Welcome to our latest spotlight story from re:imagine/ATL, where we delve into the bubbly life of Barbara Pimentel, an event photographer based in Sandy Springs who we affectionately call Barbi. At just 20 years old, Barbi is a successful videographer and event photographer for a private school in the north Atlanta metro area who is ready to take the world by a storm!
From Production to Post-Production
Barbi attended Lanier High School and decided to apply to RE:IMAGINE’s EMERGE Post-Production Track taught by Nina Marinov. “I didn’t get the chance to go to college yet,” Barbi shares on a Reel Connections panel at the opening night of the Atlanta Film Festival. Like many young storytellers, Barbi learned to leverage her skills early, and now as a young adult, she’s ready to explore a new aspect of her career!
A Day in the Life of a Private School Events Photographer
As an events photographer and videographer for a private school in Sandy Springs, Barbi has a working understanding of media, photography, lighting, content creation, and more! Many school programs in Atlanta offer journalism, television, media broadcasting, and arts courses catering to emerging media formats like film. But with so many avenues to explore, it can be difficult to learn the industry-standard techniques to put you over the edge. Barbi shares that “—being organized with my files is a must!”
Tough Love in a Tough Industry
The community at RE:IMAGINE has been a game changer for Barbi, “By simply giving me the opportunity to be in the program–without regard to my race or educational background–seeing the potential in me, and taking me to dream places like Adobe they have inspired me to keep working hard for my goals.” As she graduates into the paid job placement and mentorship season of her EMERGE apprenticeship, she encourages her peers to “stop crying and worrying about what you’ve already lost–focus on preparing for what’s coming.”
Words of Wisdom
“What makes me unique is my personality” Barbi shares. Because so much of our work is dependent on good working relationships and the ability to make new connections, Barbi uses her confidence to make new friends! She encourages everyone to “keep working hard, there’s a lot to come.”
Looking Ahead
While Barbie has just begun to smell the roses, she shares exciting news! “I just completed my role as a Post-Production Apprentice and am now transitioning into a Teaching Assistant position.” In 5 years Barbie hopes to be working as a photographer with her favorite singers. She also hopes to secure a role working at Adobe!
Next Steps
What’s next for this charming young editor? Only she can decide from here, but one thing’s for sure: her inspiring journey is one you do not want to miss. Barbi is not just working behind the camera, she is developing a well-rounded workflow and practice that will stand the test of time.
