Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Achirem Jr.
Hi Samuel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into photography and videography wasn’t something I originally had mapped out. I moved to the DMV in 2020 while serving in the U.S. Air Force, and over time God blessed me with a camera so I started creating and I genuinely enjoyed it.
What started as a creative outlet slowly became something bigger. I began shooting events, working with local businesses and creatives, and eventually realized I could turn my passion into a real business. That led to me creating Aceviews Media Production, where I now focus on photography and video production for brands, businesses, events, weddings, and other organizations.
After transitioning out of the military, I decided to fully bet on myself and continue building the company. Since then, I’ve been learning not only how to become a better filmmaker and photographer, but also how to become a better business owner with the help of my mentor.
I’m still building, and there’s a lot more I want to accomplish, but I’m proud of how something that started with simply enjoying a camera has grown into a business, a creative outlet, and something I can truly call my own.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to turn something I’m passionate about into an actual business. Being good behind the camera is only one part of it. I’ve had to learn pricing, marketing, networking, client relationships, and how to consistently create new opportunities for myself.
Another challenge has been finding a healthy balance between work and life. During my time in the military, my job was very unpredictable. Every day could look completely different, and I became used to adjusting my life around work. After transitioning out, I realized I had carried some of that same mindset into entrepreneurship. When you’re building something of your own, it’s easy to feel like you always need to be working, creating, networking, or thinking about the next opportunity.
I’ve also had moments where I questioned my work, compared myself to other creatives, underpriced myself, or wondered if I was moving fast enough. Over time, I’ve learned that growth isn’t always about how quickly you get somewhere. Sometimes it’s about becoming better at your craft, learning from your mistakes, building the right relationships, and figuring out what kind of life you actually want your business to create for you.
I’m still learning that balance today, but every challenge has helped me become more confident in my work, more intentional with my business, and more comfortable betting on myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I enjoy most about photography and videography is being able to capture moments and tell stories through my perspective. I take a lot of pride in the final product and I’m constantly learning, investing in my craft, and finding ways to make my work look and feel better. Whether I’m filming a wedding, an event, a brand, or a documentary style project, I want someone to look at the final piece and feel like they received something worth remembering.
For me, though, the work goes beyond what happens behind the camera. I enjoy connecting with people, making them feel comfortable, and creating an environment where they can be themselves. I’ve realized that people remember how you made them feel just as much as they remember the work you produced. I also know how exciting it is to see the finished product, so I’ve made it a priority to be efficient with my editing and get work back to my clients without sacrificing the standard I’ve set for myself.
What I’m most proud of is watching Aceviews become bigger than what I originally imagined when I first picked up a camera. I want people to hear the name Aceviews and know they’re going to get great work, be taken care of throughout the process, and have someone behind the camera who genuinely cares about what they’re creating.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say adaptability has been one of the most important qualities to my success. Between my time in the military and now running my own business, I’ve learned that things rarely go exactly as planned. A shoot can change at the last minute, a client may have a different vision than expected, or an opportunity can come when you weren’t prepared for it. Being able to adjust, stay calm, and figure things out has helped me tremendously.
I also think adaptability means being willing to learn. Photography and videography are constantly changing, and so is the business side of what I do. I try not to get too comfortable with what I already know. I’m always looking at what I can improve, what I can learn, and how I can position myself for opportunities I may not have been ready for a year ago.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aceviewsmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_iam_?stkn=MXBidHc0ZnF3MXo4&utm_source=qr
