We had a moment to chat with Shot By Oz aka Austen Herres. The Daytona Beach native who found his craft thru a lens. Find out more about Oz in his full interview below and be sure to follow Jukebox Culture on Instagram.
Where are you from and how was life growing up? im from daytona beach florida, growing up was pretty normal i guess. i was always either fishing or i was swimming because ive always loved the water.
What got you into filming and what year did you start in? i got into filming videos back in the last quarter of 2018. ive always been into photography because of my mom but i didnt start doing videos until a buddy of mine asked me to do a music video for him.
What was your first Camera/Lens? my first camera that was my own was a canon rebel t6 with the kit lens it came with.
When did you get to go full time as a videographer? i went full time with the video work in february of 2019, i think it was about 4 months after i made my first video. i used to hang drywall for my uncles business and one month i got alot of video bookings so i just decided to make the jump and i haven’t looked back since.
What was your first “big gig” and how did you land it? first “big” shoot for me personally was the first time i got to leave my home city to do a video, i went down to pompano for a shoot in march of 2019. the artist found me on instagram and it was really cool to me being able to leave the city for a business trip that was with my camera.
Coming up, what struggles did you face as a beginner? biggest struggles I faced was mainly people taking advantage of the fact I was new to the game. certain people like to little boy you a lot when you just start out because they think they’re above you. That and really getting my name out at the start was hard for me because I’ve always been very introverted so having to network and talk to a lot of people was difficult.
Which do you enjoy more, shooting or editing? I enjoy editing way more than shooting, that’s when I can sit there and really focus without a lot of other stuff going on. Don’t get me wrong the shoots are fun too but the editing is what really lets me have fun with it.
Whats your current favorite video you’ve shot/edited and why? my favorite video I’ve done as of right now is probably “Colder” by Toonz Montana. I really like the song plus half of the video was shot at the funeral and candle lighting for another artist I’ve shot for and has supported me since I started so the video has meaning behind it, Long Live Juvy
What is your most viewed video to date? my most viewed video as of right now is the “Back In Blood Remix” for Foolio. Its at 2.5 million views right now.
Who’s some of your favorite industry artists you’ve worked with so far and describe the experience – my favorite industry artist that I’ve worked with is probably Jdot Breezy. Ive shot for him a couple times and it was mainly just a few run and gun videos but I had a lot of fun with it and I’ve listened to his music before I got to shoot for him so it was pretty cool getting to do it.
What do you do when you feel a creative-block? when I feel creative block or like I’m in a rut I like to take a day or 2 away from the computer and spend time doing things I like just to give my brain a break. I like to go free diving in the springs in my free time and that lets me get a well needed brea, then I’m usually able to get over the creative ruts.
Biggest goals for 2021? biggest goal I wanna check off before 2021 is over is flying to another state for a shoot, every time I leave home its in a car so I definitely want to get flown out for a shoot before this year is over.
Advice for any upcoming videographers? definitely to keep going no matter who tells you that you can’t do something, don’t try to copy everyone else in the industry find your own style and build on it. & most Importantly, don’t turn yourself out.
InstagramĀ @theyloveozĀ
Website – wait4x.com
Latest videoĀ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t_iKYNbbeE
