Empowering Creatives: Visionize Media’s Workshops on Josh Tatofi’s West Coast Tour
From my perspective as a creator, mentor, and member of the Visionize Media family, the Creatives Collaboration Workshop is more than just an educational experience—it’s a chance to connect, inspire, and build the next generation of storytellers. Designed to discover, encourage, and teach aspiring photographers, videographers, and content creators, this workshop is our way of giving back to the creative community. For those starting out, growing their skills, or looking to expand their creative businesses, we wanted to create a space where they could learn hands-on and ask the questions they might not feel comfortable asking in other settings.
When I think back on my journey, there weren’t opportunities like this presented to me or to Visionize Media. We had to navigate, hustle, and figure things out on our own. So, as educators and mentors, we’re committed to creating the kind of environment we wish we had—one where local creatives in each city can get a taste of what it’s really like to work behind the scenes, capture the energy of a sold-out show, and be part of something bigger than themselves. This isn’t just about getting the shot or filming the right angle; it’s about experiencing the energy, asking questions without judgment, and becoming a part of Josh Tatofi’s journey in a real, tangible way.
For those who joined us, our hope is that this experience leaves a lasting impression. We want to see them grow, to one day have them come back and work alongside us again—perhaps even on a global scale as our team grows and these shows become even bigger. And this hope isn’t just ours; it’s shared by Josh and his team as well. Together, we’re building a community of creatives who are not only talented but also ready to take the initiative and dive headfirst into the world of visual storytelling. This workshop is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where these connections lead.
A Mission to Inspire & Connect
The idea for these workshops came directly from our recent experiences on the Pacific Tour with Josh Tatofi and Pacific Cast. Reflecting on that tour, I realized something essential about my role as one of the three content creators and media members present. There wasn’t much guidance on how I should approach my work, so I took it upon myself to carve my own path. I started to look for fresh, creative ways to document Josh’s journey, to add value in ways others might overlook, and to make the tour’s story even more impactful. I knew what I was capable of, and I wanted to do media coverage that went beyond the usual, something that reflected both my style and my dedication to creating meaningful content.
As we transitioned into the West Coast Tour, I carried that same initiative with me. Content plays a massive role in today’s music scene, especially for sold-out shows where fans want to relive the moments and connect with the experience even if they couldn’t be there in person. But with only me on board as the content creator, I was faced with the challenge of capturing everything in a way that felt as if I were in multiple places at once. Realizing the need for more hands on deck, I decided to approach this from an educational angle. Instead of hiring a team, which wasn’t feasible budget-wise, I chose to give other creatives something equally valuable—access.
By inviting local photographers, videographers, and content creators to be part of our shows, I offered them a behind-the-scenes experience they wouldn’t get anywhere else. They had the chance to network, gain insights, and work side by side with a professional team in a live environment, all while capturing Josh’s performances. In return, I shared my own experiences and knowledge with them, provided transparency about what it takes to succeed in this field, and ensured they felt valued and appreciated at every step.
For me, this was more than just filling a need—it was about finding and mentoring creatives who share the same drive, work ethic, and passion for building a legacy through their craft. I believe deeply in the phrase “content is currency” and live by the motto “greatness isn’t for everyone or every team.” Through these workshops, I wanted to help others realize that same potential within themselves, to show them that with vision, grit, and collaboration, they could achieve greatness too.
The Selection Process for Content Collaborators
The journey to selecting content collaborators for the Josh Tatofi West Coast Tour was as much about building a community as it was about producing incredible content. After the initial “Collaborators Wanted” post was shared on Instagram by both Visionize Media and Josh Tatofi, we received a wave of emails from creatives eager to be part of this experience. It was incredible to see the enthusiasm, and I couldn’t have managed the selection process without the help of one of Josh’s team members, Kulani Watson, who organized the names, emails, and portfolios into a manageable list. From there, I dove into every profile and portfolio—there were quite a few!
Given the varying sizes of the venues, I wanted to keep the number of collaborators to a maximum of two per city. This decision allowed each creative the freedom to move, learn, and experience the environment without overcrowding. While reviewing the inquiries, I specifically sought out content creators who had a portfolio—especially those who took the time to build a website. To me, this was a strong indication that they were serious about their craft and willing to put in the effort to showcase their work professionally.
Once the selections were made, I sent follow-up emails to everyone who inquired. For those selected, we set up an online meet-and-greet via Google Meet, which gave me a chance to introduce myself, explain the project, and walk through the production booklet that I designed. Before receiving their media passes, every selected creative was required to sign photo and video release forms. Since every show was sold out and my role in media creation was pivotal, I crafted All-Access and Media Passes for each collaborator. Creatives could only film or shoot our shows with my express permission, and I personally distributed the media passes during soundcheck.
