Chris LeCrone's Elevated Perspective

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how engagement actually works on social media. It’s not really about having the best camera or even the flashiest edit...Though that stuff helps. It’s about connection. You have to build an audience around something real. Something you actually care about, and something you know. For me, that’s Peoria and drone video. I’ve been posting videos of my city multiple times a week for the past year(ish), and I do it because I genuinely love it. But once you have that core, that truth people can feel...The next part is figuring out how to get people to actually interact. That’s where it gets fun. The trick is knowing how to stir the pot just enough. I’m not talking about fake drama or making people mad for no reason. I’m talking about using a little sarcasm, a little humor, and a bold caption to catch attention. My go-to move? Say something outrageous in the hook "The most hated city in the country,” “A place with nothing to see,” or even “The most ...

It’s wild how quickly things can change. Just last week, I was riding momentum with a few really promising leads and then seemingly overnight, everything went quiet. With the new tariffs and market swings recently occouring, a lot of prospective clients are suddenly pausing, reevaluating, or just ghosting entirely. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the air, and you can feel it in how people are spending. Even I’m feeling it in unexpected ways. I’ve been keeping an eye on a new drone release...something that could really level up my aerial capabilities and a drone I will be buying when it is released... But it’s now been delayed again. It was originally supposed to drop April 24th, but with DJI being a Chinese company, these new tariffs have pushed the release back to May 13th (if we’re lucky). It’s frustrating, but also just a sign of the times. That said, I’m really grateful to still be working closely with my retainer clients... Those relationships have been key in maintaining cons...

It’s been a minute since I last posted on the blog, about a week off. As I continue my work, It’s always motivating to know that my creations resonate with others, especially when it’s among such talented people.  One of the biggest things on my plate right now is a project I’m incredibly excited about. I’ve been chosen to create an image that will be displayed in the newly renovated courthouse here in Peoria, Illinois. The project is particularly special because it’s going to be a huge, 19-foot wide by 8-foot tall wall piece. The image we think will work best at this point in time is a sunset shot of our city with the courthouse in the middle ground. This is more than just a photo as it’s going to become a part of Peoria’s history. I’m pumped about being able to contribute to something so meaningful, and it’s truly an honor to have my work showcased in such a prominent public space. Courthouse Image   In addition to that, I’ve been busy creating some call to action ads for a...

Spring break was anything but a break for me. Instead of relaxing, I was busy laying the groundwork for what’s shaping up to be an incredibly packed summer. As I roll into my last two months of classes, I’m also ramping up my business, making sure everything is in place for my full client schedule when graduation hits. My monthly workflow is taking shape with a solid structure... Each of my retainer clients will have one strategy and analytics session per month, two shoot days, and receive deliverables of curated social media reels. Right now, I have four retainer clients locked in, and I’m already booking a variety of events that will carry me above full time work. It’s an exciting time, and I’m happy to see how much I have grown my business in the last year. On top of that, I received an exciting opportunity from Big Picture Peoria. They asked me to submit six photos for a chance to have my work displayed on a building on Washington Street that currently hold a couple of murals. They...

As promised a few weeks ago, I’m excited to share that I’ve finished my video show reel. It’s a collection of everything I’ve created, a visual summary of the projects that I have put my time, creativity, and energy into. For months now, I’ve been wanting to put together a reel that truly represents my work, but I kept pushing it off, always chasing the next project. But I finally made it happen. This show reel isn’t just a highlight reel...it’s a reflection of the journey I’ve been on, the skills I’ve developed, and the businesses I’ve helped along the way. The goal was simple... Create something dynamic, engaging, and authentic. I wanted it to not only showcase the work I’ve done but also tell a story... One that reflects my style, my approach, and the impact I aim to make with each project. From ad campaigns to drone projects, the reel pulls together some of my best visuals to show what I can do for businesses looking to elevate their marketing. Through cinematic style and attent...

This week I’m excited to share a new project I’m working on that combines my passion for storytelling and visual media with a cause that truly matters within our community. We are helping the Peoria Fire Department recruit new firefighters, specifically within the African American community. The Peoria Fire Department was looking for a media agency that could build a powerful new recruitment campaign aimed at increasing diversity within its ranks. To make this campaign impactful, the department is producing a series of commercials and social media ads (Organic and Paid) that highlight the stories of African American firefighters already serving in Peoria. This campaign isn’t just about hiring, it’s about representation and visibility. By showcasing real experiences, the goal is to inspire individuals who may have never considered a career in firefighting. These stories will emphasize the dedication, teamwork, and community impact that come with the job, making it clear that the fire d...