Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher “Zyon” McCathern.
Hi Zyon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2015 at Cane Ridge High School I joined a pathway class and this pathway class lasted from your sophomore year to senior year in high school. The name of the class was AV (audio, and visual) Production. In this class we would learn how to edit pictures and videos, we would understand how live tv productions sets work, plus more. Throughout my sophomore and junior year we weren’t really allowed to use the handheld cameras. It was more so I had to edit and work the software for the first two years. So I never knew how to use a camera. My senior year we had full access to the handheld DSLR cameras finally. With having full access I would grab a camera and walk around the school, not knowing how to use it. So one day I skipped class and ended up in the dance room, and one of the dancers asked if I could take their pictures and I honestly did not know how to but from there that’s where my journey began. Each day I would go to my teacher and ask questions on how to use a camera, how to use an SD card and just the basic functions of using a camera and getting the things off of the camera. From then on, I developed a passion for media. I went on to MTSU to study video & film production, and a minor in photography. My entire freshman year of college I never owned my own camera. I would ask my high school teacher every time if I could borrow one of the schools cameras. And for the times I did not have a camera I would use my iPhone XR to make videos. It was not until my sophomore year that I was able to get my first camera. So from then on, I would consistently practice. I always used my friends as subjects for any of my projects I had for school. With the support and love from my friends, I was able to get recommended to either take pictures or even capture videos. So because of the people I surrounded myself with they help me get to where I’m at today. Fast-forward to today most of my clients booked me for out of state. I’ve been booked multiple times for out of the country trips such as Puerto Rico and Jamaica. I’ve been able to work side-by-side with other people and we worked with big companies that we either wear or have seen plenty of times. Must recently I gained a client that is currently in the NBA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has never been easy. The path has never been cleared for me. My career really started off while I was in college. Trying to establish a balance between my school work, a full time job and trying to become a photographer and videographer. It was hard finding the time to fit everything all in. I didn’t own the best gear/equipment starting off so I would lose some potential clients. And my consistency wasn’t the best. There were a lot of times where there were dead periods and I would have no one book me for three months at most.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The name of my business is “Chris2pher Studio”?
The name “Chris2pher Studio” comes from my first name, Christopher. My father and I both share the same first name so that is where the “2” comes into play. The inspiration to add the word “studio” came from me just wanting to let people know that no matter where we are at, the space that we fill can become our studio space.
Chris2pher Studio is a multimedia brand, ran by Christopher “Zyon” McCathern. Christopher is a professional Videographer & Photographer specializing in Portrait, Lifestyle, and Still Life. He attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Video & Film Production with a minor in Photography. Currently based in Nashville, TN – Christopher works as a Freelancer Photographer and Videographer.
Christopher is skilled in both studio and on location shooting. He enjoys developing dreams into unimaginable reality that will live on forever.
I say the thing that sets me apart from everyone else is, my professionalism I carry, my passion, my drive, and I’m always willing to teach others. I never did this for the money it’s always been for the love of creating. Being able to create and it having a positive effect on people is what makes me want to keep going and continue on forever.
The thing that I am most proud of is that a young black kid from Antioch, Tennessee grew up and became something of himself. Understanding that the talent he obtains helps others around him and it leaves a mark on the younger generation.
The one thing that I would want readers to know about Chris2pher Studio is that we are a multimedia brand but focus on inclusiveness when it comes to the creative process. Comfort, physically, and mentally. Every shoot that we do we try to make our guest as comfortable as possible we want everyone to be themselves, but most importantly, we want every guest to leave as a friend and not a guest anymore.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Truly what makes me happy is seeing other people succeed I’m watching people receive their blessings. They worked hard for it is something I truly value. Only because I know my struggles and what I’ve been through. It’s not easy so when you make it to that place where you work so hard to get you have a different love and passion for it and I feel the same way when people around me achieve those goals that they’ve been working hard towards.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chris2pherstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris2pherstudio
