We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Denys Shapoval a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Denys, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I’ve definitely grappled with, especially in the early stages of my career. One pivotal moment was when the dream to shoot a travel show in Asia started to take shape. It had been a long-held aspiration, fueled by a deep love for exploring diverse cultures and landscapes. After years of honing my skills as a videographer and dreaming of such an opportunity, the offer finally came—a chance to bring my vision to life.
Over the course of half a year filming across various Asian countries, the responsibility weighed heavily on me. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, questioning whether I was truly capable of capturing the essence of each location and sharing it with the world. But I knew that taking risks was part of the journey, and I embraced the challenges with determination.
Spending countless hours behind the camera, moving through bustling city streets and remote villages, I learned to trust my instincts and immerse myself in the experience. Every sunrise opened up new opportunities, every meeting with locals gave me the chance to learn and grow. And after a few months, the result of our collective efforts began to take shape – a travel show that not only showcased the beauty of Asia, but also reflected the passion and dedication put into every shot.
Looking back, I realize that overcoming imposter syndrome was not about silencing doubts completely, but rather acknowledging them and moving forward in spite of them. It took embracing the journey, with all its uncertainties and challenges, and allowing myself to grow in the process. And in the end, the experience of making my dream come true was more rewarding than I could have imagined.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Collaborating with major artists like Akon and Rich The Kid also took me out of my comfort zone, but it was in those moments of uncertainty that I developed the most. I’ve learned to embrace challenges, knowing that each one is an opportunity to prove myself and hone my craft.
Thus, overcoming imposter syndrome for me has been a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, fueled by the belief that my experience, skills, and passion are enough to advance my career.
Now based in Los Angeles, I am successfully pursuing various projects, ranging from music videos to commercials and travel endeavors. This vibrant city has become my creative playground, offering endless opportunities for growth and collaboration. Whether I’m capturing the energy of a live performance or crafting visually stunning narratives for brands, I continue to push the boundaries of my artistry while staying true to myself. And with each new project, I am reminded that the only limits are the ones I place on myself.
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?
Knowledge, intuition, and resourcefulness are three essential qualities for a videographer and filmmaker, each playing a crucial role in navigating the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the industry.
Firstly, knowledge forms the foundation of a videographer’s expertise. Understanding camera equipment, lighting techniques, composition principles, and editing software is essential for capturing high-quality footage and crafting compelling visual narratives. Additionally, knowledge of storytelling fundamentals, film theory, and genre conventions allows videographers to effectively communicate messages and evoke emotions through their work. Continuously expanding and updating this knowledge base ensures that videographers can adapt to evolving technologies and trends, staying relevant in a competitive field.
Secondly, intuition is indispensable when making creative decisions on the fly. While technical skills provide a framework, intuition guides videographers in capturing the essence of a moment, anticipating movements, and framing shots intuitively to convey mood and meaning. It’s about trusting one’s instincts and being attuned to subtle cues, whether it’s anticipating a subject’s next move during a documentary shoot or capturing the perfect angle during a live event. Intuition allows videographers to capture authentic, emotive moments that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
Lastly, resourcefulness is key for overcoming challenges and maximizing limited resources. In an industry where budgets, time constraints, and logistical hurdles are common, videographers must often think creatively to achieve their vision. Whether it’s improvising with available lighting, problem-solving technical issues on set, or finding innovative ways to stretch a budget, resourcefulness enables videographers to deliver high-quality results regardless of the circumstances. Moreover, being resourceful fosters adaptability and resilience, qualities that are invaluable in the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of filmmaking.
In essence, knowledge, intuition, and resourcefulness are the cornerstones of success for videographers and filmmakers, empowering them to bring their creative visions to life while navigating the complexities of the industry with skill and confidence.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of what I do. I’m always looking to partner with individuals and organizations that share my passion for storytelling and creativity. Here’s a breakdown of the types of people I’m eager to collaborate with:
1. Brands: I’m interested in collaborating with brands that are not just looking to advertise, but to truly connect with their audience on an emotional level. Whether it’s through commercials, branded content, or social media campaigns, I want to work with brands that understand the power of storytelling and are committed to creating meaningful experiences for their customers. If you’re a brand looking to evoke emotion through compelling visual content, I’d love to hear from you.
2. Musicians: Music and visuals have an incredible synergy, and I’m passionate about collaborating with musicians to bring their music to life through captivating visuals. Whether it’s producing music videos, capturing live performances, or creating promotional content, I believe in the power of music to move and inspire audiences. If you’re a musician looking to elevate your brand and connect with your fans through stunning visual storytelling, let’s collaborate and create something unforgettable.
3. Agencies: Agencies play a crucial role in connecting creatives like myself with clients and projects that align with our skills and vision. I’m interested in partnering with agencies that value creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Whether you’re a marketing agency, production house, or talent agency, I’m eager to explore opportunities to work together and bring our collective visions to life. Let’s collaborate to create impactful content that resonates with audiences and drives results.
If you’re reading this and interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to me through my website (den8vision.com) or social media channels (@denisshapoval), or feel free to send me an email directly ceo@den8vision.com. Let’s connect, brainstorm ideas, and bring our creative visions to life together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.den8vision.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisshapoval/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-shapoval-51a14b195/
Image Credits
Denys Shapoval
