Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paige Potter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paige, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
After high school, unsure of my career path, I ended up following my passion for the ocean to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where I learned how to scuba dive at a school called SeaXP. Instantly captivated, I pursued over 20 certifications, including underwater videography, to document marine life so I could share my encounters with family and friends. As I continued on I eventually became a Scuba Instructor, I knew that this would open many opportunities for me in the dive industry. As a Scuba Instructor, I found fulfillment but later realized it was just a stepping stone in my career journey.
Over the course of a couple winters I worked as a Scuba Instructor in Nassau, Bahamas, where I discovered a passion for underwater photography in the dive shop’s photo lab. Eager to learn, I exchanged my time and skills for knowledge, learning basic DSLR photography and videography, as well as how to prep underwater camera equipment. Soon, I was shooting professionally, delighting customers with memorable photos and videos. Inspired, I returned to Canada determined to pursue a career in photography.
I enrolled in a 2-year photography program to deepen my understanding of the art, science, and business of photography. Specializing in studio portraiture and commercial photography was a departure from my previous work, challenging me to think more creatively and strategically. Collaborating with models, makeup artists, and designers taught me valuable teamwork skills and patience in artistic creation. I found joy in capturing people at their best, reaffirming my passion, though I knew my journey was only halfway complete.
After graduating, I launched my own photography business, Paige Potter Photography, focusing on fantasy and horror elements that reflect my own dark aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from nature and the ocean, I infuse vibrant colours into my work. This unique blend of “dark fantasy” resonated strongly with clients and collaborators, leading to fulfilling partnerships. Despite this success, I continued to seek my true purpose.
In January 2022, driven by my fascination with the paranormal and years of ghost hunting with my family as a side hobby, my cousin Terra and I founded the YouTube channel ParanormalXP. Name inspired by my scuba school, SeaXP, our team—comprising my aunt and parents—set out with no plan other than to document evidence and share historically accurate stories of haunted locations with the video knowledge that I had obtained over the years. Our first full length investigation, released in March 2022, surpassed expectations, quickly finding an audience in the paranormal community. We realized we may have something special here.
Embarking on paranormal road trips across Canada and the US, our family project grew rapidly, fueled by community support. I leveraged my photography and videography skills, learning from close friends in the paranormal field to enhance our production quality has helped immensely. Our goal is to create immersive experiences that resonate visually and emotionally with our viewers all while maintaining authenticity. We want our viewers to feel like they are right there with us sharing our true paranormal experience.
Over the past two years, ParanormalXP has grown significantly, earning a loyal global following and attracting attention from established creators that presented us with amazing opportunities early on in our journey. It’s been deeply fulfilling to connect with audiences worldwide through our shared passion, all while creating content as a family.
Becoming a scuba instructor unexpectedly led me into nearly full-time paranormal content creation on YouTube. It’s amazing how everything came full circle right down to the name of our channel.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a PADI Certified Scuba Instructor, Professional Fantasy & Horror Portrait Photographer and Paranormal Investigator/Content Creator on Youtube.
While scuba diving remains a passion, content creation allows me to fully explore my creativity. Connecting with a global audience who appreciates my work is immensely gratifying. YouTube has become my primary focus, but photography remains integral. My photography has been published internationally in various magazines, earning me three cover features and multiple full-page spreads. These achievements have been the highlight of my career, affording me the opportunity to collaborate closely with other creatives, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. My aim with photography is to empower people, boost confidence and show them that art can be anything that you want it to be.
Integrating my photography skills into ParanormalXP has been a fulfilling experience. I enjoy capturing photos of the haunted locations we investigate, focusing on subjects without needing to direct them. This process challenges me to see things from a different perspective and work with the natural environment, rather than controlling every aspect like lighting. It has brought me back to my roots and introduced me to new editing techniques that enhance the depth and emotion in the final images of these places.
Our goal with ParanormalXP is to create immersive and authentic paranormal investigations that transport viewers into our experiences. We strive to challenge perceptions and inspire curiosity about life beyond the physical realm, all while staying true to ourselves and enjoying the journey. Spirituality plays a significant role in our approach, fostering openness and sensitivity in our quest for answers. This journey with the paranormal is continuously changing our perspectives on life after death. We’ve each had numerous paranormal encounters over our lives, we hope to continue to build a community of like-minded individuals who are curious and eager to learn more about the paranormal world.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Don’t be afraid of failing. Making mistakes is crucial for learning and growth. As a perfectionist, I constantly need to remind myself that imperfection is part of the process, and there’s always room to improve and learn.
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to see you succeed and will support you in achieving your goals. Networking is crucial in creative endeavors; it helps you find your community and supportive peers. It’s important to recognize and distance yourself from those who may not have your best interests at heart. You’ll discover that there are more people rooting for your success than hoping for your failure, so don’t let anyone stop you!
Take breaks to avoid creative burnout, but never give up. If you quit, you’ll never see your dreams come to fruition. Pursue your goals with determination and dream big! Understand that success takes time and requires adjustments along the way. There are few overnight success stories; remind yourself that it’s a journey without a finish line. The path to success is filled with ups and downs, challenges, and lessons learned. Embrace the process because in the end, you’ll look back and say, “Wow, I did that!”
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I prioritize stepping away from my computer and setting aside the project for another day. Taking breaks is essential for maintaining creativity. I struggled with this for a long time, pushing myself too hard and neglecting my well-being. It took a toll on my mental health and overall happiness. I now use this time to clear my mind, reorganize my thoughts, and plan my next steps calmly. Rather than rushing back into work, I wait until I feel ready. Often, I take breaks outdoors—hiking or swimming at the beach—to reconnect with nature and detach from work completely. This not only refreshes my mind but also sparks inspiration for photoshoots and renews my motivation when I return to work. So take the break, you’ve earned it!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paranormal.xp
- Twitter: https://x.com/ParanormalXP_YT
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParanormalXP
- Other: https://instagram.com/paigepotter.photography
Image Credits
Paige Potter
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
