Today we’d like to introduce you to JP Douvalakis.
Hi JP, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins long ago as a young kid who had a GoPro and too much time on their hands. My friend and I would make YouTube videos of magic tricks in our garage and post them for people to see. We hardly ever got any views, but this didn’t stop us from creating fun skits and other childlike videos. Not long after, high school came around and our ability to create more involved works of art started to emerge. We would use free editing services because we hadn’t yet made money from what we were trying to do. When I was asked what I wanted to do with my life, I’d say, snowboard and take pictures or make videos – a dream any high schooler could have. Some would tell me I’m foolish and should wake up to have a real career; others told me to keep aspiring and one day my dreams might come true. Once in college, I learned about courses that would help this dream come to life. I spent the weekends on the snow and the weekdays in class studying media production and the art of film. By now I had a responsibility to earn my living and began working as a yearbook photographer. This helped me learn a lot about photography and gave me more information about what I wanted to do. School projects and free time were spent creating more meaningful videos, and I finally was able to buy my first professional DSLR camera. Quickly, college came to an end, and I needed to find work. One day, after coming home from my boring job in the city, I realized I could apply to work at the ski resort and spend my days as a ski bum. I didn’t have much idea what I was going to do after or how long this chapter would last, but I knew I wanted to be closer to my love of snow and snow sports. I spent three years teaching people of all ages how to shred and carve on a snowboard while doing as much freelance work in photography and video as I could. I’d often reach out to companies in hopes of working together to try and increase my reach and earn bigger and better projects. One day, out of the blue, I received a message from none other than the world-renowned Breckenridge ski resort. They had let me know that a position as the mountain’s content creator had opened up and they would love if I applied. A few weeks later was my first day on the job, and the ski season was beginning. My dreams had come true; I was now the sole content creator for a world-famous resort. My job responsibilities included taking photos for social media, marketing, and snowboarding all day while finding these awesome images of their beautiful mountain and guests. I am now only going on my second year in this position, and I absolutely love my career. I wouldn’t change it for the world. My days are spent riding around on snow with my camera and creative freedom to capture essentially anything I saw desirable. I had made it. My childhood dreams had come true, and I was ready to show all my doubters that if you work hard enough, anything is possible. My name is JP Douvalakis, and I am honored to be the content specialist for Breckenridge ski resort in Colorado.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a photographer is no easy task. This career requires a lot out of one person – we are required to wear many hats. Not only am I a photographer, I am a filmer, a sound editor, a marketing specialist, a graphic designer, a Photoshop editor, a business consultant and so much more. It’s a one-man band but for digital media creation. Many of these skills are self-taught by trial and error or simply by searching for YouTube tutorials. There weren’t as many outlets to help facilitate a good education for today’s modern influencers. I have built my success from the motivation of people telling me it couldn’t and wouldn’t be possible. Aside from these challenges, my current role as a content creator requires me to know how to snowboard exceptionally well while holding a camera and getting a steady shot. Working for a multi-million dollar company is exciting but comes with its pressures as well. My work is being seen by over 300 thousand people and being picked up by newspapers, online blogs and being shared with various other social media outlets across the globe. I must always be on the lookout for new and exciting ways to create and showcase the brands I work for which takes enormous effort and dedication.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my daily career, I serve as the content specialist for Breckenridge Ski Resort. While this role occupies only a portion of my day, the majority of my time is dedicated to collaborating with various brands. I enjoy the roles of brand ambassador and photographer, as they allow me to constantly engage in diverse tasks. Each brand necessitates distinct creative strategies, which challenges me to deliver optimal results for their product sales. I particularly take pride in my adventure road trip lifestyle photography, as it brings me joy and excitement.
When I’m not immersed in the world of marketing and photography, I love exploring the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking through dense forests, camping under a canopy of stars, or capturing the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise over the mountains, these experiences fuel my creativity and passion. Nature has a way of grounding me, providing clarity and inspiration that I bring back to my professional endeavors.
Additionally, my work has allowed me to meet incredible people from all walks of life. Sharing stories and learning from others enriches my perspective and enhances my storytelling abilities. Every interaction is an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.
In essence, my career is not just a job; it’s a harmonious blend of my passions and skills. It offers a dynamic and fulfilling path where no two days are the same, and for that, I am immensely grateful.
What makes you happy?
Capturing a moment in time with my camera brings me joy; sharing that moment with those who helped make the moment a reality is what I find exciting.
Whether it’s a candid smile, a breathtaking sunset, or a spontaneous dance, these snapshots are more than just images—they are memories preserved. Each photograph tells a story, a narrative woven with the threads of laughter, love, and sometimes even tears. The ability to freeze a fraction of a second and relive it through a picture is a magic that never ceases to amaze me.
When I gather with friends and family to look through these photographs, it’s like opening a time capsule. We reminisce, laugh, and sometimes even shed a tear. It’s these shared experiences that strengthen our bonds and remind us of the beautiful journey we’ve embarked upon together. The joy in their eyes when they see a cherished memory captured forever is priceless.
Photography, for me, is not just about the technicalities of framing and lighting; it’s about the connection and emotion behind each image. It’s about celebrating life’s moments, big and small, and cherishing them with the people who matter most.
Contact Info:
- Website: Prsmproducts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johny.prsm?igsh=MW9icG1oemI4dDd3eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Photos taken by JP Douvalakis aka JohnyPrsm
