SDMA Winners Series- Aaron Berkshire
Scene Daddy writers reached out to winners of our 2020 Scene Daddy Music Awards to publish this interview series.
“Best Videographer” - Aaron Berkshire - Instagram - Website
I got a chance to talk with Aaron over the phone and ask him about everything from what got him into content creating, to tips for people looking to have a career in content creation and about all the cool things that he has been able to accomplish in his short career thus far.
Congrats again! How did it feel to be voted best videographer?
In shock and super thankful!
Tell us a little bit about you and what got you into photography and videography.
I was playing in local bands before I became a photographer. I played drums, screamed for a band. It wasn’t until I met my now wife that I got into photography/videography. She is a full-time content creator and wedding photographer. She took photographs for the band that I was in at the time and they came out great. She inspired me to start learning the ins and outs of photography.
Are there any content creators in the scene that you look up to?
Johann Arteaga Ramos (JAR) - Instagram - Website
Mike DeMellia - Instagram - Website
Matthue Cole Jackson - Instagram - Twitter
When did you start taking photos/doing music video shoots?
It wasn’t until 2017 for a local band. Pretty much was doing that to gain experience, did it for next to no money. First professional tour was with Memphis May Fire in 2018 and just last year I got the opportunity to go on seven tours with artists such as Slaves, Chelsea Grin, Of Mice & Men and Disrupt Festival with The Used and Sum 41, to name a few.
What is some advice you would give to someone who is just starting out as a content creator?
Learn your camera and all of its settings. Get on Youtube and watch as many videos as you can. Get out there and create to build your network and know your worth!
What would you say you have learned the most about working in this industry?
That there is always more to learn, honestly, and also that there are some people who you look up to that are actually the nicest and most down-to-earth people you will ever meet.
Favorite live show to have worked on?
I actually have two favorite tours that I have been on. My favorite being the tour with Slaves last fall. I have become good friends with those dudes...My second favorite tour is when I got the opportunity to be media content creator on the Disrupt Festival last year where I got the opportunity to work with bands such as The Used and Sum 41. That is also where I got to meet Andy Black and that led to me working for Black Veil Brides.
Are there any other artists outside of the scene that you would love to work with?
I already feel so blessed with all the opportunities that I have been given. If the opportunity came up however, I would love to work with Post Malone and the Jonas Brothers on some content.
How has the pandemic and just overall state of the world affected your work? What ways are you finding to adapt?
It has highly affected a lot of aspects and has made it hard to get work but I have been working with bands on music videos and have been booking as many events as I can.
Anything you would like to say to those who voted for you?
To those who voted, I would say to go follow every other videographer that was nominated. Everyone is talented and not one nominee is better than the other. Also thank you for voting!
To the fans, friends and others that have supported me so much, thank you for all that you do!
To the bands I have worked with, thank you for the opportunities so far and let’s go! Can't wait to get back on the road!
Other nominees: