Meet Sabrina Roualdes | Intentional Storyteller (Videographer & Photographer)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabrina Roualdes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabrina, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I love this question because everyone can make a video these days. Everyone has access to a smart phone with a 4k camera or a nice DSLR, but I think the downside to that for the industry is that the majority of people now believe the equipment is the art. It’s a common perception that if you have a nice camera you’ll take great pictures or make a great video, and I hate to say that is definitely NOT the case. Videography for me and many other industry professionals is regarded as an art. A way to express something to the world. For me personally, it’s a lot less about the equipment and a lot more about the story, the emotion that gets activated in someone when they watch a beautifully crafted wedding film or documentary. Not everyone with a camera is a videographer, in the same way that not everyone with a paint brush is an artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Videography to me is regarded as an activation. When I see a movie or watch a really good documentary on Netflix, I’m changed, ya know? I’m either inspired or crying or changing my habits or deciding to eat better. Film is truly an activation for the viewer. So my approach to videography is very intentional. I am the creator and the receiver of everything I make so I take a lot of care into crafting a film that feels good and potentially changes the viewer for the better. And I work with businesses to do this as well as couples on their wedding day. My professional path as a videographer definitely hasn’t always been easy. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to be different, in fact it’s the reason the people you actually want to work with want to hire you. I spent a lot of time in the beginning trying to fit into molds of what people wanted from me instead of showing the world where I really shine and how I can help them by creating the work that comes naturally to me. It not only feels better to create from a sovereign place, but it also makes the process flow better for everyone involved and creates an outstanding outcome every time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh man, one of the most alluring things about San Diego is obviously the beach and my favorite one has to be D Street Beach in Encinitas. There’s nothing better than grabbing some snacks and green juice, walking down to a spot that’s not too crowded, and setting up a sunny beach picnic with your best friend. Or if i’m in the mood for more of a calm vibe, I’ll visit the Meditation Gardens and watch the sea melt into the horizon. La Jolla also has a magical, “secret” sea cave that you enter through one of the gift shops that’s super neat to check out. And one night I’d definitely have to grab some hot cocoa or tea and sit upon the Carlsbad cliffs, watching the stars and hearing the waves, there’s nothing better. Some of the best parts of SD are also the people and weather. I love the vibe in Encinitas, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch, talk with some nice people, go shopping, etc. And to take advantage of the weather we’d have to go on a hike at Torrey Pines! As for food, I have to shoutout one of my favorite places to eat in San Diego, Thai Burger. It’s so masterfully creative and delicious. They started as a food truck and while they still serve around town with their truck, they also have a location in Kearny Mesa! Do yourself a favor if you haven’t already, and try one!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this feature to my parents, Michael & Jacqueline, for encouraging me to make a career out of my love for film early on in life, to my sister, Kels, for always supporting me, and to my boyfriend, Brett, for helping me to see what I’m capable of.

Website: https://www.activationsphotoandvideo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activationsbysabrina/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activationsbysabrina