I just moved to New York City! Never would I imagine moving to such a place. Years ago when I first graduated from SUNY Fredonia college, it was a dream to move to New York City and to chase my dream of becoming a documentary filmmaker. At that time, it seemed impossible, I had a very little savings, no contacts and very little experience on set. The contacts I did have all told me the same thing - I should take a leap and move to NYC without a job. This was very intimidating and for years I didn’t have the courage to do that.

Fast forward three years, here I am driving in my no-longer-running white Hyundai Elantra that I called Casper down Manhattan’s First Avenue. It was packed with everything I owned; various pieces of furniture and other household items were literally pushing their way outside the car.

Now, since I have been living here for six months, I must say I made the right choice. As a freelance cinematographer my clients have doubled, and I actually have less stress trying to find the next job. There are so many companies here that are constantly looking for new talent, like myself.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds. This truly is the city of dreams.

Photo of my first night in New York City, shot on my trusty Pentax K1000