Orlando Corona shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Orlando, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building is the part nobody sees. The business behind my production company. I actually started by accident. I bought a camera to record YouTube gaming videos, but it only shot photos, so I figured I’d learn photography. The hardest part in the beginning wasn’t even learning how to shoot. It was getting people to believe in me. I had no experience, no portfolio, and nothing to show for what I was trying to sell. There were times when I felt like giving up, and two Decembers ago I told myself I’d only keep going if God sent me a sign before I closed by the end of that month. Two days before the new year, without any marketing or posting, I got booked for the rest of the year; after four years of pushing through, the work just came to me.
That was the moment I knew I was meant to do this, and the proudest moment came later when I was finally able to hire people and give them the chance to do what they love, too. People see the photos and videos, but what they don’t see is the late nights, the moments of doubt, and the faith it took to keep going when nobody was watching.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Orlando Corona, and I run Corona O. Productions a company that focuses on photography and videography. What makes my brand unique is that it started completely by accident. I bought a camera to make YouTube videos, realized it only shot photos, and decided to teach myself photography. Over the years, I turned that mistake into a business where I get to capture some of the most important moments of people’s lives and help other businesses tell their stories.
What I think makes my brand special is the heart behind it. I built this from scratch with no formal training, and every client I’ve worked with has helped me grow. Today, I’m proud that I can not only create meaningful content, but also give other creatives opportunities to do what they love. Right now, I’m focused on growing into a company that gives people opportunities and continuing to create content that connects with people on a personal level.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I booked my first real client. Up until that point, I was just someone with a camera trying to figure things out, and it felt like nobody really believed in me. When that first person trusted me enough to pay me to capture their moment, it changed everything. It was the first time I felt like, ‘Wow, I can actually do this.’
That moment gave me the confidence to keep going, even when things got tough later. It showed me that the work I was putting in behind the scenes mattered and that belief has carried me through every challenge since.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, humility, and faith in a way success never could. When things were going wrong and I was barely booking any work, I learned how to keep showing up even when nobody was watching. I learned how to believe in myself when there was no proof that things would work out.
Success is exciting, but suffering shaped me. It made me appreciate every client, every opportunity, and every small win. It also taught me that when things get hard, I can endure and that endurance is what allowed me to build a business that can last.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — the public version of me really is me. I’ve always believed in carrying a positive attitude and good energy, no matter what I’m going through. I’ve learned that tough times actually make me a better person, and that mindset has been with me since high school. People would always compliment me for how I treated everyone; teachers, custodians, the lunch ladies, with respect and genuine happiness.
That positivity has carried into my business and become part of my brand. It’s not just about taking good photos or videos, it’s about creating an environment where people feel good, cared for, and remembered. One of my favorite examples is a couple, Justin and Karly, whose wedding I photographed. We connected so much that now they treat me like family. I go to their events, even vacations, and I call them Papa J and Mama Karly because I truly feel like part of their family now.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, I’ve definitely experienced that with money. There were times I worked hard and finally made a good amount, but I realized it didn’t bring the satisfaction I thought it would. What truly matters are the interactions, memories, and experiences with people. Capturing moments, building relationships, and seeing the joy my work brings — that’s what has real value and keeps me motivated every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coronaoproductions.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/0rlandocorona?igsh=ZHd5czlsY3VsbWR1&utm_source=qr
