Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emmanuel Lavigne, founder of Valmedia, located in Val-David, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We specialize in creating photo and video content for the web, and we want our work to be constructive on both an individual and collective level.
As photographers, we can document products, places, and concepts, but our camera skills have a slight social bias, and we have a fondness for portraits and event coverage that requires capturing key moments on the fly. Our collections consist of "documentary photography," which is more traditional, as well as "creative photography," which is more versatile for press releases. We naturally adapt our style to the needs of your project.
As Videographers, we are skilled in creating promotional videos, informational capsules, artist portraits, event recaps, and mini-documentaries of all kinds. Although there is a greater demand for videos between 1-5 minutes, we can create videos of any length to meet the needs of your project. We can film in a stationary or moving manner, create all necessary video content ourselves or work with pre-recorded footage. We can also add subtitles, text animations, an animated logo intro, credits, visual cues, incorporate photos or illustrations, and more.
Our clientele includes organizations, public institutions, cultural workers, artists, social entrepreneurs, ecological businesses, activist groups, and many local stakeholders.
Tell us about yourself
As a professional photographer and videographer with a passion for marketing and communications, I use my expertise to enhance the projects I work on by providing a wide range of creative services related to photography and videography for the web. In January 2017, I founded Valmedia with the support of my spouse, Camille Pasquet. We focus on projects that are socially constructive in nature. Valmedia is a successful blend of my personal desire to find meaning in my work and the need for profitability in my artistic creations. Through photo and video production, as well as the support I offer my clients, I feel that I am making a meaningful impact in my community, and that brings me great satisfaction. I view artistic creation as a tool for constantly reinventing our world, raising awareness on important issues, popularizing complex topics, contributing to the emergence of collective intelligence, leaving a lasting impact, and connecting different social environments. In my approach to audiovisual production, I prioritize authenticity and the human element. I believe that true beauty lies in a naturally harmonious style, as well as in the lively, vibrant, and often imperfect aspects that are captured on film. I avoid over-preparation and snap judgments. That being said, I am meticulous when it comes to details.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I first became involved in photography while promoting the professional activities of the organization of which I was a director. I soon realized that my talent for using cameras was drawing more attention rather than the activities themselves. Despite not advertising my photography services, I began receiving requests for them. I was surprised but encouraged and took my art seriously. It can be said that my career in the creative field found me rather than the other way around. Despite not initially considering such a professional path, I am now a full-time photographer and videographer, and I absolutely love my job.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As freelancers, we often find ourselves juggling multiple contracts at once, and with that comes a great deal of responsibilities. From managing our own finances and taxes to dealing with picky customers, it can be quite a challenge to navigate the world of self-employment. However, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the importance of protecting ourselves through proper quotes and contracts that include all necessary clauses.
The industry can also be incredibly competitive, and it can be difficult to stand out among the many talented professionals vying for the same work. Every customer has different expectations, and adapting to those can be tricky. And also, many projects are required in the express, and it's a real challenge to complete everything on time while keeping the quality of the work. Despite all of these challenges, we continue to push forward and strive for success. Being a freelancer may not always be easy, but the rewards are worth it in the end.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believing in yourself is essential to success as a freelancer. It's important to remember that everyone starts out inexperienced and that it's a process to develop your skills and build your reputation. Keeping the vision of where you want to be in 5 years and striving for it is crucial. It's also important to respect your limits and not overwork yourself.
- Taking regular time off to do activities that recharge you is crucial. Surrounding yourself with uplifting people who support and inspire you is also important. Regular self-care practices such as meditation, yoga, sports, or group activities can help maintain a healthy balance in your life.
- Continuously improving in whatever you are doing is important. And the most important thing is to keep doing it, no matter how hard it can sometimes be. With perseverance and hard work, you can achieve great success as a freelancer.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.val.media/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valmedia1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valmediaqc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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