What are you working on?

Currently, I narrate and produce audiobooks from my home studio in Carlisle, as well as booking VO sessions around the country. I’ll be voicing in a to-be-announced VRV show airing sometime this September.

What is your claim to fame?

I am primarily known for my roles in videos on YouTube channels such as Gigguk and JelloApocalypse, with audiobook narration coming in a close second.

What is your advice for anyone looking to get into the industry?

It may not seem like it on paper, but audio professionals work harder than many in the creative field. While a good education is paramount (AMP is certainly a great choice in that regard), discipline and work ethic are equally important. Training your skills regularly is likewise super important. I would recommend taking any and all opportunities offered to you when you are starting out. Studio work, field work, live sound – you might find yourself falling in love with an aspect of the industry you would have never expected.

As far as voiceover goes, there are a few key things that can help get your feet off the ground. Acting classes and theatre involvement go a long way in honing your skills (plus, theatres need audio too!) and there are plenty of VO workshops hosted year-round in the northeast. There are a host of online forums dedicated to voiceover (Voice Acting Boards, Casting Call Club, ACX, even communities on Twitter and Facebook) full of helpful people from all skill ranges.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am dabbling in a couple different things. First and foremost I’ve been getting real life experience with the production company Steez Promo, which orchestrates large scale raves and festivals with some well-known artist in the EDM industry. In addition to that I have been collaborating with local photographers, artists, & models and shooting weddings. As for personal projects I am working on starting a YouTube channel focused on my interest in the metaphysical, photography, and travel aspect of my life.

What is your claim to fame?
Working with Steez Promo has allowed me the opportunity to shoot some well known artists in the EDM scene. Some of the artists I’ve shot include Yookie (who reposted one of my photos on their Instagram), Shaquille O’Neal aka Dj Diesel, Bro Safari, and Flosstradamus.

Advice for people looking to get into the industry?
Pick up a camera and just get inspired. Dream big, work hard, and take chances. Don’t be afraid to reach out to companies because the worst they can say is no. Someone will however say yes at the perfect time for you. So be open to opportunities that come your way. Don’t forget the most growth is made when you step out of your comfort zone. So be daring, be brave, and put yourself out there.

What is your job title and what are your job duties?
My title is Studio Photographer. My duties at ItemMaster are to photograph products for marketing and planograms. The marketing images are used for companies, such as Giant, to use on their website and advertisements. The planogram images are used for floor sets and digital storefronts. Each day I have a set number of products I’m expected to shoot and submit.

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
I love working with the products. I’ve photographed everything from a pack of tic-tacs to an air conditioner. There’s always something new and exciting. It’s so neat seeing products that have yet to be in stores. We get a sneak peek as to what is yet to come, and it’s so amazing. My team is also wonderful. Even though we each have our individual work, we have a great network that is there to support us every step of the way. It’s like a big family.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
It’s funny because we talked about this in a meeting this morning. As our company is looking to expand we were talking about finding quality photographers. They mentioned how most colleges don’t really prepare you for actual photography jobs and it’s common for a graduate to apply without any knowledge of strobe lighting, lightroom workflow, etc. They said how students, like myself, who have gotten hands on technical education really stand out. Without AMP I wouldn’t have known how to light products correctly. I wouldn’t know what it was like to have outside experience with products. Those things are priceless. Without what I learned at AMP, I would have never landed this job.

How do you see yourself using your photography skills in the future?
Whether this job is what I stay with for my career or a stepping stone into something in the future, I plan to always be learning and growing in my photography skills. I want to do what I love, and I really love product. I hope my skills and hard work will either take me up the company ladder or take me somewhere even bigger and better.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
I have two fond memories from AMP, and I can’t seem to choose between them. They are priceless, albeit simple. My first was when I was sitting in class and I went to toss Keith’s flash drive back to him after submitting my work. I tossed it right into his coffee. It was a known fact in the class that I was a bad throw. I felt so bad about it, but it was a funny moment the entire class had a laugh about. My second fondest memory was when I had an app on my phone that reminded me every hour to drink water. I used it to keep hydrated throughout the day. Every time the notification would go off the entire class would take a consecutive drink of water.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the photography field?
Don’t give up. I struggled with finding my place in the photography world, and at times I wanted to walk away. It was hard seeing others moving forward with great determination and having these huge accomplishments. Instead of using their success to motivate me, it made me feel discouraged. Keep your eyes on your own path and keep moving forward. Even if you’re moving slow, don’t stop. If this is what you really want, just push through your doubts. If there was something that drew you to this field, hold onto that, you’ll be glad you didn’t let it go. I could’ve easily let go. If I did I wouldn’t be where I am right now, doing what I love, working with people I love. I’m happier doing what I’m doing now than I have been at any job I’ve ever had.

