Today we’d like to introduce you to David Jericho
Hi David, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I remember sitting in the crib as a young child, mesmerized by the TV perched between two bookshelves. The Fellowship of the Ring was playing. Though I didn’t fully grasp the story, I was utterly captivated by the world it created. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession with stories and storytelling.
In high school, my history teacher assigned us a 40-hour creative project each year. For my junior year, I decided to pivot from building ten-thousand-piece Lego creations and instead make a documentary on the history of music. Not quite understanding the scope of what I was taking on, I dove headfirst into filming and editing. While the final product felt underwhelming to me, it caught my teacher’s attention. He encouraged me to refine my editing skills at a professional studio, opening the door to a whole new world of creativity.
Around the same time, my passion for photography was growing. Captivated by the beauty of nature, I found myself desperate to capture the feeling it gave me. My phone camera wasn’t cutting it, so I made the financially irresponsible decision to buy a Fujifilm X-T3 with an 18-55mm lens. I was dumbstruck by the camera’s quality and spent countless hours learning every setting, experimenting with composition, and troubleshooting until I mastered it.
A few months later, my friend Seth Williamson suggested we start a film production company instead of going to college. Without hesitation—perhaps naively—I said yes. Together, we launched Luminara Pictures, diving into video production with a focus on weddings before expanding to music videos, short films, and interviews. As we grew, we discovered our individual niches and completely fell in love with the industry.
Today, I continue to channel my creativity through multiple avenues: running a film company, writing books, and pursuing personal photography adventures. Each step of my journey, from my first glimpse of Middle-earth to co-founding Luminara Pictures, has been fueled by my obsession with storytelling and a desire to create something meaningful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think any creative journey truly is. Early on, I faced the steep learning curve that comes with diving into new creative ventures. When I made my first documentary in high school, I underestimated the time and effort required to produce something cohesive and compelling. The final product felt underwhelming at best, but that experience taught me the value of persistence and the importance of learning from mistakes.
Later, when I decided to invest in a professional camera, it was a significant financial gamble. There were countless late nights spent troubleshooting technical issues, studying camera settings, and practicing composition to get the results I wanted.
Starting Luminara Pictures was another major leap of faith. Seth and I didn’t have the resources or formal training many in the industry possess. We had to build our knowledge and reputation from the ground up, balancing creative ambition with the realities of running a business. Early on, there were times when projects didn’t turn out the way we envisioned, or we struggled to attract the kinds of clients we wanted to work with. But with each challenge, we learned, adapted, and found ways to push forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At its core, my work revolves around storytelling. As a filmmaker, photographer, and writer, I strive to create content that resonates deeply with people and reflects the God I worship. At Luminara Pictures, the production company I co-founded, we specialize in capturing authentic stories across various mediums, including weddings, music videos, short films, and interviews. In tandem with the company I am a photographer who works with studio and environmental portraits, working especially with young musicians and creatives in Nashville.
What sets me apart is my relentless curiosity and willingness to dive deep into every aspect of my craft. From teaching myself the intricacies of my Fujifilm X-T3 to tackling professional video editing software programs like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve, I built myself a strong foundation through countless hours of hands-on experience in the field and, crucially, seeking the advice of Nashville’s finest filmmakers and creatives.
Beyond technical skills, I think what truly distinguishes my work is my approach to storytelling, through color and composition. I don’t just aim to make something visually stunning—I focus on connecting with the subject and understanding the story they want to tell.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck—good or bad. I see life as a mix of consequence and providence, and both have been either side of my shoulder guiding my life from day one.
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone at school and taking control of my learning through books and courses were decisions that had meaningful consequences, each shaping who I am today. At the same time, people and opportunities were placed in my life at pivotal moments.
There have been moments when I’ve questioned whether I made the right decision in not going to college, especially when faced with the consequences of that choice. But as I look back now, I’m certain that I am exactly where I need to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luminarapictures.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imago_terra/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@luminarapictures?si=HPLzBn2vE1jXmTQC
