Luke Miller formed Pathos Media in 2004, offering videography, digital-video editing, and graphic-design services, with early projects including skate-industry videos and corporate logo design. In 2006, he was contacted by his friend Daniel Hurst, who was considering expanding his portfolio to include video; by the following year, the pair had established a partnership and began filming stock video together full-time.
Notable milestones for the duo included incorporating both slow-motion and aerial collections into their portfolio. Meanwhile, based on his background in the arts, Miller has developed a personal vision for shooting with expression, emotion, and an emphasis on the story involved. With his footage collection newly available on Shutterstock, we caught up with the artist to ask a few questions about his inspiration and career.
Slow-Motion Skateboarding footage by Pathos MediaShutterstock: What inspired you to start shooting video initially?
I first got into video through skateboarding and making skateboard films. As a senior in college, I taught myself how to use a VX-1000 and Final Cut Pro (the original), and put together a video for a skate ministry I was involved in.
What kinds of challenges did you have to overcome to begin tackling higher-end productions?
I think that one of the biggest challenges is always finding the right location and great models. When those two come together, the footage sings!
Are there certain shoots where things came together in a way that surprised you?
While on a shoot in Hawaii, we were filming some hula dancers for this particular shot, including one of the best on all the islands. We were filming her on some rocks where the waves were crashing and splashing water on her legs. It was looking great on the slow-motion camera, so we were waiting for the perfect wave.
Polynesian Dancer footage by Pathos MediaThen a wave came and we called “action,” be we soon realized that the wave was enormous, and we shouted for her to hold on. That wave took her out. Luckily, she only had a couple of scrapes and bruises. We got the shot and it is for sale today!
Wow. Which productions have been your favorites, up to this point?
I definitely love the California road-trip shoot. The models were old friends of mine and they all knew each other. All the shots felt super natural, and the interactions genuine. We barely had to direct them, and all the locations were amazing. It was one shoot that played out exactly like I imagined.
Road Trip footage by Pathos MediaWhat are you looking forward to shooting in the months ahead?
I hope to expand my portfolio to include footage from iconic international locations, in addition to continuing to shoot slow motion and aerial footage. I’m trying to make it out to Brazil before the World Cup to shoot some footage there!