Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Cain.
Hi Spencer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I actually got into my creative space through real estate. Out of college I got my real estate license and starting helping an agent film projects and homes for social media. I was pretty decent on my phone so they encouraged me to go all in on the space. They helped buy me equipment and recommended me for real estate jobs. I began to really enjoy the creative aspect of that. Also along the way I found a 35mm Olympus OM-G film camera in my Dads closest and dove head first into learning how to shoot on film. Roll after roll I learned how to expose properly and fell in love with film .. I now have 6 film cameras … On top of all of that, I have begun to branch outside of real estate media and get into creative media. That were my media project/ brand “Austin Archives” comes in. I am currently working on that as of writing this. Its a documentary focused media brand that covers the people, places and things that make Austin – Austin. With each documentary we release collaborative merch where the proceeds go back to a selected Austin Non-Profit. This is a super important point to me because there is a clear shift in how my mind works on these projects – instead of making sure i cover the bases for a real estate client and filming a home nicely, I am maximizing my creative ability to make something that is just fun at its core. This is a clear point of my mind and skills fully embracing the creative space.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Hell no. Some of the biggest struggles stem from the sheer amount of knowledge with cameras, camera equipment and editing software. I am about a year and a half in and still finding out what feel like basic knowledge in all aspects of the process. Not only that, there are plenty of struggles with comparison. As a creative, its very easy to look at the things on social media, and feel as though your work is not up to par, battling that has been a big fight for me. Simultaneously, there is so much inspiration to be taken from other creators, I would be nothing without the creative collective of people on the internet.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a real estate videographer and licensed drone pilot by trade, as well as a realtor. With that combination, I strive to be as knowledgeable and available as possible so I can guide clients toward making decisions that feel right for them. I specialize in new construction, particularly custom homes, and I set myself apart through availability and grit. It might sound cliché, but I’ve built trust by answering calls at 10:30 at night, showing homes at 8:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day, and touring properties at 8:00 p.m. on Friday evenings. On top of that, my ability to educate through cinematic, creative video formats gives me an edge over many other agents. One of my proudest moments in this career was helping an old friend purchase his first home. Handing him the keys and seeing his smile is something I still think about often.
Creatively and artistically, much of my work overlaps with real estate. I create video edits of new homes, drone footage of developments, and professional photos for builders and developers. Beyond real estate, I am the co-founder of Austin Archives, a growing media project dedicated to spotlighting iconic Austin people, places, and stories that are at risk of being overlooked or forgotten. Our teaser video and rollout have already received great feedback, and I’m proud of how the project is taking shape just as we envisioned it. Outside of that, there are a handful of photos I’ve taken that I consider some of my best work. Looking at them reminds me of the creative potential I carry and fuels my drive to keep pushing forward in what I do
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was much more focused on sports and being social, with very few creative outlets. Still, I always felt comfortable experimenting with some of my dad’s cameras. I am grateful I eventually found my way back to photography. It was really after college that I began to tap into that creative side of my personality. Looking back, I’d say I was a bit of a smart ass, but I was always ambitious and endlessly curious. I’ve always had, and still carry, big dreams of becoming successful on my own terms.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: spencercain.mp4, Spencercain.RE, Theaustinarchives
Image Credits
The Austin market update photo – Lauren Slusher
Both Photos of me with camera – Leanna Cobb
