This is me, standing in front of a waterfall in Iceland, shooting my very first destination wedding. I did it for free. It was a small, intimate wedding, and the couple didn’t have a budget for a videographer. I decided to do it anyway because I knew this moment was about something bigger. Here’s what I learned from that experience: 1. You Don’t Need Big Paychecks to Build Big Opportunities: Sometimes you have to invest in yourself by taking on projects that aren’t about the money. This elopement opened doors for me—it built my portfolio, gave me priceless experience, and showed couples I was willing to go the extra mile (literally). 2. The Importance of Passion Over Payment: I was so excited to shoot in Iceland that getting paid wasn’t the focus. When you’re passionate about what you do, it shows in your work, and that can be more valuable than any paycheck. 3. Every Project is a Step Forward: Even if you’re starting with little to no pay, you’re still growing. Every shoot teaches you something—whether it’s improving your cinematography, understanding what couples want, or even learning about the logistics of destination weddings. 4. Don’t Wait for the Perfect Job to Start: Waiting for the perfect high-paying gig to come along can delay your progress. Sometimes you have to create your own opportunities, even if it means working for free or for less than you’d like. Iceland was just the beginning of a journey that would take me around the world, capturing moments for couples in incredible locations. If you’re at the start of your filmmaking journey, remember: it’s not about where you begin, it’s about how far you’re willing to go. Keep pushing, keep growing, and don’t be afraid to take on projects that excite you, even if the financial reward isn’t immediate. Every experience counts. 💪