Today we’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Cid.
Hi Eduardo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into media wasn’t traditional — it’s built on a foundation of service, discipline, and storytelling. I’m a U.S. military veteran and a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Cleveland. I’ve spent years responding to emergencies and serving my community — but behind the scenes, I’ve always had a passion for visual storytelling.
Photography and videography started as a creative outlet for me — a way to decompress and capture the world through my own lens. Over time, that passion evolved into a business. I launched Cid Media Services to offer professional photo, video, and aerial media — combining technical precision with a creative eye. I’m a Part 107-certified drone pilot, and I’ve worked on everything from weddings to product launches, real estate, events, infrastructure projects, boudoir and portrait photography.
As a service-connected disabled veteran and a father of two — including a son with special needs — I know the value of resilience, adaptability, and connection. Every client I work with brings a story, and I take pride in helping them tell it authentically. Whether it’s capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment or helping a small business stand out, my mission is to deliver work that’s both meaningful and professional.
This isn’t just a side hustle — it’s a calling. And I’m just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Like most entrepreneurs, the road’s been anything but smooth — but every bump has shaped the path.
Balancing a full-time career as a firefighter and paramedic while building a media business has been a major challenge. My schedule isn’t a typical 9-to-5, so I’ve had to be creative and disciplined with my time — editing late at night, filming on weekends, and squeezing in client work between shifts.
On a personal level, I’m a disabled vet and a father to two amazing kids — one of whom has severe autism and epilepsy. Navigating that has taught me patience, perspective, and how to operate under pressure — skills I bring into every shoot and project. There have been moments where I felt overwhelmed, like I was juggling too much — but I always kept coming back to why I started this: to create, to serve, and to provide for my family doing something I love.
Learning the business side — pricing, contracts, client communication — was another learning curve. I had the creative and technical side down, but turning passion into something sustainable takes mentorship, research, and trial and error.
Despite all of it, I wouldn’t trade the journey. It’s made the work more meaningful — and the wins feel earned.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the founder of Cid Media Services, where I specialize in photography, videography, and aerial media for clients across Northeast Ohio. My work spans everything from weddings and portraits to commercial projects, drone mapping, and promotional content. I also shoot intimate portraiture and boudoir, which I approach with professionalism, discretion, and a focus on empowerment.
What I’m most known for is my ability to deliver clean, cinematic visuals with a high level of technical precision — whether I’m capturing emotion during a wedding, flying a drone over a construction site, or directing a creative shoot with a client. I bring a calm, confident energy to every project, which comes from years of experience as a firefighter, paramedic, and military veteran. I’m trained to operate in high-stress environments and that translates into how I handle demanding shoots, tight deadlines, and unexpected challenges.
What sets me apart is the mix of technical expertise, artistic vision, and a service-oriented mindset. I don’t just show up and shoot — I guide my clients through the process, help them feel comfortable, and deliver results that match their goals and aesthetic.
I’m proud of the trust people place in me to tell their stories. I’ve built this business from the ground up while balancing a career in public service and being a father to two kids. That journey has taught me resilience, empathy, and the value of doing work that matters. Every photo I take, every video I deliver — it all reflects that deeper purpose.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice: Start before you feel ready — and stay consistent. You don’t need the most expensive gear or a perfect plan. You just need to begin. Learn as you go, take pride in progress over perfection, and don’t be afraid to fail in public. Every mistake is a lesson — and those lessons compound over time.
I wish I had understood earlier how important the business side of creative work is. It’s not just about taking good photos or videos — it’s about client experience, communication, contracts, pricing, and professionalism. Mastering your craft is one thing. Turning it into something sustainable is another.
Also: Don’t compare your journey to others. Social media will always make it seem like everyone else is ten steps ahead. Focus on your voice, your growth, and your “why.”
Lastly — and maybe most important — stay grounded in service. Whether you’re creating art, documenting memories, or producing commercial work, you’re there to serve people. Lead with that mindset and success will follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cidmediaservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cidmediaservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cidmediaservices
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidmediaservices/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CidMediaServices
