Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Sutorius.
Chris, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story starts back in New York City, where I grew up in the Bronx (One of the five boroughs). I spent most of my childhood messing around with my father’s Canon Ae1 film camera, where I got my first introduction to photography, mostly taking pictures of flowers and our family dog. Going into high school, I fell feet first into the arts. I was drawn to the city and came to love the work of the many street photographers and filmmakers of Manhattan. I loved all the characters and energy that it had to offer. After high school and going in and out of band phases, I decided to go north for college and would wind up in Albany. While in upstate, working and going to school, I bought my first DSLR. I really made use of this camera (Nikon D ….Something old), never left my side. It wasn’t until a very close friend of mine, who would later become my business partner, got me out of my rut and back into the photo and film network, assisting on jobs here and there for exposure and experience. I decided to move to Lancaster, PA to finish my degree in Visual Arts. While living there, after many long commutes to NYC and Boston for jobs, I was offered a full time position in Boston with a high-end wedding film company. Taking the leap to Boston would be one of the scariest, but most beneficial moves of my life. Come late 2016, after many ideas over a long weekend, ARA Wedding Films was born.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been smooth. It was difficult leaving home when was in my teens, growing up quickly in NYC, but it taught me my work ethic. Adding film to my portfolio was very different, and challenging at first, but it has…. (Something about film you’ve learned) It took many years of “figuring it out”, but every struggle has been something to learn and has landed me where I am today.
ARA Wedding Films – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in wedding films. The idea behind ARA Films was to simplify everything, we wanted to create a compelling story through strong filmmaking techniques without the use of fancy camera tricks and large, attention-grabbing equipment. We really try to focus on the couple, who have been so amazing through all this. It is a solo operation headed up by myself & I use minimal equipment to ensure that I do not disrupt the event, while still able to film and deliver a great product.
Having had such a smooth year and come to know the many great couples. Hitting 15 weddings in the first year was something I really proud of.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I would say I’m most proud of….Well being featured in Boston Voyager magazine!
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been smooth. It was difficult leaving home when was in my teens, growing up quickly in NYC, but it taught me my work ethic. Adding film to my portfolio was very different, and challenging at first, but it has really helped with opening me up to connecting with clients It took many years of “figuring it out”, but every struggle has been something to learn and has landed me where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Address: 15 Channel Center St
Suite 217
Boston,Ma
02210 - Website: www.araweddingfilms.com
- Phone: 718-838-8039
- Email: araweddingfilms@gmail.com
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