Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Diaz.
Samuel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Lebanon, Pennsylvania. I am 1 of 6 children and the first in my family to go to college where I studied Studio Arts & Digital Communications. During that time in college where I played Basketball but also was a full-time student, I held a full-time job as a Chef, where I held that career for about 10 years! After Graduating it was the cooking aspect in my life that first lead me to Miami where I managed a cafe right on South Beach…that’s really where my journey really began down here. Yes, I’m a creative/photographer/videographer as of this moment but it all started in the kitchen. While running this cafe I was able to build relationships with local businesses and other entrepreneurs, that’s when I came across one of my great friends who I also consider a brother, Tony Thomas (TonyThomasSports/BeatTheGym). We built up such a good relationship through marketing and collaboration between both businesses that it just made sense and a lot of amazing things came out of it! It got to a point where I would help shoot some of his content (all with a cellphone) throughout some of his workouts whether it be photos or video where we actually ended up getting placed on French National Television. Long story short, while running the cafe on South Beach it just ended up being not what I had envisioned so it lead me back home (Pennsylvania) because I was left in a bad spot mentally & financially. But I’ve never really been the type to hang my head because I’ve never really came from much and hard work was all I really knew growing up so I just always appreciated the lesson in each situation and how I could grow from it! So, one day my current Business Partner James “Odell” Johnson, who I only knew at the time through Tony Thomas asked me to help run his business J. Odell Production with him during the midst of the Pandemic (June 2020) because I brought another element which was graphic design to the table! I really had no prior knowledge of videography, cinematography, or actual photography…other than shooting off of a cellphone! I packed a bag the next day and moved down here without hesitation! One thing about me is that I let life happen as it is meant to, and I try not to question it! I’m such an energy-based individual that if it feels right, I just let it take its course! So, by watching Odell (My Business Partner) during some of his shoots I was able to build my own style because I’ve always had an artistic eye, it was just a matter of how I moved with the equipment and what type of energy I brought to the client/environment. He is by far my biggest inspiration in this line of business and such a big mentor that it’s elevated me to continue to challenge myself to be the best version of myself not just in this industry but in life. So, I’ve been in this industry now coming up on 3 years and what I try to do is bring nothing but positive energy with me to every shoot so that each and every client can feel safe to be themselves and not feel judged. I only wish to spread happiness & positive light to life in general but as well to everyone I come across. So, through all that I am here, I am present, and I am growing positively here in Miami!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life in general is hard and I’ve had my fair share of struggles whether it be from bad energy in the workplace clouding my aura, being in bad spots financially, or just people not being who you originally thought they were. But one thing I’ve learned in life is that…life is going to happen regardless whether you are ready or not. The goal is to make the most out of our time here and leave just a little bit better than when we arrived. So, I try to only think in a positive mindset because you never know who might just need your light.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer/videographer/graphic designer, and I would say I specialize in all aspects of the creative world because I’m always eager to learn new skills or techniques. One thing about this business is you have to be teachable, and you must know how to take constructive criticism! I think besides my creative eye I’m known for the positive energy I bring to my shoots/clients. I only wish to make everyone who comes across me smile and just feel good! I’m definitely just proud of how far I’ve come in life because it wasn’t always an easy road and just even being where I’m at mentally was a whole journey in itself and I’m just thankful to God that I’m still here living my purpose by bringing positivity & love to the world.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that may surprise most people is that I only picked up a camera a little over 2 years ago but have been able to work with some major companies but also that I was a chef for 10 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jodellproduction.com
- Instagram: _alwaysforward
