Meet Priscilla Runion | Photographer and Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Priscilla Runion and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Priscilla, how do you think about risk?
Risk has played a major role in my career. It basically drives everything I do. I always think to myself: if you’re not taking risks, are you really going to grow and achieve your dreams?

I took a a major risk 2 and a half years ago by going full-time into running my own video and photography business, and it has been such a great decision. Being my own boss full-time has been so fulfilling. But I wouldn’t be who I am today in my career if it weren’t for the support from my amazing husband, and so many incredible mentors I’ve had over the years.

In May of 2022, I took the crazy risk of enrolling in a month-long filmmaking program in at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. I ‘m almost completely self-taught in my video skills, and I don’t know what I don’t know, so I wanted to return to the basics and really strengthen my foundation in the basics of filmmaking. My husband was supportive of my leaving Ohio and flying across the country to attend this program. It was the best move I could have made! I learned SO much in the program from my amazing professors (Robert, Bruce, and Nick!!), and they really instilled a fire in me to hardcore pursue my dreams! I met so many amazing people in the program!

Since attending the program, I have made many incredible connections that keep me working out in Los Angeles, and I love every work trip I get to take out there! Every project I take, I have learned something new.

I have worked on a few short films since my time in LA, held numerous photoshoots, and currently, I am working on co-producing and directing a short film that a friend of mine wrote, and we will be filming out in LA in February! None of this would be possible had I not taken a risk and dropped everything to participate in that program.

I am so thankful for every single person’s support and love I have received over the last couple of years from pursuing my business full-time!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
When I approach a new video or photo project, I always try to find a different angle that no one has done before. I’ll take the image straight on, but then adjust my perspective. I’ll look around, and find ways to capture the scene from another angle to make it more interesting.

In videos, I love overlaying video clips on each other to make an image more texturized and appealing to the eye. I’ll gradually fade in a clip on top of another one to make it more interesting and stand out!

I am really proud of how far I’ve come as an artist. 8 years ago, I never would have dreamed I would be where I am today. On days when I feel stuck and down on myself, I have to remind myself that I am literally living out the dreams I dreamed for myself so long ago, and I need to be thankful for how far I’ve come!

Along the way, I’ve learned to never get discouraged. Progress isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs, but I’ve also learned to enjoy the journey along the way!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the city of LA! Any time I am in town, I always try to visit Venice Beach or Santa Monica beach! I love the ocean, so I always try to take people there. I just discovered the desert as well, which is an amazing trip!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am without the love and support from all of my people around me!

First and foremost, my husband deserves all the recognition. He is truly my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He holds the fort down effortlessly when I’m gone on a work trip. He stays up late with me brainstorming ways to reach my goals and dreams. He cheers me on with every new opportunity and goal achieved. He understands me, and knows that everything I do is for our family.

I want to recognize Andi Miller and Thomas Bernardin. They helped me to discover my love for video as an intern at Christian Fellowship Church!

Hixon Zuercher Capital Management helped me to develop my knowledge and skills as a filmmaker and I will forever be grateful to them!

Nick Moore at InVogue Records/Thriller Records for giving me my first opportunity to do a music video, and helping me discover my first love for creative video content, and letting me grow in my creativity as a music video director and editor.

Without these people, I would not be where I am today!

Website: https://www.skystonedigitalmedia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priscillarunion/

Image Credits
Cover photo: Dexter Brown