What is your job title and what are your job duties?

I am an Audio Engineer, Producer, and Owner of a music studio called The Shed located in Aspers Pennsylvania. I have the privilege of recording music for a living.

What are some things you like best about this job?

Some of the things I like best about my job are that I look forward to going to work each day, I can be hands-on with my creativity, every day is something different, and I am my own boss.

How do you see yourself using your audio engineering skills in the future?

I see myself using my audio engineering skills in the future by continuing to be in a studio environment, but I am also open to what other opportunities may arise.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?

My education at AMP helped to prepare me for this job by laying a solid foundation of my skills and understanding of audio. My time at AMP was what helped give me the push I needed to be where I’m at today with my audio career.

What is your fondest memory at AMP?

My fondest memory of AMP is the relationships I built throughout the time I was attending the program.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the audio engineering field?

My advice to a student who is considering pursuing the audio engineering field would be to make sure that you’re passionate about what you’re going to pursue because it’s passion that will fuel the motivation for you to succeed.

What is your job title and what are your job duties?
I currently have two industry jobs. My first job is an internship with Spin Recording Studios. At Spin Recording Studios my job is to assist with set up/clean up of sessions. Also, I assist in the sessions doing anything from going on coffee runs to adjusting microphones. My second job is another internship as a radio host on TheRealRadioShow.com with Mark Mendoza from Twisted Sister. There are two other co-hosts, Frankie and Archie. My job duties include coming up with topics to talk about, promoting the show and being a talent scout.

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
Both places are completely different from each other but I enjoy every moment I am at either place. One of the things that I like most about Spin Recording Studios is the fact that everyone there is willing to teach me. I’m always learning something new whether it’s about the industry or about mixing and recording. However, the radio show is a place for me to just let loose and just hang out, it’s a whole different world from a recording studio.

How do you see yourself using your Audio Production skills in the future?
I use my audio skills every single day. When I’m not at my internships I’m working for myself doing live sound gigs and other freelance work or just practicing my craft. Everyday I have the chance to grow as an audio engineer, so I take advantage of every opportunity.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
AMP put me into real life situations from the very beginning. Because of this I was able to apply real experiences when dealing with my clients. Also, I feel I am able to hold myself in a more professional manner from what I was taught at AMP. Not only did this school help me to become more of a professional but they also helped me understand how the industry works and the techniques involved.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
My fondest memory from AMP is when I stayed after class one day, I was practicing with a pop song and had asked one of the teachers for advice. He was ready to leave when I caught him but he took the time to stay and show me some tricks I could use when mixing. I still continue to use what he taught me that night in a lot of the songs I do today!

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the Recording & Sound Technology field?
My advice would be to talk to as many people as you can and make connections early. You never know who you are going to run into just walking down the street. Not only that but work as hard as you possibly can and people will notice how hard you work!

What is your job title and what are your job duties?
I am a Freelance Videographer. I’m a hunting videographer, social media manager, wedding videographer and video editor. However, since I run my own business my duties don’t stop there.

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
I really enjoy being my own boss because I can plan out my own schedule. This also gives me the ability to keep my focus where I want it to be and go after what I want. Having a job in the outdoor industry, filming hunts under contracts and working with likeminded people are all reasons why I love what I do.

How do you see yourself using your video/photography skills in the future?
I see myself continuing to grow in the outdoor industry with videography as I continue to network and make more and more contacts with other professionals in my field. A long term goal of mine is to produce a show on the Outdoor Channel and I don’t plan on giving up until I achieve that.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
My education at AMP prepared me beyond what I could have imagined; AMP does so much more than just help to “sharpen” ones creative eye behind the camera. AMP prepared me for the business side of things. Now I know how to run and operate my business in a successful manner. Not only that but I had multiple opportunities to work with clients while in school and network with other professionals at the Photo Expo in NYC when we took a class trip. Also, AMP taught me how to search for jobs in my industry and the proper steps I should take to get the job.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
My fondest memory are the friends I made not just with my classmates but with all the staff at AMP as well. We all shared so many laughs and fond memories together in the short six months I was there; I’ll never forget that.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the photography field?
Go after it, if it’s what you love. Doing what I love for the rest of my life is the best choice I’ve ever made because it doesn’t really feel like I’m working!

