The name Philip Drayton has become inextricably linked to videography in the art, entertainment, and fashion arenas as well as fantasy photography. Yet Philip said he only began doing videography professionally less than a year ago. Recently, he was contracted to work with the local representatives who are currently preparing for the Miss and Mr Model Tourism of the World Pageant.
The videographer also specializes in CGI and VFX graphics which are used in cinematic style films. Back in 2019, Philip found himself being drawn to capturing videos using his iPhone. A qualified drug treatment specialist and counsellor who once worked with the Salvation Army, Philip now runs a company which is involved in life reform, social welfare and rehabilitation. According to him, it is this sort of work that makes him feel privileged for life and wanting to capture incredible moments and everything that life has to offer through his lens.
Last year, Philip and two other videographers, also his friends, Julian Cadogan and Elizabeth Francis came together to launch their business called Drayton Studio in October. He invested in professional cameras, drones and other equipment. Among their clients are singers who they produce music videos for, newlyweds, and people celebrating birthdays and other occasions.
A lot of his work also surrounds fantasy photographs where the illusions created are from fictional scenes. Fantasy photos can incorporate folklore like elves, fairies and other fictional characters.
Prior to the launch of Drayton Studio, Philip did a photography course at School of the Nations where he learnt the basics. However, most of what he knows today when it comes to his cameras, drone and producing video, were things he learnt on his own, many times with the help of YouTube tutorials.
There have not been many challenges, he said, except for learning the different programmes to better execute and create his videos.
This, he said, took a substantial amount of time and effort to understand and at times made him a little bit agitated and frustrated.
The former St Joseph High School student had found himself in the art stream as he had an eye for it. He boasts that he was taught by one of the best art teachers, Brian Clark.
Philip, a former national athlete who represented Guyana many times, had planned to choose a career in sports. However, instead of taking this path, Philip decided to attend the Government Technical Institute, where he studied to become an electrical technician. For some time he worked as a radio technician, a job his father had done.
“Videography has played an integral part in what is considered my social life. I get to travel to many places and interact with people in society from different faculties and backgrounds,” he shared.
Philip lives to capture his client’s emotions in his work. It is thrilling and satisfying for him to know that he could give his clients more than they expected and asked for. “It’s unparalleled to any other feeling,” he said.
He hopes to one day work at producing advertisements for companies. But right now, he would like to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to highlight the importance of wearing face masks during this critical time of the pandemic.
At present, Drayton Studio is working with singer Tennecia ‘Nekeita’ DeFreitas, who placed third in this year’s Soca Monarch Competition, as well as another singer from Melanie Damishana, who goes by the stage name Sparvander. The studio does not do the song building and track recording as it is not a music studio. But, according to Philip, Drayton Studio can bring the song to life visually.
Apart from videos, Philip also takes photos. Though he started out learning videography, many of his clients started requesting photography and as such this is also being offered.
When his rehabilitation job is added to the time he spends doing videography and editing, Philip sometimes finds himself working 16 hours a day. Not all of his work is done in the studio, Sometimes the video requires an outdoor shoot. There are also videos that require white scenery and he would rent a facility for this.
Philip shared that some of the areas where his videos are done are not the safest places but might be required by the client for a dramatic piece in the videos. At times like these, he would write to the Guyana Police Force and request that they be accompanied by a police officer so that his client, himself and his equipment are safe.
“However I’ve never really felt unsafe at any particular place since I was born and grew up in Tiger Bay. I feel at home in any part of Guyana,” Philip said.
One project he looks forward to doing is travelling Guyana and highlighting the beauty of the hinterland areas, the landmarks around Georgetown and of all the regions. Philip is also excited to capture the many waterfalls in the country, a lot of which he is only recently coming to learn about through the many photos sent by friends.
A father of two boys, in his free time, Philip goes running at the National Park, D’Urban Park or at the Seawall. He also enjoys swimming.
His favourite dish is blackeye cookup with beef and tripe. Philip proudly stated also that with his mother being a Macushi woman from Wowetta, North Rupununi, he also loves to eat pepperpot.
Philip can be followed or reached on Facebook at Drayton Studio or Philip Drayton or via email at draycompaniesgy@gmail.com
