Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Doucette.
Hi Jacob, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My passion for photography started right after high school in 2012. I’d grab my camera and go shoot local car shows just for fun — I had no grand plan, I just loved documenting stuff and being around that energy. That slowly led me into shooting landscapes, portraits, friends, anyone who would let me, honestly. I was working full-time as a welder/fabricator at the time, and photography was just this creative outlet I couldn’t stop thinking about.
For a long time, I didn’t really know how to turn it into a career. I knew I loved creating, but I didn’t have a roadmap. Around 2017 I started experimenting with video more seriously, and in 2018 I saw a posting on Indeed from Aeropex Media looking for a second shooter for weddings and real estate videos. I figured, why not? That job opened a huge door for me. I freelanced with Jon for a few years doing weddings, real estate, corporate projects — all kinds of stuff. It was the first time I really got to see how production worked on the inside and I learned a ton from him.
During that time, I also made an effort to connect with other local production teams, learn from different shooters, like Windwood Productions, Jukebooth Productions, Charlestown AV, and slowly build my own client base. I was just soaking up everything, saying yes, and figuring it out as I went. Eventually, that momentum turned into Phitted Media. What started with me taking photos of cars in parking lots turned into a full-time business doing what I love — telling stories, working with great people, and creating content I’m proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — far from it. I was only about two years into freelancing when COVID hit, and at first I thought it was game-over for me. Work disappeared overnight and I really questioned whether I’d chosen the right path. But weirdly enough, that moment ended up being a turning point. The real estate media world exploded, tons of businesses moved online, and suddenly I found myself getting hired a lot as a corporate camera operator. It forced me to adapt, and that pivot ended up helping me grow faster than I expected.
I’ve also had shoots go sideways, dealt with difficult clients, learned the hard way about budgeting, time management, and taking care of myself in between projects. Freelancing pushes you in every direction — creatively, financially, mentally. But each challenge has made me sharper, more resilient, and better at what I do. At the end of the day, every setback has led to a new skill or relationship that moved me forward. And I wouldn’t trade that process, as messy as it’s been
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear a lot of hats in this industry. On any given week I might be freelancing as a camera operator at live events, directing commercial shoots for Phitted Media, or shooting social media content for local businesses. So when someone asks what I do, it’s always funny — am I a filmmaker? A camera operator? Drone pilot? Videographer? Photographer? The answer really depends on the day. I’ve learned to embrace being all of it.
My sweet spot has become action sports and commercial filmmaking — that’s where I’m most creatively at home and where I think people know my work the most. But I still take on real estate shoots and the occasional wedding when the right opportunity comes up. I’m also pretty rooted in the action sports community and have developed a strong portfolio in the construction and trades space too, which is awesome because that’s where I came from.
What I’m probably most proud of is becoming a bit of a Swiss Army knife in the media world. I’ve worked in so many environments and held so many different roles that I’ve learned how to adapt to whatever a production needs. Whether it’s running a full commercial set, flying a drone, or handling run-and-gun content for social — I love being able to jump in, problem-solve, and deliver. That versatility has really shaped who I am as a creator and as a business owner.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the demand for photo and video is only going to keep growing. We live in a visual world now, and brands, creators, and businesses are constantly chasing new content just to stay relevant. A lot of it will continue shifting toward vertical formats and social-first delivery — that’s just where people are consuming content. But the positive side of that is the work isn’t slowing down any time soon.
And even though phones have made it easier for anyone to create, I don’t think that replaces professionals. There will always be a difference between someone filming on a phone and a team who knows how to light, shoot, edit, direct talent, and tell a story. Companies will still need professional videographers and production teams for bigger jobs, brand stories, commercials, and anything that really represents their identity. Accessibility just raises the bar — it doesn’t eliminate the need for skill.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phittedmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phitted_media/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNi4rmf45p0nUV-YyY7vyBQ
Image Credits
I took them or my Phitted Media team
