Meet John Paul Eastman, a freshman at Forge who creates videos and takes photos to create his own story and see things from a new perspective.

Talon: How did you get into video making and photography?

John Paul Eastman: “It all started out when I found a YouTuber that made videos that were so cool, and I just continued to watch more and more videos. I decided I wanted to try it out.”

T: What made you realize that you liked photography?

JPE: “I realized I loved photography when I bought my first drone; it was a small, cheap drone, but it had a camera and I made my first video.”

T: How long have you been into photography?

JPE: “I started photography around the summer of 2016, and I’ve loved it ever since.”

T: Why do you like photography?

JPE: “I love photography, as cheesy as it sounds, because it gives me a sense that I’m free that I make my own story and nothing is stopping me from doing what I want. It shows a new perspective. You’re free to make or show whatever you want, and it’s a great feeling.”

T: What are some challenges you face when taking pictures?

JPE: “Some of the challenges I come across when taking pictures are getting the correct setup and lighting and stuff like that.”

T: Do you see yourself doing this as a career one day?

JPE: “Yes, even if I won’t get paid, I’ll still take the job, because no other job will give me the same feeling photography does.”

T: What do you hope to achieve one day with your photography?

JPE: “I hope to inspire people to take all the chances they can possibly take. No matter what is holding you back, if you have the opportunity to do something you feel like you’re called to do, do it.”

T: Where did you learn to take pictures?

JPE: “I’m mostly self taught. I watch videos here and there, but if I see inspiration, I take it.”

T: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to become interested in photography?

JPE: “I would tell them to take picture of what they find beautiful, try not to let others opinions get in the way of the way they look at things. Do it for you.”

T: What types of videos do you generally create?

JPE: “I normally create videos of stuff I do with friends and family.”

T: What types of videos would you like to create in the future?

JPE: “In the future I would like to take videos with a deeper message behind them. I want to show all of the great things you can do or see just by going outside.”

T: What is your favorite part of taking videos and pictures?

JPE: “My favorite part of taking videos and pictures would have to be the perspective. When you take videos or pictures, you’re showing what you saw and how you felt in that exact moment and it’s truly amazing.”

T: What is the process of your video making?

JPE: “My process is really just going out with my camera and looking for the perfect area, if I find a good spot, I’ll take some shots and then come home and edit.”

T: Tell me about your editing process.

“My editing process is find a song, which can take a while depending on the style of the video, then add the clips I want, then I trim them and line it up with the music. Finally I add a few effects and transitions, then export.”

Eastman’s videos can be found on his Instagram.