Shooting for the stars

At just 19 years old, Jesse Marsters established his photography business, Marsters Media. Now at 23, the entrepreneur and Glen Innes local is on a mission to empower fellow rangatahi to tap their creativity, master their craft, and dream BIG like he has.

When I was a kid, I always carried my mum’s camera around, taking photos of whatever was in front of me. I eventually managed to save up from working after school to buy my own camera.

I didn’t know what to expect when I started my journey into photography. The idea that I could make enough money to pay my bills, whilst doing something I loved, was enough to make me happy.

I’ve lived in Glen Innes my whole life. My parents moved to the area in 2000 and as a family we live in the same house to this day. My dad is from the Cook Islands, my mum is Pākehā. I’ve built my entire life around the Tāmaki area – family, friends, work, gym, sport and my social life.

When I was 18, I was on the waiting list to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force. While I was waiting, I saw an ad from Tāmaki Regeneration Company looking for locals to help capture the area for upcoming campaigns. I responded to the ad expecting nothing to come from it but a few days later I was contacted and asked to get involved in their next shoot.

From that small opportunity I gained the confidence and the experience to commit myself full-time to photography – eventually opening and launching my business Marsters Media in 2020 and shortly after, Studio East.

Photography allows me to express my vision of the world. Working in Tāmaki means I have the ability to capture the area and the community in a way that I think best represents the people, the place and the culture.

I started Marsters Media a month before we went into the first Covid-19 lockdown. What followed was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Starting my own business at 19 meant I was met with a lot of skepticism. However, over time people became genuinely supportive.

I recognise now that being young is an advantage. Rangatahi need to remind themselves that they have grown up in a digital world. Social media and content creation is second nature to us. This puts rangatahi in a position that is valued. Confidence in your skillset and creativity is key.

One of the first things I was told when starting my own business was that I’d be working 24/7. That couldn’t be more true! I can’t just leave work at 5pm on Friday, and I can’t separate myself from my business when I’m at home. As the owner, the responsibility is on me. I’ve worked very long days for months at a time without any days off. I work most weekends. On the flip side, the best thing about owning my own business is the freedom that it allows me. I don’t have to ask for permission if I want to take time off.

Marsters Media has grown over the last three years. I am lucky enough to be able to hire employees and contractors when it gets really busy. I’ve had many opportunities shooting alongside some of my favourite sports teams, athletes and musicians and across Auckland, the country and the world. My ultimate dream is to grow Marsters Media into one of New Zealand’s leading creative agencies.

I want Studio East to be a resource for rangatahi in the Tāmaki area to learn and grow their creative skillset. I recognise that becoming a photographer or videographer isn’t cheap and the tools required to continue to grow aren’t easily accessible. I want Studio East to be a place that can offer those tools, teachings and the environment in which to support creative rangatahi and provide a pathway for them to find a career in the creative space.

To any rangatahi looking to get into the creative industry, my advice is to reach out to anyone creative, including business owners or individuals working with companies. You’ll get a lot of ‘no responses’ but you’ll also receive opportunities from a select few who are willing to give their time to help you get a foot up.

Some of my biggest opportunities have come from small conversations that over time built into friendships. Having a mentor is important. It’s tough to take this journey alone but being able to lean on and learn from others who have gone through the same experiences cannot be underestimated.”