Rising Stars: Meet Hunter Candari of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter Candari.

Hi Hunter, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began when I joined a broadcasting class with a few friends. Around that time, we entered a film competition called the 54 Hour Film Festival. It was our first time making something creative together, and somehow, our short film ended up receiving several nominations. That moment lit a spark for me. We ended up competing in that same festival for nine years—this year being our last. I credit a huge part of my growth and determination to that experience. It taught me how to solve problems quickly, work under pressure, and refine my creative eye.

I went on to attend Columbia State Community College’s one-year film program, and received the Outstanding Student Award. In 2021, I returned as a teaching assistant, working alongside the professor to help guide and mentor new students. After that, I landed an internship at a production company in Nashville, where I worked for about eight months before COVID hit. During that downtime, I connected with renowned photographer Jeremy Cowart and began helping him create content for his photography business. Working with him taught me not only what it takes to succeed creatively, but also how to build a warm, intentional environment—something I carry with me into every portrait session today.

Eventually, I rejoined the studio I was at before the pandemic and stayed for another three years. That time was filled with “firsts”—first big edits, first big clients, first leadership moments—and each one played a part in shaping the creative I am today.

Now, I’ve been freelancing for about two years, and it’s truly been a dream. I get to make my own schedule, choose the people I work with, and build genuine connections. Sure, it can be intimidating and even scary at times, but that’s the trade-off for the freedom to do what I love. At just 24, I’ve already checked off several personal dreams, and I’ve been lucky to do it alongside some amazing people and close friends.

Sometimes I catch myself mid-project and think, How in the world did I get here? But my mantra has always been simple: just keep moving forward and put yourself in the best position to get lucky. Every success story has a little luck in it, and I try to show up in luck’s path every single day. I hope the next few years continue to add new chapters to my story—and that one day I can look back at this moment and be proud of how far I’ve come.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a freelancer in a creative field is rarely smooth—at least in my experience. Some weeks you’re flooded with work, turning down gigs or passing them off to colleagues. Other times, you’re stuck wondering when the next job will come in, and that uncertainty can be anxiety-inducing. What I’ve learned is that if you stay consistent—putting in the effort to network, post, and just be someone people enjoy working with—opportunities will eventually come your way. The key is to focus on what you can control in the moment.

Another big challenge is figuring out your identity—what you want to be known for. That’s something I’ve personally wrestled with. I’ve worn a lot of hats throughout my career, and while I’ve never landed on just one title, what people consistently mention is my genuineness. If that’s what I’m known for, and not a specific job title, that’s more than good enough for me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Swiss Army knife in the creative world, having worked under many different titles. I’d call myself a Colorist, Editor, Director of Photography, and Photographer.

As a Colorist, I’ve graded feature films, documentaries, music videos, advertisements, and short films. Right now, coloring is my favorite part of the craft. There’s something meditative about sitting in my suite, staring at an image for hours and finding the perfect tone and balance.

In Editing, I’ve cut Netflix trailers, branded content, commercials, music videos, short films, sports trailers—you name it. It’s where I have the most experience. I spent three years as an assistant editor at a studio in Nashville, soaking up everything I could and learning from some incredibly talented people.

As a Director of Photography, I’ve shot music videos, short films, commercials, and conferences. I’ve also worked extensively as a 1st AC on feature films, shorts, music videos, and commercial sets, which gave me a deep respect for the technical side of the craft.

On the Photography side, I’ve had the chance to work with some well-known artists. I started taking it seriously about a year and a half ago, and things took off fast. People began seeking me out specifically for my personal style. I credit much of my growth and learning in photography to Jeremy Cowart. I worked with him for about a year and learned a ton just by watching him work—he truly shaped my early path and gave me the chance to grow. I’ll always be thankful for that.

What I’m most proud of is the range of creative paths I’ve explored—and the success I’ve found in each one. What sets me apart is my ability to wear many hats, while keeping the quality of my work consistently high across the board.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me in my creative field is having fun and working with friends. When I land a job I’m genuinely excited about—and I get to bring friends along or spot their names on the call sheet—it instantly elevates the experience. It creates a fun, collaborative environment, and that’s when I do my best work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://huntercandari.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntercandari/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-candari-7423a5174/