We're back in the booth with another season of Cultural Combos, and what better way to kick off than with a special edition? Philly Tech Week or PTW is a week-long celebration of technological innovation in the greater Philadelphia area, across multiple industries including fintech, esports/gaming, programming, and STEM/STEAM education. We had the pleasure of speaking with Rhuwell Samano (Rhuvisuals) about his journey in the visual arts, photography, videography, and how his recent move to Philadelphia coincided with the 15th anniversary of Philly Tech Week.
Originally from New York City, Rhuwell moved to Philadelphia just this spring and hit the ground running, We'd actually just met 3 days prior to recording this episode, where it felt as if I was on the other side of the interview. Rhuwell's interest in the arts and now gaming was renewed as he started to feel at home in Philadelphia much faster than he was expecting, remarking that it was a nice change of pace to have people \"supporting each other, and showing each other how to do things and bring each other up\", and how that's helped shift his focus to enjoying the moments and keeping it lighthearted. From starting out with the family camcorder and making mini movies that featured his childhood toys and action figures, Rhuwell started to get more serious about shooting during the rise of YouTube and the early days of video blogging with his friends in the local breakdancing scene, upgrading from a pocket camera to a more traditional point and shoot.
\"I figured I'll get a better camera and then it can look better on YouTube. I got a Canon Z3i which was like a starter, consumer camera but it looked more serious. So once I got that I was like, ok I can build off this and started getting all the add-ons, like the lights and reflectors and hooked it up. Anybody that wanted any kind of like video or photo, I was like yo, lemme get in on that.' Just because I thought it was fun, and still do to this day!\"
Keeping fun at the forefront has been part of Rhuwell's personal philosophy, as he recalled having to sell his first camera during tough times and how it felt like literally selling his passion. As he's grown in his journey as an artist, and as a person; he reminds himself to stay present and focus on what's in front of him rather than getting caught up on going to the next thing. Staying mindful while staying busy is a tough goal, but he's more than up to the task; by the time you all hear this one, he's already shot the Go For Broke FGC Monthly, Fan Expo Philly 2025, and is already building out one hell of a portfolio right here in the City of Brotherly Love . Ladies, gents, and most fine of the non-bine; we hope you enjoy a candid conversation about growth, doubt, getting back to your inner child, and doing what's cool because you think it's cool.
Keep up with Rhuwell and check out his latest projects below:
Instagram: @RHUVISUALS
Threads: Rhuvisuals
(Episode cover image courtesy: Rhuwell \"Rhuvisuals\" Samano, 2025 via Instagram)
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