Chances are, if you have seen a video promoting Downtown Somerville or a local retail location, you are looking through the lens of Joey Raymundo.
Since 2016, the dynamic cinematographer has been helping businesses market themselves through Media x Marketing, his video production company based in Middlesex. Clients range from small- and medium-sized community businesses like Downtown Somerville Alliance, Epic Cookies and Evolve Clothing Gallery to national and global brands, such as MAC Cosmetics and Adidas Originals.
Raymundo, who grew up in Bridgewater and graduated in the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Class of 2010, recently doubled-down on his dedication to local businesses by moving to Somerville. “I felt the need to live in the community that’s supporting me. It has allowed me to understand the overall vibe—what Somerville really is,” he says. “What makes the area great is the proximity of all the businesses and the homes. You feel like you are part of a community when you can just step out the door and there’s always some going on.”
After graduating from Humboldt State University in California, Raymundo got his start as a marketing manager at a resource company, where he did everything from graphic design, building websites and attending trade shows to shooting photography and video. But the work left him unfulfilled. He knew he could do more. He had a love for video—he worked for BRTV in high school as well as at the college television station—and turned his attention to shooting photos and videos for weddings to build clientele to launch a company of his own.
Today, his top-notch team of creatives includes Thomas Presti, the firm’s lead cinematographer and videographer, who also edits film along with Ben (“Benny”) Lewis.
Raymundo shares his knowledge of content creation through “The Reel Talk” podcast, where he hosts local influencers like Real Estate agent Cory Fandel from Raritan Borough, Hillsborough rapper Dayne Carter and Justin Rabinowitz, owner of Strive2Move in Martinsville.
An important component of Media x Marketing’s business model is giving back. “We have produced videos for nonprofits like Elijah’s Promise, which is a soup kitchen in New Brunswick, and Operation Shoebox, which ships care packages to service members stationed overseas."
When he is not working, Raymundo focuses on his mental and physical health, working out and practicing yoga at Life Time in Bridgewater, booking float therapy sessions at Quantum Wellness in Bedminster and reading books that focus on self-development. “Grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a book on Main Street is super cool,” he says.
For summer adventures, Raymundo enjoys hiking around Washington Valley Park or at Duke Island Park. “I especially love the waterfall area near Chimney Rock,” he says. “There are so many beautiful places in our local area.”
Learn more about Media x Marketing at MediaxMarketing.com.
“What makes the area great is the proximity of all the businesses and the homes. You feel like you are part of a community when you can just step out the door and there’s always some going on.”
Joey Raymundo’s Summer Adventure Photo Advice
Shoot horizontally and vertically to have versatility for future use.
Shoot people in the shade, which provides a nice, soft light. Shooting in the sun adds a harsh lighting on faces and makes people squint.
Document the experience for memories, not for social media.
Don’t be concerned about how you look.
Experience the experience rather than worry about taking photos.