What is your job title and what are your job duties?
Currently, my job title is Audio Visual Technician. That’s a pretty broad title when you consider all the duties I take on. Some days I could be working with a touring audio/video company assisting them with a load in, while other days I could be the tech in charge of running audio or video. Also, I run a video switcher for Mecum Auto Auction’s YouTube live broadcast. I assemble LED video walls and control the video feed for them as well. Additional duties include managing and leading stagehands. As a touring tech you need to be able to think of the “big picture” of a production, and managing stagehands efficiently ensures that all your duties can get done faster and with ease.

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
I get to travel and see the country. I have been to over 13 major cities throughout the United States this year including Kissimmee, FL where I worked at a New Year’s event. Traveling and meeting others in this industry leads to networking opportunities.

When starting a career, it is crucial to be as ambitious as possible, like volunteering to be the first in and the last out and trying to learn as much as possible. I am incredibly thankful to have a job where that isn’t as much a task as it is fun and interesting.

How do you see yourself using your Audio Production skills in the future?
In my near future, I see myself being the A1(lead audio) for Mecum Auto Auction. With a background in audio, I foresee a smooth transition from my current position on the tour into lead audio. Aside from my main gig, I would like to continue down the right path and land a full-time position within a production company.

Aside from audio production, I have sparked a great interest in video production throughout my time working under the V1(lead video) on Mecum. I will keep my eyes peeled for video openings. If you have been to a medium to large scale concert production these days chances are you saw a video wall there. Where there is a video wall, there is a video guy. Job Opp.!

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
The Academy for Media Production prepared me for my job in multiple ways, but two things stick out to me. One of them being experience working with professionals and good talent in the studio. When surrounded by that environment it forces you to step up to the plate, which ultimately gives you confidence in your craft. Second, learning the basics of audio gifts you with a great vocabulary to communicate and work with professionals in the industry.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
I’d have to say the best memory of AMP is staying after class and having a studio to myself. Those were great times. Just messing around with effects & getting an ear for how different microphones respond.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the Recording & Sound Technology field?
If you are seriously thinking about pursuing an education in the audio field, you have to be committed. You get what you put into it. It doesn’t stop after you receive the diploma, so you have to be persistent. For instance, I landed my first job with a sound company simply by walking up to guys loading production gear into a truck outside of a theatre and asked to talk to the Front of House Engineer. From there I received their company card, kept in contact and the rest is history.

What is your job title and what are your job duties?
My job title is Sound and Lighting Technician at SpiritSound Production Services. Some of my duties include setting up and tearing down sound and lighting equipment for shows and events. These events range from small stages at local festivals to presidential campaign rallies.

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
There is a huge variety of skills required in this field of work. One day I could be mixing monitors for a band and the next day setting up lights in a catwalk for a theatrical play. Once I find what I like to do, I can learn more about it and thrive in that area. It is awesome to be a part of a crew that sets up for big concerts and to see it all come together in a show you’ve helped to create.

How do you see yourself using your Recording & Sound Technology skills in the future?
In the future I see myself using my sound and recording skills to continue to work for this company and continuing to learn as much as I can with audio to help us succeed as a business. I will also be using my recording and sound skills at my church to record services for podcasts, and in the future, record the live worship music and mix it for broadcasts and video archives.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this career?
I knew some basics of audio, but when I started at AMP they really broadened my knowledge of sound. We studied sound production and recording both in a theoretical aspect and through several hands-on projects. The techniques I learned not only apply to the recording side of audio, but for live applications as well. If it wasn’t for AMP and the awesome instructors that would help out with anything you needed, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
The fondest memory I have is when our class was recording sound effects. We were to go out in the field and record as many sounds as we could without getting into trouble. We decided to go to Walmart because we figured we could get a lot of good sounds there, which we did. But after 20 minutes of being stared at because of our audio gear, we got kicked out. It was just a funny experience and was cool going around town recording a bunch of different sounds.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the Audio field?
I would advise them to give it everything and really try to learn as much as they can at AMP. The courses go by super fast and then it’s time to get a job within 6 or 12 months. If you don’t know exactly what you want to do with it yet, it’s okay. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do either but I got an opportunity through the school. They help graduates get out in the industry and it worked for me. So apply to a lot of places and don’t hesitate to take a job that is sent to you from AMP. Even though it might not seem exactly what you want, it could help you get exactly where you want to be.

What is your job title and what are your job duties?
I work at a small production company as a Digital Marketing Strategist. I develop, market, and manage all of the social media accounts for our clients. I currently have 7 clients, including a law firm, creamery, coffee shop, local grocery store and more. Most of my clients are pretty laid back and give me a lot of creative freedom. It’s a lot of learning the targeted audience for the company and then making the content that will best relate to them.