At each venue, the selected collaborators would join us for soundcheck, giving them the freedom to capture behind-the-scenes moments and prepare for the show. They were given full access to the venue, including the green room, which doubled as a secure place to store their gear. We treated them as part of the crew, offering access to food and drinks, to help them feel comfortable and fully immersed in the experience. Once the show was complete, creatives were asked to import their footage on the same night and submit their content the next day, ahead of Josh’s scheduled posting time. Every creative also had the opportunity to meet Josh, talk story for a bit, and snap a quick photo—a little something to make the collaboration even more memorable.
Throughout this entire process, I emphasized that I wasn’t there to tell them what to do or how to do it. Instead, I wanted to create a space where they could be themselves and showcase their skills. They were free to experiment with lighting, storytelling, flash, and exclusive stage access to capture content that would elevate their portfolios. Photographers were asked to provide their top 20 photos within 24 hours, while videographers were instructed to create a 1-minute highlight reel for social media. Josh made sure to tag and credit each creative for their work, giving them the recognition they deserved. While I was always available to answer questions, these creatives knew what was expected of them—thanks to the production booklet and waivers—and they rose to the occasion beautifully.
It was truly fulfilling to watch them take full advantage of this opportunity, create powerful content, and step up to the challenge of being part of something bigger.
Tour Stops & Memorable Moments
The Josh Tatofi West Coast Tour took us to some unforgettable cities: Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Costa Mesa, San Diego, Milpitas, Portland, Tacoma, and Salt Lake City. Along the way, we were blessed to work with a new crew, an opener (the talented Kelandy), and some fresh faces on the production side. This tour was unique because instead of flying from one city to another, we drove for most of it, which added to the experience and allowed us to explore each place a little deeper. We partnered with a separate promoter and tour manager this time around, and since it was their first time working with Josh and some of our new crew members, I took the initiative to help everyone adapt to Josh’s workflow, stage management and tour lifestyle. This involved sharing insights from our experiences on the South Pacific Tour, the Fiji Homecoming, Holoholo Music Festival, and my decade-long journey with Josh. With this extra responsibility, I knew I’d need help covering the sold-out shows, so I leaned into my educational side and relied on the incredible collaborators who joined us.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Our first stop in Scottsdale was a small, outdoor venue with an intimate vibe and a capacity that exceeded all expectations. It was a challenging night, as we had to work out the kinks and adapt to a smaller space with limited amenities. Safety for our gear was a priority, and our collaborators, Taryn and Tyson Ka’ahanui—a dynamic brother-sister duo—handled it all with ease. They were eager to learn, experience the tour life, and capture every moment. It was our first collaboration of the tour, so it took some time to find the right flow, but by the end of the night, we had a strong sense of trust. Fun fact: Taryn and Tyson’s family has a food truck, which we didn’t know until later. Can’t wait to try their food someday!
“I think a new skill that we gained was trying to maneuver through the crowd and being able to get the shots that we wanted…within a short period of time!”
Las Vegas, Nevada
After a drive into Vegas, we were greeted by a larger, indoor venue, a stark contrast to Scottsdale’s intimate setting. With only one official creative, Elysha Samatua, joining us, I was grateful to have friends in town who stepped up. My cousin James Westbrook from Slapp Radio, and Hawaii-based photographer Ozzie Jamarillo, joined Elysha in capturing the night’s highlights. This team allowed me to focus on supporting Josh, managing the production crew, and creating social media content. The crowd was loud and electric, and the final video footage captured the unforgettable energy and created FOMO for anyone who missed it.
“I’d say another highlight was being that close and seeing Josh light it up!”
Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa brought its own challenges. We had back-to-back shows at a small venue with some of the worst lighting we’d faced. For Show Day 1, I collaborated with Kawika Morse, a talented local photographer who was eager to make the most of this opportunity. Working with him was humbling as we discussed his journey, his work in the OnlyFans space, and how he managed content for his clients. Impressed by his work ethic and adaptability, I invited him back for Show Day 2, where he was joined by Carter Lau and Drew Okimoto of Sun Reels Studio. Having all three on board made capturing content smoother, allowing me to focus on production and unique moments without worrying about missing anything.
“It would have to be just being around that aloha spirit. It always makes me feel like I’m back home.”
San Diego, California
The San Diego show was sandwiched between Costa Mesa’s two nights, so we drove down for the day. The venue had three levels, adding a new layer of complexity to the shoot. This was our first show with a dedicated content creator, Jizelle Kocher, alongside photographer Miko Eastwood. Seeing their passion and dedication was inspiring. Jizelle was balancing nursing school and content creation, which was a testament to her work ethic. San Diego also marked our first meet-and-greet, adding even more for our creatives to capture and making the night extra special.
“Experiencing a concert behind the scenes. I go to a lot of concerts so it was cool and interesting being behind it all. Even if it was “working” still a lot of fun. I’m not use to shooting in crowds and having special access, so that was new as well! I got to see how much work is put into a tour, venues, and even security. ”
Milpitas, California
Milpitas brought us a larger venue for another two-night run. Our lone collaborator, Patrick Tiu, handled photography both nights with incredible skill and experience. His background in concert photography was apparent, and he didn’t need much guidance. His professionalism allowed me to focus on video and other responsibilities, knowing that the photography was in expert hands. Despite a few production hiccups on the first night, the second show went smoothly, and the crowd was as enthusiastic as ever.
