Meet Paul Piasecki

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paul Piasecki a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Paul with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

One thing I learned early on in my career is the importance of having a tireless work ethic. A lot of people want to break into photography and cinematography, but not everyone understands the effort it takes. I started in the early 1990s, back in the film days, and times were different in terms of technology. But back then, the way things were done had been the standard for over a hundred years. I’m really grateful that I learned my craft from the ground up.

I began as a free PA, then did unpaid internships, gradually earning the trust of others in the industry. Professionals can see right through you, especially if you walk into a room thinking you know it all right out of college. My biggest piece of advice is this: Always get to a job earlier than your scheduled call time. Isn’t it better to be sitting in your car, knowing you’ll be on time, than to risk being late?

Now, with 30 years of experience under my belt, I feel confident in the quality and expertise I bring to my clients. It’s not just about us as creatives; at the end of the day, we provide a service and creatively find solutions to our clients’ challenges. I truly believe I have a lot to offer, and in recent years, I’ve had more opportunities than ever before!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hello, my name is Paul, and I make a living doing what I love! My passion for photography and filmmaking started back in high school and continued through college. While I eventually decided filmmaking was my primary path, photography has always been a constant in my work. The two disciplines are deeply intertwined, and I’ve found that they complement each other in powerful ways.

I’ve always believed in taking a challenging situation and using it as an opportunity to create a new path forward. During the pandemic, I focused on honing my photography skills, and since then, I’ve expanded my creative journey to include professional photography. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients across South Florida, from local to national brands.

My expertise lies in creating visual narratives that help clients communicate their stories effectively. I’ve worked in diverse locations across the globe—from the Caribbean Islands to Mexico, Canada, Japan, and throughout the United States. Notably, I’ve had the honor of serving as the Director of Photography for two Emmy Award-winning PBS shows, including a documentary and a magazine program.

I’m available for cinematography and photography jobs around the country and abroad. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Currently, I live in South Florida with my wife and two children.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Professionalism might sound like a given, but its importance cannot be overstated. It’s about bringing consistency and reliability to every interaction and project. When I work with a client or collaborator, I want them to know they’re in capable hands, someone who values their time, listens carefully, and follows through on commitments.

The field of work that I’m in often demands quick thinking and adaptability, and that’s where instincts come in. There’s no manual for spotting a fleeting moment that tells a story through the lens of a camera or for pivoting in the middle of a project when an unexpected challenge arises. I always say, “we get paid when things go wrong!”

Creativity is the soul of my work. It’s the ability to take an idea, twist it, stretch it, and turn it into something unique. For me, creativity isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about creating something meaningful that resonates with others and of course to make the clients happy!

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My journey as a creative professional started with the unwavering support of my parents. They were more than just encouraging—they believed in my dreams even when they seemed distant. Growing up in a small town on Cape Cod, I learned the value of creativity and resourcefulness, especially during the long winters. With time on my hands and a world waiting to be explored, I found my outlet in storytelling, first through 8mm films and then with my first film camera, the reliable Pentax K1000. That camera wasn’t just a tool; it was the key to discovering how I could express myself and connect with others.

But my parents weren’t the only ones who shaped my journey. Along the way, I was fortunate to be mentored by inspiring teachers and college professors who pushed me to new heights. They recognized potential in me and challenged me to refine my skills, broaden my perspective, and embrace the challenges that come with creative work. I will always credit my parents for supporting me through the years!

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Paul Piasecki

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