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
I love this job because I get to be super creative and use photography. I do product/food shoots weekly and get to design fun graphics daily. I find it really fun to always keep up with the latest trends. I’ve been really into cinemagraphs, stop motion, and making GIFS recently! When I was at AMP, I hated doing product photography, but now it’s my favorite part of my job.

How do you see yourself using your photography skills in the future?
I’ll always be doing photography, no matter what job I have in life. I hope to someday be able to have a studio and be a full time freelance photographer. I’ll always be a portrait photographer at heart. But until then, I love running social media accounts!

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
AMP was the best decision that I made post high school. It trained me in everything I needed to know and nothing less. It taught me for the real working world and I fall back on what I learned there daily. Instead of going to college for 4 years and paying a ton of money, I learned the essentials and was able to begin my career at 18.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
My favorite day at AMP was the day my classmates and I got to work at Gettysburg National Military Park where we filmed Jim “PeeWee” Martin, the last surviving man in his regiment to parachute into France the night before D-Day and fight in the Normandy Campaign. While filming that day, I had the opportunity to work alongside Jason, who ran all of the digital marketing for the park. That day led to a year long internship with the National Park Service, which was one of the coolest and most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I got to help run all of the social media and produce tons of creative photography/videography projects.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the photography field?
Do it. Don’t let people who work 9-5’s talk you out of it. It is a real career and it’s just as needed in society as people who are bankers, nurses, and truck drivers. I would highly recommend anyone who wants to do it to take the leap, work hard, and kill it. It’s such a rewarding job and it has so many different avenues you can venture down.

What is your job title and what are your job duties?
I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer. As a photographer and business owner, it is my responsibility to market, contact clients, edit, and maintain an updated digital portfolio/website at all times.

What are some things you like best about this job?
This job has allowed me to turn my hobby into my career, and I love having the ability to make my own schedule. There are few greater things in this world than being able to do what you love, every day. Also, I adore having the opportunity to meet and photograph so many new and beautiful people. Photography allows me to reveal myself without boundaries.

How do you see yourself using your photography skills in the future?
The photography field is ever-changing, so I never want to stop learning and growing as a photographer. I will always try to push myself to try new things and be the best I can be.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
My education at AMP provided me with skills and knowledge to make my dreams a reality. I was amazed at how much I was able to learn in such a short amount of time at AMP.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
There isn’t one specific memory that I could pinpoint as my favorite. I enjoyed the entire experience and couldn’t have asked for a better instructor and classmates. We laughed a lot and learned so much from each other.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the photography field?
If you feel in your heart that photography is what you were meant to do, then dive in. However, be prepared for the negative comments. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told to look for a “9 to 5” or a “real job”. Just remember that doing what you love is SO rewarding; especially if you work hard for it. Take pride in knowing that you’re doing what you were meant to do and go after it unapologetically.

I currently run my own business, Donnie Dahlen Photography. Along with running my own business, I also assist for a fashion photographer and an Interior/Architecture photographer. My duties include advertising, marketing, networking, printing orders, editing, album designing, keeping up with social media, and bookkeeping/taxes… just to name a few!

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
I love the flexibility and diversity that being a photographer provides. I like capturing moments that last a lifetime. From a couple’s first kiss on their wedding day to their newborn baby. Some of the product photography I’ve done was featured in Fortune 500 Magazine; Also, I shot a music video for R&B artist, Marcus Allen. I also enjoy the adventures my assisting job provides. I go from assisting in Maine with snow covered ground to assisting in sunny South Beach, FL just a few weeks apart.

How do you see yourself using your photography skills in the future?
Eventually, I plan on one day running my own studio, until then I will continue to learn and grow my business with each new client.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
My education at AMP prepared me to handle just about anything that photography can throw at me. Photography is so much more than pushing a button on your camera. AMP has taught me the equipment and skills I need to not only execute my photographs artistically but technically as well. AMP also taught me how to properly set up and run my business. All the while providing real-life experiences for me and my classmates, which were priceless!

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
My fondest memory of AMP would have to be the different experiences that I had. We had a mock wedding, we shot commercials for a bank on location, I filmed a dance recital and a video for a children’s book that used sign language. Also, Nemo Niemann, a fashion photographer came in to teach us fashion; they brought in models, makeup artists, and hair stylists to work with the students. Another favorite was when I had the opportunity to photograph the Civil War relics for the National Park Service. Having to white glove and move actual Civil War relics was cool. Since I am also a nurse, I requested to photograph the medical supply relics which included a medicine bottle and hacksaw used for amputation.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the photography field?
Take a chance and go for it! Anyone and everyone uses Social Media to either promote their business or share their lives. What do they all need? Photographs and Videos! AMP covers both. If your passion is photography/video production, AMP will provide you with the skills to make your “hobby” into a rewarding career.

