About Me
As a versatile artist experienced in cinema, music, and photography, my primary focus is on creating high-quality art that holds deep meaning for you and your loved ones. Whether it's producing heartfelt videos that celebrate your family's unique personalities, capturing genuine family moments through photography, or creating music that brings joy and togetherness into your home, I prioritize your values and interests. I believe in the power of storytelling, transcending genres and styles to convey meaningful messages. With additional experience in childcare, I understand the importance of creating art that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Highlighted Work Experience
A Slime Mold Timelapse for Biotech in a Box
Faculty, students, and other renowned guest speakers share about their research and future plans.
An intimate look at the road from innovative concept to creative execution of the 150th Anniversary at Virginia Tech.
A Slime Mold Timelapse for Biotech in a Box
Faculty, students, and other renowned guest speakers share about their research and future plans.
An intimate look at the road from innovative concept to creative execution of the 150th Anniversary at Virginia Tech.
Long-term Summer Childcare Provider for 2 kids, aged 5 + 6
June 21, 2022
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Present
Childcare Provider for 3 kids, aged 1mo, 1y, 3y
May 27, 2022
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July 18, 2022
Present
Childcare Provider for 2 kids, aged 18mo + 7y
March 4, 2023
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Present
Education
My Services
Cinema
With a strong foundation in cinema, I am committed to creating high-quality films that resonate deeply with audiences. I believe in the power of storytelling, transcending genres and styles to convey meaningful messages through my work.
Photography
My photography work is a testament to my commitment to capturing genuine moments that hold deep meaning. I have a keen eye for detail and authenticity, ensuring that every photo honors honesty and connection.
Music Production
Whether it's crafting melodies that celebrate special moments or producing tracks that resonate with personal journeys, my music production is driven by a passion for meaningful sound.
Childcare + Others
I offer comprehensive childcare services that prioritize safety and well-being. I provide fun and educational activities for children ages 4 and above, ensuring their time with me is both enriching and enjoyable.
Client Testimonials
To Whom it may concern, I write this letter on behalf of Maxwell Mandell, our favorite childcare provider. We’ve known Maxwell for the past 4 years. He advertised his childcare services on our local neighborhood listserv and we reached out to get to know him. He was the most prepared sitter we have ever interviewed. Maxwell came to our home with a portfolio of his certifications (CPR, First-Aid and Childcare class), as well as a copy of his license. He had an extensive questionnaire ready to get to know our family dynamics and our children’s likes and dislikes. He was prompt, on-time and eager to get to know our family. For two years we had Maxwell over for occasional sitting. He was always engaged with our children in play and quickly became a favorite. We began to utilize him more and had him watch our children extensively over the summer. He devised a “summer camp” for them with options for exploratory learning and play. They made slime together, swam, played tennis, he taught my daughter photography, did stop-motion animation with my son, hiked and LOTS and LOTS of arts and crafts. He got my daughter a role in one of his high school video productions and she had the time of her life acting with his class! When Covid hit and we needed daily care, Maxwell graciously stepped in and cared for our kids, taking our daughter each day to her carpool drop-off for school and staying at our home while our son learned virtually. He was incredibly flexible when the schedules changed and school opened and closed based on area levels. He was a true life-saver for us this past year as we attempted to juggle work outside of the home with a student whose school was only open for virtual learning. Over the last 4 years, Maxwell has become more than merely a kid-sitter. He’s truly become a part of our family. Even as my children have begun to age out of needing his care, we’ll continue to stay in touch with him and are eager to see all he has to accomplish in his future. I highly recommend Maxwell! Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
My children always look forward to having Maxwell over, they have a great time playing with them and he is very attentive to their needs.
Maxwell is extraordinarily responsible and engaging. He has watched my 11 year old on several occasions and my son adores him! I would definitely recommend him to watch your children.
I am delighted to recommend Maxwell for photography services. He took a draft concept in my head and quickly transformed the idea into a professional timelapse science video. Due to Maxwell’s expertise, the project was accomplished in less time than anticipated; the turnaround time from the last image captured to the finished project took less than a day. His attention to detail and his photographic talent resulted in a quality video that I am excited to use for educational purposes. I look forward to working with Maxwell in the future. Thank you, Maxwell!
