This year has been full of great lessons. I’ve taken risks that have shown me that it’s possible to overcome fears that I once thought were permanent.

I’ve been posting videos on YouTube for the last 7 years. One thing I managed to shy away from was hiring a professional videographer.

Until now.

A combination of things led me here.

First, I was tired of always filming the same type of video. Front view, facing the camera, multiple windows. I wanted to try something different, but I didn’t have the video skills to venture any further.

Second, I was miserable while editing The Bard’s Song video. I ran into a bunch of technical difficulties and was so stressed through it all.

As I rendered the final version, I thought, “I’m done. I need to hire someone. I don’t care if it’s uncomfortable to have a stranger film me. I need help”

Once the audio for Sinking Ships was done the following month, I tried to backtrack, still overly self-conscious.

I could do this myself. I just needed to think outside the box.

Yes, yes. I can do everything myself perfectly.

So, I tried.

My revolutionary “this-is-a-new-chapter-of-my-life” idea was to film from a tiny bit to the side instead of front. And… gasp: I wouldn’t be looking at the camera.

Wild, right? Here’s the test I did.

It’s not terrible, but it doesn’t match for the song. After filming the video, I realized it was more of the same.

Luckily, a friend of my mom’s had highly recommended someone she knew. Nervous, I made the call.

I’m so, soooo happy I did.

I met with Cristina from 24milímetros and shared the song and my video idea.

We filmed this first.

After watching Cristina work so deftly, I let go of my control freakiness and told her to try any ideas she thought would work.

We filmed from a side angle that I thought impossible for myself (I’ve never liked side pics), and she somehow made it look flattering, haunting and perfect for the song.

I’ve also always hated close ups… and check this out… Isn’t it nice?

In the end, it was her video concept we went with. I absolutely love, love how it turned out and can honestly say I enjoyed the experience. Not once did I feel uncomfortable.

It can be scary to give up control, but this opportunity taught me that each of us has our strengths. Mine is music, and now I found a powerhouse of video to complement it. 😀

It’s a breath of fresh air. And a rush of new possibilities for future videos.

I feel very inspired and motivated.

Thank you, Cristina and 24milímetros.

And thank you all for your beautiful comments on YouTube. Thanks for helping me continue to grow as a musician and human being.

Malu