09/01/2026
I thought I was going to rent out my camera. I ended up being the sole DP/Videographer for a global Airbnb campaign.
I was approached by a production agency looking to hire my underwater equipment for an Airbnb Experiences shoot in Bali.
I told them I prefer not to rent out my camera gear, but if they wanted, they could hire me as the operator with the kit.
The very next day, their lead videographer flew in from Tokyo. Then, almost immediately after landing, his pregnant wife went into early labour.
He got straight back on a plane to Tokyo, and suddenly the production had a pretty significant problem:
No videographer.
I had just flown in from the Mentawais after 11 days of heavy work and got the call while I was still standing in baggage claim.
Instead of going home, unpacking and finally taking a breath, I went straight to Ubud to step in as the DP/Videographer for the Bali shoot for Airbnb Experiences. I also had the privilege to work alongside the incredibly talented and .
The film has racked up over 15 million views on YouTube.
Also, I had two good friends visiting from the States whose trip had been planned for months and were supposed to stay at my place the following day.I had to bail on them and step up.
This was yet another major uncontrollable turn of events in my life this year. Another reminder that you can plan all you want, but sometimes the universe has its own itinerary.
The key is to show up when the calling comes. Embrace the uncomfortable. And sometimes, when you do, everything unravels beautifully.
Grateful for this opportunity and life’s mysterious blessings.