Let me answer questions that may be on your mind: Who am I? The Free Union rep who oversaw Maxwell Mandell's video project with us. Am I related to Maxwell Mandell in any way? Categorically No! Would I work with Maxwell Mandell again? Emphatically Yes! Would I recommend him to my closest friends? My mother? Another school? Absolutely! Why? In short, because he did a high quality job on time and was a joy to work with. Can you be more specific? Yes. Maxwell Mandell is: Professional beyond his years Able to listen Artistic A technical wizard Professional: hardworking, on time, communicative, organized... Maxwell kept close track of each suggestion we made (e.g., "As you film and edit, be sure to think like a parent looking for a school. "Will my child be happy here? Will she be motivated to learn?). He kept in close touch. If he needed more footage, he would return to get it — all during the pandemic when everyone needed to be masked, distant, careful. Able to listen to the client: attentive, wheels always turning, responsive, never defensive... I have had collaborative experiences that were excruciating to manage because the videographer always knew better like a local TV station that produced for us an unusable video. But if Maxwell has a competing idea, he will express it and explain his rationale. Example: I was convinced the video should open and close one way while Maxwell had another idea. I demurred and the final product is appreciably better. Artistic: sensitive, eye for detail, good camera sense. Maxwell sees the whole project through the eyes of the audience. He could mix long shots with close-ups so the viewer did not tire. Much of his artistry came to the surface through his editing and technical work. Technically a wizard: camera work, editor, lighting, color correction, directing...Maxwell took 20+ hours of footage and edited it into a two minute video that was "of a piece." He corrected lighting such that it was balanced throughout, whether he filmed indoors, outdoors, cloudy, or sunny. He has shooting and editing tricks that make the product flow and effectively told the story of a school that is open during the pandemic. Maxwell's interpersonal skills helped him connect with adults and children to complete this project. Whenever he had to stage a scene or interview a student, he always did so with respect. Maxwell Mandell did a superlative job for us and we commend him unequivocally.
It is my pleasure to recommend Maxwell Mandell for career opportunities in film production. With an impressive work ethic and active approach to seeking feedback, Maxwell is dedicated to improving his own technical expertise and making quality films for others. From the beginning, he took the initiative to reach out to our team to gain a clear understanding of our expectations. During his first week of production, Maxwell independently managed multiple behind-the-scenes and interview compilations for various film camps, resulting in four outstanding final products. Maxwell's excellent footage and interviews benefited from the positive and approachable attitude he maintained while filming in our classrooms and engaging with students. Throughout his second week of production, Maxwell successfully led another set of behind-the-scenes and interview compilations, showcasing versatility and strong organizational skills. We were so impressed by Maxwell's production work that we showcased it at our biggest fundraising event of the year, the Youth Film Festival. Not only did Maxwell surpass our expectations regarding the quality of production, but he also proved to be very thoughtful by checking in and asking for feedback from our team along the way. Our entire team agreed that Maxwell's production work was exceptional, and ti was clear that he understood how ot express our brand and share our students' stories. He went above and beyond, and we would gladly hire him again. I have no doubt that whatever Maxwel puts his mind ot do, he wil perform with the same level of excellence that he has exhibited ni his work with Light House Studio. With his ambition, attention ot detail, and dedication ot making quality content for others, Iknow that Maxwel wil be an excellent addition ot your team.
Maxwell did an incredible job with the action shots of our Spring 2022 dance showcase for our group Exodus at Virginia Tech. High quality images with beautiful composition and captured a very good amount of incredible moments in our show.
I recorded my college music supplements with Maxwell, and could not have chosen better. He was very patient, and the quality of the final video was amazing. I highly recommend Maxwell for any recording or filming jobs!
Excellent person with great equipment! He can help you finish that song or film you’ve been meaning to produce forever. He is a professional with high-end technology and quality acoustics. Would recommend!
Maxwell was wonderful with my 4 year old. We can’t wait to have him come back!
Maxwell is one of our favorites! He planned an outing/special activity for them almost every day and kept them both engaged and off screens. He sent photos so we could see what they were up to. We came home to a house that was picked up and happy kids. We would highly recommend him!
My kids loved their time spent with Maxwell! My partner and I felt extremely comfortable and confident in Maxwell's care. He has excellent communication skills and really went above and beyond to ensure my kids had a great day. 10/10 would recommend again.
Fun Facts
