Peter Caswell on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Peter Caswell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Peter, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Typically I wake up do the normal brush teeth, rinse my face, drink some water and stretch. I like to start by either doing a 10 minute meditation, or reading. I do both activities just not always in the same order. I like to center myself and feel confident going into the day. Reading helps activate my brain, I also read before I go to bed. I change books and topics a lot so I usually choose from three completely different books to read from. And as I finish one I pick another for the rotation.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Peter Caswell. In the photo/video realm I have a business called Tremendous Visuals. Only a couple people call me Tremendous but it’s a nickname I got from my brother’s friend in high school that just kinda stuck with me.

I like to say I’m a moment magician. I really love taking the time to capture that moment for people, of nature, of shows and concerts. I spent a lot of time really trying to find myself and how art shaped me.

I worked for a few companies where I was a media producer which meant I did everything from beginning to end. Video, motion graphics, photos, scriptwriting, storyboarding, etc.

Now I am just doing my best to stay creative and move forward. I also sing and play bass in a band called Gemm. So I like being on stage just as much as I love to capture those on it as well.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think, as funny as it sounds, my perfectionism helped me a lot growing up. I think it coincided with my drive and passion and helped fuel it. While it definitely stopped me from doing things out of fear of failure, I think some of it helped me charge through to really dive into things and go for it. I couldn’t just pick something up and be okay at it or just casual. If I wanted to do something I went for it, 100%, and didn’t stop until I got there.

Now I think it’s something that I don’t need, nor provides me positive results. I think it’ll not only stop me from moving forward because of fear of failure, but I think it also isn’t beneficial in an energy exchange with others. So it’s time to let it go, and really channel my drive and passion.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. It’s impossible for anyone to say they’ve never had those moments of being done. I think humans in general fight for themselves and their passions constantly and it can be exhausting.

It’s really easy to feel disheartened and discouraged when you’ve been pushing and pushing for so long, and results aren’t what we’re hoping for.

I think that’s the secret though, instead of aiming and zooming in on the end result, we have to zoom out and focus on the path to getting there. Those are the moments that kept us going, those are the moments where we were so strong and overcoming obstacles. If we don’t recognize those moments, and only see the end, if it doesn’t turn out how we initially hoped, of course we’ll feel like failing and giving up.

I think most of the time if we can just check in on ourselves before we get the end result, even if it isn’t how we originally envisioned it, we’ll be more than satisfied with it and ourselves.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d like to think so. I try my best to be the same across the board whether online or in person.

I’ve shared stories of my mental health, I’ve been vulnerable in lots of spaces. On stage, in songs, in groups, or even just with one friend. I’m always trying to help others and just want people to feel seen and loved.

I try my best to get better every day, my grandpa always tells me, be positive, find the good and keep moving. He’s 94. Still drives, builds furniture, helps with my kids, so I’d say, he’s got it right.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Two places come to mind. I love the ocean. There’s something about the ocean that really helps me feel connected to the universe. Sure sun sand and fun are great but I can just sit and stare at the waves, with a cool breeze, and the sun lowering and feel like everything I’ve ever needed is happening in that moment.

I think the second place is with my family. Even if everyone is just sitting enjoying silence or their own devices, I feel safe and secure. I feel like the moment is exactly what I needed, time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tremendousvisuals.com/
• Instagram: @Tremendousvisuals
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tremendousvisuals

Image Credits
All images belong to me, Peter Caswell, Tremendous Visuals