Today we’d like to introduce you to Karsten Winegeart
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into filmmaking started over a decade ago, but if I trace it back to the real beginning, it all started with a trip to Patagonia. At the time, I had zero experience in photography or filmmaking—I had bought my first camera only a month before that trip and spent every spare moment trying to teach myself everything I could. That was the moment I fell in love with capturing the world. What started as a passion for photography and travel quickly turned into an obsession with filmmaking, storytelling, and creating visuals that make people feel something.
Over the years, I honed my craft working in various creative roles, including producing videos for a university and spending a few years at Bodybuilding.com, where I gained experience in the sports nutrition industry. Those years shaped my ability to blend storytelling with high-end production, setting the foundation for what I do today.
Fast forward to now—I’m the CEO and director of Dime Labs, a creative production company that specializes in commercial filmmaking. We’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands, including Under Armour, Project Rock, Curry Brand, and the LA Clippers. My work with the Clippers led to a major career highlight—a video series I directed for them won three Telly Awards.
Beyond commercial work, I’ve also built a name as a travel photographer, capturing moments around the world with my wife, Sarah. Together, we’ve spent the past seven years creating high-end travel content for brands and hotels. That passion led to milestones like hitting 1 billion views on Unsplash this past year and having my work shortlisted for the Unsplash Awards multiple years in a row.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every challenge along the way has pushed me to grow, adapt, and refine my craft.
When I first started, I had no formal training in filmmaking. I was completely self-taught, learning through trial and error, online tutorials, and just getting out there and shooting as much as I could. In those early days, I was constantly battling imposter syndrome, trying to prove to myself (and others) that I belonged in this industry.
One of the biggest struggles was breaking into commercial filmmaking. Early on, I worked with small budgets, stretched every dollar, and wore every hat on set just to make things happen. Convincing brands to take a chance on me when I didn’t have a massive portfolio was a grind. It took years of building relationships, overdelivering on projects, and staying relentless in my pursuit of high-quality storytelling.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Every struggle has made me a stronger filmmaker, a sharper entrepreneur, and more confident in my vision. The road hasn’t been smooth, but the bumps along the way have shaped everything I’ve built today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a commercial director, filmmaker, and travel photographer, and I specialize in creating high-end, cinematic visuals for some of the world’s biggest brands. As the CEO and director of Dime Labs, I’ve worked with companies and names like Under Armour, The Rock, Steph Curry, and the LA Clippers, helping them craft compelling visual content that connects with their audience.
My work is known for its cinematic style, strong storytelling, and polished execution. Whether it’s a high-energy sports commercial, a product film, or a travel piece, my focus is always on creating something that feels bigger than an ad—something that resonates and leaves an impact.
One of my proudest accomplishments was directing a video series for the LA Clippers that won three Telly Awards. Another huge milestone was reaching 1 billion views on Unsplash, where my dog and travel photography has been featured worldwide and even shortlisted for the Unsplash Awards multiple times. Seeing my work connect with so many people on a global scale has been surreal.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend cinematic visuals with strategic storytelling. I don’t just focus on making something look good—I focus on making it feel right. I understand how to create content that not only grabs attention but also drives results, whether it’s increasing engagement, boosting sales, or strengthening a brand’s identity.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple—to create work that moves people. Whether it’s a commercial for a global brand or a travel film shot in an untouched corner of the world, I want every project to feel intentional, powerful, and unforgettable.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
For a lot of creators, the COVID-19 crisis meant a slowdown in work, but for me, it was actually a time of growth and opportunity. While the world came to a standstill, I saw it as a chance to double down on my craft and take advantage of the quiet.
That’s when my business really took off. Under Armour reached out, and I started working with them. Since the world was on pause, I couldn’t shoot in traditional locations, so I came up with a solution: I asked Under Armour to send me shoes, and I created product photos and videos for them from home. It was a win-win—I got to focus on high-quality content for one of the biggest brands in the world, and they got visually engaging materials to continue pushing their products during a time when everyone was stuck indoors.
During this time, I really focused on refining my product and commercial photography skills, which helped set the foundation for the growth I’ve experienced since. I learned to be resourceful, creative, and innovative in making the most out of what I had available. What could have been a challenging moment instead became a springboard for my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dimelabscreative.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/karsten116
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karsten.winegeart
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karsten-winegeart-7a6074169/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DimeLabsCreative
