ABOUT — Hang Loose Video

Hang Loose Video

Making his home in St. Louis, Missouri since 1994, Jeff Wilmes has traveled the world shooting documentaries as a sought-after freelance camera operator.

He grew up in a military family where he embraced new worlds and different cultures. He has traveled extensively for work in the United States and abroad. Jeff brings that experience to his work and through his lens, enjoys the travel and ability to share the world with others.

Whether it’s corporate, non-profit, independent, web-based, or other social outlets, Jeff's easy-going temperament and great collaborative spirit are qualities that allow him to navigate the complexities of location shooting and provide his clients with well-planned and accomplished productions.

At the end of a long day, it’s time for a good meal and a drink of any kind. When at home, Jeff enjoys time with his wife, six kids & their chocolate labrador retriever.

Philosophy

In February of 1994, I began my journey in video production in St. Louis, Missouri. I now operate as a freelance cameraman and editor.

I grew up in a Marine Corps family and lived throughout the US and Japan, living in Okinawa in the early 1980s. I appreciate and thank my parents for giving me that opportunity and have truly benefited from the first 17 yrs of my life.

My high school years were spent in Kailua, Hawaii. I wouldn’t realize it until many years later, but I believe it was those four years where I learned certain attributes that have helped shaped my abilities as a cameraman: Humility, Anticipation, Patience, Perseverance, and Yearning.

When I began the journey of working freelance, I came across an article written by the Willis Brothers, La Jolla Light, 2004. After a few weeks of reflection and discerning, I thought the term Hang Loose would help define my style and abilities as a cameraman.

I don’t proclaim to be a surfer, (I was a bodyboarder and skimboarder), but the connection I made with the ocean during those four years in Hawaii has stayed with me.

Humility – to respect my surroundings by knowing how…..: whether it’s the ocean or being in the slums of Kingston Jamaica.

Anticipation – the ability to put myself in the right spot: paddling to the best spot to catch the wave or climbing a tree to put the camera in the right spot for the shot.

Patience – the ability to wait for the most optimum moment for the best result: watching for the sets to roll in not being eager to catch the first wave, or sitting through a thunderstorm to catch the magical clouds and sunset.

Perseverance – the ability to stay put and work hard for the desired result: paddling back out after a wipeout on a big day or trying every different angle you can think of to get the shot for that particular client.

Yearning – the desire to wake up each day and make the most of the situation: wanting to get a quick session in before breakfast or dinner or wanting to get up before dawn to capture the birds singing in the sunrise.

This is what I bring on a personal level to every production and will make every effort to provide the best options for a successful program.

Hang Loose Video
Documenting Your World