“The fact there’s a dedicated pit area to make sure the media team has space is always a huge plus”
Portland, Oregon
Portland was a 10-hour drive from Milpitas, but arriving in the heart of the city made it worthwhile. I finally got a chance to fly my drone and capture some autumn visuals. With only one collaborator, Gabriela Uicab, a recent college graduate, it was an intimate setup. She arrived with treats from her family bakery and was eager to soak in everything. Portland was our first show with Josh’s video intro, so I also took on the role of video operator. It was a cold night, but the energy was warm, and Gabriela’s passion for learning made the experience memorable.
“The most memorable part of the whole experience collaborating on the West Coast Tour was getting to see the full behind the scenes of how things happen during a show. I got to see how everyone’s role was important and vital for the satisfaction of everybody. ”
Tacoma, Washington
Our ninth and tenth shows were held in Tacoma, where the Airport Tavern sold out for the first time in its history with two nights of Josh Tatofi. This stop was special as I reconnected with Zac Hargrove, an old friend from my days with Rebel Souljahz. I worked with two talented photographers, Khira Smith and guest collaborator Vaisa Fanene. Khira brought expertise in portrait and family photography, while Vaisa’s enthusiasm added an extra layer of energy. The venue setup had some challenges, like a tricky green room, but the clear stage and accessible gear storage made up for it. Tacoma’s crowd was as dedicated as ever, and the weekend flew by in a blur of music, laughter, and incredible shots.
Salt Lake City, Utah
After a short break, we flew to Salt Lake City for the grand finale. With Josh adding these shows and promoting them himself, the venue was top-notch, with fantastic sound and lighting. Salt Lake City’s team was the biggest and most skilled group of collaborators I’d worked with on this tour: Shania Juzil, Ammon Eskaran, Penny Fuimaono, George Ngatuvai, Taylor Tagatac, and Billy Racule. Each person brought a unique skill set, from Shania’s content creation and Ammon’s videography to Penny and George’s photography expertise. Despite facing challenges—Shania being pregnant, Ammon taking on a lead role, and George flying in and out for the show—the team delivered flawless content. Watching them work together and grow as a team was a highlight of my experience, and the energy they brought to the final shows was unforgettable.
Through each city, each show, and each collaboration, I was reminded of the power of community and the incredible impact that passionate creatives can bring to an experience. This tour wasn’t just about the music; it was about giving each collaborator a chance to shine, learn, and be part of something bigger. Looking back, I’m grateful for every connection made, every story shared, and every memory captured. This journey was truly one for the books, and I can’t wait to see what these talented creatives achieve in the future.
“Once the show ended, we were able to share our thoughts and experiences with one another which I loved because I never experienced that before. Up to this point, I’ve shot concerts and then just went home. That was it. I actually felt like I was a part of a team and that was really cool! Especially after Thursday night, we were able to plan better.”
“We’re a team, we got to work so hard and share all of our wins that we became super close by the end of the 2 shows. I’ve worked with some of them before but working together for those 2 days really cemented our relationship and we’re already planning on our next shoots together. ”
“Very engaging. People sang, danced, & at one point I was standing next to an elderly aunty in the crowd and she was in tears just listening to him sing. I think it was very special to a lot of people. ”
Conclusion
Reflecting on the whole journey, it’s almost surreal. During the tour, there wasn’t much time to pause or take it all in because everything was moving so fast. But now, looking back, I realize just how impactful this collaboration has been. The idea of giving local creatives the chance to be a part of something this big was powerful on its own, but the execution surpassed anything I could’ve imagined. Every creative we handpicked didn’t just meet expectations—they exceeded them. They represented Visionize Media and Josh Tatofi with such pride, talent, and professionalism, and that meant everything to me. Watching them build networks, forge connections, and open doors for future opportunities was a reminder of why we do what we do.
For these creatives, this was more than just a gig. They got to experience firsthand what it’s like to be part of a high-profile tour, and for many, this was just the beginning. The relationships they built with us could lead to future collaborations, paid opportunities, and connections with other artists, businesses, and creators. Through it all, Josh continually reminded us all to stay grounded, grateful, and humble. I made sure to echo that sentiment, encouraging each creative to keep learning and growing. It’s clear to me that the impact Visionize Media has on the community extends beyond content creation—it’s about inspiring and educating the next generation of storytellers.
To Josh Tatofi, thank you for trusting me with this vision and for allowing me to build something meaningful for creatives like myself. This workshop has fostered a small community of passionate, driven individuals who are committed to expanding their skills and pursuing their dreams. I also want to extend my gratitude to Josh’s production crew, his incredible band, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make each show a success. Finally, to the creatives who took the leap, joined us on this journey, and became a part of this story—thank you. I’m truly humbled by this experience, and I can’t wait to see what’s next as we continue to grow and share knowledge along the way. Here’s to more workshops, more stories, and more milestones together.
