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Rising Stars: Meet Tatym Barnett of Lake of the Ozarks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatym Barnett.

Hi Tatym, 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?
My life has always been about films. When I was little I did acting, in high school I got behind the lens and never went back. I started by filming weddings in 2016 while I was going to film school at Missouri State University, then got a full time position with a non profit and spent the next 6 years creating films of all genres for ages ranging 9-18. The team I worked with at the non profit taught me the most valuable skills that I now carry into my own business. Most of my work is spent filming weddings, but I also film narratives, promotional and other live events for parties, church events etc.. I love the art of telling a story through visuals and connecting with people in that way. My job is always exciting because for weddings it’s the best day of their lives, every time. You’ll never have a mundane day filming a wedding. And for promotional work I always get to learn something new about a career I had no previous knowledge about, but I also get to be apart of telling their story in a way that really resonates with people. Being able to create an emotional response from a viewer is my favorite challenge in being a videographer.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can’t imagine anyone owning their own business and having a smooth road. If you know someone who has, give me their info! Honestly, for me, there have been general ups and downs that have really challenged me through the years, but I know things could have been much worse and I am ultimately very blessed to be where I’m at right now.

The biggest struggle has been balancing life and work. I started this career as a college student and have since gotten married, become a mom of 2 and have moved cities! Figuring out how to grow your network, and a cliental while raising little babies is not for the weak! Working as my own employer looks like emails at nap time, and editing after bedtime. Just trying to find the moments in between so that I can be efficient with my clients but also be present in my most important career yet, being a mom.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would say my specialty is creating films that are personalized to the client. For weddings I love to create a vibe that matches the energy of the couple. For promotional work I want to help create a consistency that feels cohesive with their brand. So really, no one project of mine is the same and my style can be fluid!

What matters most to you?
Personal connection over anything when it comes to business.

A story means nothing if it doesn’t have the heart of the story teller in it. And I think that’s hard to incorporate if you aren’t able to connect with your client on a personal level. Sometimes I get more excited to just talk to a bride and groom, or a business owner about their experiences more than getting to shoot them, because then when it’s time to work I can pull the pieces out that I know will mean the most to them.

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