Meet Nicholas Sopena | Content Creator

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

Hi Nicholas, how do you think about risk?
Lots of people are afraid of the word Risk. I was one of those people afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I never really wanted to go out and chase down my career. I always thought the right job would come to me and I would be happy ever after. Soon enough I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I watched my father take risks over the years to provide for the family, seeing him go in and out of the front door to make sure there was always food on the table. I knew from that point on that I needed to change the way I processed everything and stop waiting for my career to magically fall into my lap. Since starting my business I have been taking risks, from getting my first client through a Social media platform to flying the following week to film him and his team for a 3-day event. When I started, I hadn’t had much time behind a camera but I told myself just to fake it as much as possible until you can understand how everything works. Since my first job doing what I love, I’ve been learning and taking risks daily to be the best Cinematographer and photographer that I can be. I encourage people to take risks and step outside their comfort zone to see what their full potential is.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a content creator has to be one of the best jobs ever, getting to capture moments for clients that will last forever. We only get one chance on this earth, so why not document the memories and look back in 30 years and have a story to go with that photo or video? Getting to see expressions when clients see their final work is priceless. Nothing can beat seeing a smile so big that you just get goosebumps because you know you just captured something that will last forever. Getting to where I’m at today was far from easy. There were days where I stressed that I wasn’t going to be able to pay my bills or put food on the table. I would wake up and look to see if I could even make breakfast with what leftovers I had. Times got tough but I never allowed myself to quit. I told myself to always move forward because the next opportunity was right there. I want everyone to understand that we all run into roadblocks that try and stop us in our tracks, but there is always a path around the roadblock. You have to take a second and breathe and refocus yourself to move forward. Don’t ever give up on your dream. Chase it until your dream becomes a reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wynwood Walls would be my first stop where you are able to walk the streets and see all the creative art that artists have created to showcase their work. The history and stories behind the art could keep you busy for a week or more. A second option that everyone is familiar with is the beach! Who doesn’t love the beach? Getting to catch some sun while being able to relax is probably the best thing to do on this coast in my opinion. There are endless adventures you could do on this coast, it comes down to what you are in the mood for. As for food & drinks, the number one spot is Louie Bossi’s Italian Ristorante in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. I’ve only lived on this coast for about a year and this place has stolen my heart. What sucked me into this place was not just the food and drinks but the service. Being a creator and a business owner, you have to give top-notch service to everyone, so that is the first thing I noticed about Louie Bossi’s. They always make sure the experience is the best by the time you wrap up and leave. I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant if you’re in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My father deserves all the credit for getting me to where I’m at today. A man who hustled day in and day out to always provide for his family. There was no job too big or too small for him to handle. Always taught me to understand that if I couldn’t do something to take the time to analyze the situation again and give it another try before calling someone to help. He raised me to be a hard-working individual and taught me to do what it takes to provide for myself. I know if I didn’t watch his every movement day in and day out that I would be stuck behind a desk doing something that I don’t love. I watched him start his own business that turn into a huge success and made me realize that I wanted to run my own company. My father is no longer with us but I know he’s up there looking down and guiding me along the right path every day. This is for you Dad, Thank you for everything you have taught me.

Instagram: @_ShootItRaw