What is your job title and what are your job duties?
I am a freelance photographer. My job duties go far beyond just taking photographs. Everyday tasks are scheduling, marketing, retouching photographs, updating my website, emailing & calling clients, invoicing and prepping for future shoots.

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
Nothing is more rewarding than creating a name for yourself and doing something you love everyday. I could list a million reasons why I love photography but if I had to list a few I would say it’s a never ending learning process. I love learning new things and experimenting with light. I enjoy challenging myself and watching my work progress over time. I have also met so many great people during my career already. Making your own schedule can be nice as well.

How do you see yourself using your photography skills in the future?
I see myself doing better and continuing to work hard with building my craft and educating myself to advance my skills in the field. I always strive to be better. I also see myself continuing to photograph portraits of people due to the fact that I enjoy meeting and working with others.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
I give AMP so much credit for where I am today! I couldn’t have had better instructors. They are very well educated and know the photography field better than anyone I know. They are the reason why I am so technical with my photography today. I know more about the photography field than what some of my friends do that went to a 4 year university. The crazy thing is I learned all of it within six months. Not only do you learn how to be a successful photographer but you learn the business of photography as well. I now run a very successful photography business. I have been in numerous magazines and achieved many goals since my graduation.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
My fondest memory of AMP is the friendships I have made with people who enjoy the same things I do. We didn’t just learn from our instructors, we learned from each other which helped us grow as artists so much faster.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the photography field?
If you love photography and you know in your heart that you couldn’t see yourself doing anything else with your life then go for it and NEVER GIVE UP. You will get discouraged and worry about being successful but if you push yourself and work hard I promise you will be rewarded. The photography field is a saturated field so you need to make sure you are always working on your craft to stand out from others.

What is your job title and what are your job duties?

I own and operate ROK10 Productions, an audio production studio based in downtown Lancaster, PA. In running my own business, I tend to wear many hats. A few of my responsibilities are, setting up the studio to engineer artist’s recording sessions, mixing and mastering, performing live Dj sets for hip-hop clients, creating backing tracks and instrumentals along with all of the marketing and self-release/sale of instrumentals. Plus scheduling and coordination with all artists and additional producers. The list goes on.

What are some of the things you like best about this job?
Nothing makes me happier than creating a great atmosphere for artists to create in and get their work out to the people! It is a lot of work doing this on my own, but it is very fulfilling, from first-time studio experiences to veteran Musician’s there is always a sort of “magic” that happens.

How do you see yourself using your Audio skills in the future?
I am continually evolving ROK10 and taking on different projects; recently I started a podcast called Earspace. (available on iTunes) Then began to bridge out and began consulting individuals on how to begin their podcasts; whether it’s talking about required equipment, mixing techniques, or marketing strategies. I would like to get into the live mixing and live performance space more as I grow my skill set.

How did your education at AMP prepare you for this job?
My time at AMP taught me a variety of skills that I use daily. Most of all the physical recording/mixing/mastering of audio. I have always been more of a hands-on learner, so the fact that AMP is a hands-on program worked for me. From the first day, we were in the studio without hands on the equipment — which you don’t get at traditional colleges. Being able to have a balance between conventional book learning and practical use of those lessons was a real blessing! Also, the small class size and fast pace of the courses was a great real-life type of environment that prepared me for the actual job of working with audio.

What is your fondest memory of AMP?
I’d have to say between the joy of being able to learn while working on music and getting to know my classmates personally, one specific day comes up. We were assigned a project to create foley for a selected short video, and it genuinely opened my mind to the seemingly endless possibilities of sound manipulation. We recorded non-traditional sounds and through the magic of Protools created some killer foley audio for our videos. It was a mind-expanding lesson that to this day reminds me to experiment with out of the box ideas.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering pursuing the Audio field?
Learn how to network harder than you think is possible! Obviously staying in and honing your craft is a priority but never forget to get out in the world and talk to people. You would be surprised how many clients I have picked up from just casually chatting with people from all walks of life. And of course be creative! In my experience, the engineer of any record is as valuable as the artist(s) themselves push yourself to try new things and set your self apart. And finally be prepared to work your butt off music is not only an art form it is a business and like all other businesses you have to work 10x harder than your peers if you want to succeed.