Today we’d like to introduce you to Caylin Lancione.
Hi Caylin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started in photography a little later in life; I had gone straight to college, and on to graduate school after graduating high school in 2005, in order to take advantage of scholarships available at that time.
I began my photography career capturing live events and assisting with weddings in Charleston, South Carolina in 2014. I gained a significant amount of experience in situations that required the use (and understanding) of artificial lighting, and that only drove my desire to learn how to “shape light” even more!
In 2017 I moved to Nashville and attended Nashville Film Institute; an experience that drove my focus more into screenwriting and cinematography.
Since completing the Cinema Production program in 2018, I spent more time with Nashville as home, and then several months in Los Angeles before moving home to Bozeman, Montana as my “hub” while I continued to travel back to Music City and occasionally LA to work on music video and comedy film projects.
In 2020 I was actually working full-time time as a Marketing Coordinator (strategy, content, SEO, live events) for a 6-brand car dealership group up in Bozeman, and managed to be deemed “essential” during the lockdowns, while many of my friends in “production” jobs had to go on unemployment! Lucky me, I suppose!
Over the years, I have worked full time as a Camera Operator for Lipscomb University, volunteered as a Camera Operator at several of the non-denominational churches I’ve been a part of; shot weddings, both photo and video; written and shot music videos, and worked in advertising/commerical production.
I am very thankful to be able to “shape light” and capture moments for others. It is a huge blessing to get to meet so many people and hear their stories as I help them create photographic memories.
What am I up to in 2026? My business partner/camera bro in Bowling Green. KY own the trademark for “Cinematic Spirit” and we are in the process of reorganization as a 501(3)c Not for Profit film/creative training institute.
Our goal is to offer a school with great teachers (mentors) and use the profits past revenues to create a Scholarship fund that the next generation of storytellers can apply for and make use of!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It is difficult, as someone who is all about community, and has had an Ego Death, to watch many people refuse to share their stories of learning/growing in Photography or Art/Film, etc.,
I woke up after an 8 day coma with several broken bones and the knowledge that I had been life-flighted 200 miles away after crashing my motorcycle at a very high speed… I realized that many people are afraid of never having a name or reputation that demands a high price (for their services) so they spend all their time trying to market themselves and build a social media presence, but neglect to build community with others or find time to engage in group events or meetups.
It was also very difficult to deal with “essential” declarations by the Government (from the latin “Gubenare Mente”, I wonder what that means 😂😒😩).
However, as someone who has died once and got a second chance… I believe every day in this finite existence is the best day of our lives (its the next) and capturing memories for others via photography and cinematography is literally my favorite experience, so it’s been as smooth as I can make it, and I wouldn’t quit or change to a different passion for any amount of money!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer, cinematographer, and comedian. I went to school for organizational development and leadership before my career as a filmmaker and photographer began, and have been able to use all of that so much in storytelling!
I am known for active listening, being able to think outside the box, and being calm and even humorous in difficult times!
I also get recognized for my composition skills and ability to shoot with artifical light and produce nice images that aren’t always shot at 1.4 and with moody presets, since that seems to be overused these days!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Spread the word of CinematicSpirit.com and if you’re interested in teaching (any aspect of photo/film/art) please reach out as we develop the Not for Profit training institute business plan and secure funding!
Keep it up y’all l! 🫶🏻
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Cinematicspirit.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/lancionephoto
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lancionephoto?
