Once Carlton pictured a new vision for his business, he picked up a camera.
The founder of Take One Imaging – a company that caters to photography and videography needs – Melton switched lanes from audio production to visual storyteller.
“I had a recording studio (Studio C), but in 2013 I decided to shut the doors,” Melton said. “I noticed a lot of people getting home studios anyway. What they were needing were music videos. Bottom line is I kind of thought to myself, ‘I can go from audio to video because the technology was similar and the timeline was similar in terms of editing.” Additionally, Melton loved visual storytelling. “I always loved photography,” he said. “I just picked up a camera and started shooting anything and everything. I realized I was pretty good.”
With a history of post-production and an eye for visual storytelling, Melton just needed a business model that worked for his new venture. “What I realized shooting music videos is that I still had to eat,” Melton said. “I decided maybe I should do what I tell other people to do. ‘When you’re doing something, go corporate with it.’ Corporations have dollars. I took it corporate. Take One is just an offset of Studio C. It’s just on the visual side.” Melton’s only regret is not pursuing his visual storytelling passion sooner. “I wish I would have started this in my 30s as opposed to my 40s,” he said. “That’s been the biggest barrier. You’re the older guy on most sets. It’s a battle of the mind. You have to remember, ‘I have experience. They have youth. It’s an even trade out.’”
Melton has been past ideation and to income generation status for years. He’s ready for clients. “I would love to shoot your commercial, your project, your flim idea,” Melton said. “If you have business ideas, commercials - ideas for something creative – contact me and let’s if we can make something happen.”
You can check out Carlton's work on his website at www.takeoneimaging.com/ and book him for your next visual storytelling project!
Story and photos by Chris Lassiter. Chris Lassiter is the director of engagement and inclusion at the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge. He highlights businesses for the Staunton Black Business Collective.
Comments