Trust and Authenticity Go a Long Way
April Summers
Features Writer Little Black Book
I grew up behind the counter at Orsini’s, my family’s deli, selling sausage and slicing cold cuts while chatting with whoever walked through the door. It was a crash course in reading people, making them feel comfortable, and keeping things moving—basically, directing before I even knew what that was. Those early days taught me how to connect with people fast, which is still the most important part of what I do. Turns out, growing up in a deli was the perfect training ground for telling real, human stories.
That mix of people skills and curiosity became the base of my style. I started out shooting film, which taught me a lot about patience, connection, and getting the shot right in-camera. As still shoots got bigger and digital video took off, it just made sense to bring motion into the mix. One thing led to another, and directing while shooting stills side by side just became natural—same mindset, just more moving parts (literally).
Those early deli days really made it clear how important trust is. I’ve learned that when the crew, the talent—everyone—feels comfortable and supported, that’s when the real magic happens. When people trust me to make them look and sound their best, they let their guard down. And that’s when the good stuff shows up on camera—those honest, human moments that actually stick with you..
The Fusion of Still and Motion
What sets my work apart is the dual focus on directing video and capturing still photography. I collaborate with a DP who films the video while I shoot stills and get the story simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and maintaining visual consistency.
One of the most meaningful projects in my career has been my long-term involvement with the Fisher House Foundation. Telling the stories of wounded veterans and their families has deepened my empathy and understanding. Filming Paralympic swimmer Elizabeth Marks, who was injured while serving in Iraq, was one particular experience that truly put my interpersonal skills to the test.
This 15 year collaboration exemplifies the importance of connecting with people and understanding their environments to tell authentic, heartfelt stories. It required navigating sensitive conversations with empathy and trust.
With brands needing more content than ever, I feel lucky to be in a spot where I can shoot both stills and video with a consistent look and feel, all in one take. That kind of efficiency—and visual continuity—is only becoming more important. I’m still just as excited about telling stories as I was when I picked up my first camera. Whether it’s motion or stills, for me, it all comes back to connection. The tools might evolve, but capturing something honest and human? That’ll always be the heart of what I do.
