Meet Lawens Joanis | Owner of Mastershot Productions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lawens Joanis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lawens, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a natural pull toward anything that involved being behind the camera. Whether it was capturing candid moments with friends or strapping a GoPro to a selfie stick and jumping into a pool, I just loved preserving moments and telling stories through visuals. That love only grew over time, so when it came to starting a business, it made sense to lean into something I was already passionate about — even if I wasn’t at a “professional” level yet.

Truthfully, the idea of starting a business used to feel overwhelming, like I’d have to jump through endless hoops. But once I actually got started, I realized it’s not as complicated as many people think — the real challenge lies in consistency. That’s where the work begins. One of my favorite quotes sums it up perfectly:


“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently.” – Marie Forleo.

In the beginning, I had a small vision and a simple plan. But I’ll be honest — I outgrew that plan faster than I expected. The momentum I experienced in those first few months forced me to start thinking bigger and more long-term. It’s been a wild, but rewarding journey ever since.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
First and foremost — I genuinely love what I do. There’s something powerful about being able to capture people in their best light, whether it’s during a photoshoot or on a couple’s wedding day. The way life is preserved through a lens just hits differently. It’s emotional, it’s timeless, and for me, it never gets old.

What’s gotten me to where I am today — beyond the grace of God and the support system I mentioned earlier — is good old-fashioned hard work. I’ve poured countless hours into YouTube tutorials, trial-and-error learning, and hands-on experience in the field. Every shoot, every edit, every “mistake” became a stepping stone to getting better.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that challenges never stop coming — they just change form. As a business owner, I wear a lot of hats, and one of the most important ones is problem solver. Whether it’s gear failing, timelines shifting, or unexpected client needs, being able to stay calm, adapt, and find solutions is what keeps the business moving forward.

At the end of the day, everyone has a problem. If you can figure out how to solve it, you’ll never run out of work. That mindset has helped me stay booked and busy.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple: I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m willing to go the extra mile to get the shot — whatever it takes. I’m not just documenting moments; I’m telling stories people will hold onto for a lifetime.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I have to give all thanks to God. There have been so many moments where things just aligned in ways I couldn’t have planned myself — times where I didn’t see a clear path forward, but somehow, the right doors opened anyway.

I also owe so much to my friends and family. Their support has been constant, even when I was still figuring things out. From day one, they’ve been in my corner, encouraging me to stop playing small and fully lean into my creativity and start my own business.

That push meant everything. Sometimes all it takes is someone else seeing your potential before you fully see it in yourself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastershot_productions/