(Photo Credit: Colin Field)

David Stewart’s career didn’t begin behind a camera. It started on ski slopes as a freestyle coach, fostering a love for motion, precision, and creativity. “I hired a videographer to capture my athletes’ progress, and I became fascinated with the process,” David recalls. Watching videos come together with some epic music to showcase the year of training had him in awe, planting the seeds for his next chapter after his broken leg ended his ski coaching career.

Despite the injury, his desire to stay connected to the slopes persisted. He picked up an amateur video camera and began filming his friends, embracing his new creative outlet. “It started as a hobby, just for fun. I wanted to stay out in the environment I loved,” he explains.

What began as a personal passion quickly evolved into a profession. Word spread, and David found himself filming weddings and refining his craft. “My first gig didn’t pay much—it was in Manchester, England, and basically covered my expenses. But I loved it,” he shares. Over the next five years, his wedding business flourished, transforming into a full-scale production with a team.

David’s unconventional path to media production relied on three key elements: “God, for giving me the opportunity; Brian Hunt, my mentor; and Youtube,” he laughs. “Back then, I was teaching myself everything—editing techniques, storytelling strategies, all of it. It was a lot of trial and error.”

Despite his growing success in the wedding industry, David was considering shutting down that side of his business.

“I realized I didn’t want to be tied down. Weddings book a year in advance, and I wanted to stay open to spontaneous opportunities, like a documentary or commercial projects,” he says. 

David Stewart Media pivoted, where he soon partnered with Ski TV, bringing a fresh, unconventional perspective to their programming. “They were used to a more traditional, old-school style, but I came in with new ideas. I wasn’t following any rules,” he explains. His work for Ski TV catapulted him into sports documentaries, commercials, and high-energy action sports projects. “I was doing what I loved—skiing and filmmaking—at the same time. It was a dream come true.”

With over 13 years in business, David’s career has taken him across the globe, from Tokyo to South Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Along the way, he’s tackled projects that blend art with impact. One particularly memorable experience involved documenting Rob Janoff, the designer of the iconic Apple logo. “It was surreal to follow his journey of creating the most recognized brand in the world. It’s a story that still resonates with me.”

Yet it’s his charitable work that truly speaks to his heart. “In the early days, I joined a mission organization to help refugees in developing nations as well as newcomers to Canada in low-income neighbourhoods. We travelled to high-needs areas, and I documented the journey to help raise awareness and funds,” he shares. For David, storytelling isn’t just about creativity; it’s about creating change. “At the end of the day, it’s about people. Video has the power to connect us and move us to action.”

David’s work isn’t limited to his professional pursuits. As a father of two who is actively involved in homeschooling, he’s found ways to integrate his family into his creative life. “My wife helps with creative decisions, and my kids have grown up surrounded by cameras. We document our family times together—it’s part of who we are,” he says.

Despite the demands of entrepreneurship, David values the freedom his business provides. “Being able to spend time with my family is one of the best parts of working for myself. I don’t take that for granted,” he reflects.

Looking ahead, David hopes to blend his creative work with his commitment to giving back. “One of my goals is to dedicate a month each year to charity projects with my family. I want my kids to see the importance of helping others,” he says. By telling the stories of underrepresented and marginalized organizations, David aims to provide them with an impactful way to tell their story. “Video is a powerful medium—if pictures speak a thousand words, video speaks 10,000.”

David Stewart’s journey from the slopes to the studio is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and creativity. “I didn’t set out to be here, but I’ve loved every step of the way, and I’m incredibly grateful,” he shares. Whether filming a corporate commercial, a sports documentary, or a charity mission, David’s work reflects his belief that authentic storytelling can inspire and connect us all.