We had the good fortune of connecting with Julian Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Julian, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Not deciding to go to College was the smartest I’ve ever made. I belive it catapulted me in my field because I have all the advantages of being young without carrying the burden of student loan debt, or a degree I wouldn’t utilize. I got to start learning to navigate the real world on my own, through the lens of a inquisitive, free young man. It afforded me the flexibility to travel the world and say yes to Oppurtunities I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to take on. Given, Id have to work a regular Job, attend school, pay bills and student loans, etc. The biggest head start it gave me was the freedom I had to explore what I enjoyed the most, and what I was best at!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What really compels me to create is my understanding the importance of documenting things. Some people never know the importance of a photo or a video until its all they have left of someone.
I find joy in documenting the faces, places and things I encounter because its all a part of my life and my story. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel around the world and the #1 thing I’ve learned is to always be prepared for something to go wrong. This goes for life and for travel. Be as proactive as possible and plan for things to go wrong in most scenarios. Plan to get to the airport with plenty of time. Bring spare camera batteries even if you don’t think you need them. Bring ID AND a passport while traveling because you just may lose your ID. Being prepared will likely never hurt you.
I want people to know that regardless of where you come from. If you can visualize yourself doing it, you can achieve it. I come from Omaha Nebraska shooting getting paid to shoot dope videos in Dubai, Paris, London, Puerto Rico (etc.) and I made it happen with a camera! But first you must take action. Daily practice. And nobody is coming to do it for you. Make connections. Because so many opportunities will come from the people you simply know. And the more people you know, the more people will know you for your work and what you offer.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Id highly recommend checking out the riverfront & gene leahy mall, especially if its a nice day out. Definitely make a stop at the roller-skating rink if you brought your skates with ya! don’t forget to check out the Pedestrian bridge that leads you from Omaha to Iowa state lines. You cant miss the old market either. Lots of restaurants to choose from but a personal favorite of mines is Mouth of the south. Speaking of good eats, Omaha has a variety of authentic cuisine I would definitely recommend gabbing a bite at. Indian cuisine at Saffron in aksarben. Vietnamese food at the Vietnamese restaurant on 72nd. I would also recommend Lalibela Ethiopian cuisine on saddle creek. Don’t forget to stop by the Zoo, and make a drive into the country to get a good look at what’s around.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give much of my credit to my best friend and business partner Kevin Kabore. Back in early of 2018 Kevin and I met at a large Christian event. Being that we were both the youngest in the room with a camera we naturally clicked, and ever since we’ve been best friends. The most valuable part of our friendship is the ability to view each other as friendly competition. We have witnessed each others growth from the start and I attribute our continued growth to the fact that we always wanted to push each other by creating the best content we could. We could relate and grow together to similar heights while being genuine friends. I thank GOD for a friend like Kevin.
Website: https://woodysmedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodysmedia/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC42xq_Fz4gINPquk1NaSMTw
Image Credits
@woodysmedia // @_kabuckets