Adonis Lugo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Adonis, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A “normal” day for me is anything but normal. As a helicopter news photojournalist in Miami, my office is the sky. Every morning starts with a headset, a camera, and the steady thrum of rotor blades as we lift off over the city. From hundreds of feet above the ground, I capture the pulse of South Florida — from fast-moving police chases weaving through highways to breaking news unfolding live below. One minute I’m tracking traffic over the main highway’s, the next I’m filming a massive event on South Beach or a storm rolling in from the Atlantic.
Every flight brings a new perspective — literally and figuratively. There’s a rush in knowing that what I capture helps tell the stories that shape the city. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled or unexpectedly beautiful, every frame reminds me why I fell in love with this job: because from up here, the world never looks the same twice.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an award-winning film director and aerial cinematographer with over a decade of experience in television and film production. My work combines a love for visual storytelling with the fast-paced energy of real-world events. From filming breaking news and police chases over Miami to directing short films like Sally’s Playtime — which earned national recognition after winning the VideoBlocks Film Competition — I’ve had the chance to tell stories that connect people to powerful moments.
With a Master of Fine Arts in Film/Post Production and a Bachelor of Science in Audio Production, I approach each project with a deep appreciation for both the art and the craft of filmmaking. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with major media networks such as NBC, CBS, Nickelodeon, and FOX, and to see my work featured on iHeartRadio. Whether I’m in the air capturing the city from above or editing a story on the ground, I’m driven by the same goal — to create visuals that inform, inspire, and stay with audiences.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a kid obsessed with animals — especially big cats and the mysteries of the rainforest. I wanted to be an animal biologist, spending my days studying wildlife and exploring the wild places. I grew up watching Jeff Corwin on Animal Planet and looked up to him as a role model. Getting the chance to finally meet him as an adult — and even film alongside him during an unforgettable trip to Alaska — felt like stepping into the very shows that inspired me as a kid.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I fI could say one thing to my younger self, I would encourage him to take every new opportunity that he could. I remember turning down many things because I was extremely shy as a kid. It wasn’t until my early college days that I became very outspoken and more confident. If I were to turn the clocks back I would try to be less shy and fearful of the unknown.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’ve always been passionate about animal conservation, and I try to use my work as a filmmaker to give a voice to the voiceless whenever I can. Nature is often taken for granted, but for me, it’s something deeply worth protecting. Through storytelling and imagery, I do my best to help — even in small ways — to remind people just how vital and beautiful our natural world really is.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I see South Florida from a perspective most people never do — literally from hundreds of feet above the city. From the air, I witness the region’s rapid growth, especially out west near the Everglades, where deforestation and habitat loss are happening right before my eyes. Sometimes a swamp full of life is gone just weeks later. Through my lens, I try to capture the beauty of these disappearing landscapes, hoping that the images might move someone to speak up — and maybe even help shift the way we think about the world we’re changing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adonislugo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adonislugo/
Image Credits
N/a
