactly what I was put here to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jodellproduction.com
- Instagram: _alwaysforward
