Welcome back to the Snapdragon Insiders Spotlight Series, where tech enthusiasts from around the world share how they tap into the power of Snapdragon to create incredible content while dropping a few pro tips along the way.

This month, we’re spotlighting Joshua (@_joshuatimothy on Instagram), a photographer, videographer, drone operator, and all-around creative force based in Salt Lake City. From stunning portraits to sweeping nature shots and even music videos, Joshua’s work is a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets Snapdragon technology.

Learn more about his work, some of his best tricks of the trade, and how devices powered by Snapdragon help give him a creative edge.

What does it mean to you to be a Snapdragon Insider, and how did you get involved in the community?  

I got a new Microsoft Surface laptop in 2024, and like any new device, getting the most out of it came with a bit of a learning curve. So I looked for other tech-enthusiasts who could help, and that’s when I discovered Snapdragon Insiders.

Joining a passionate community made learning together a lot of fun. Me and other Snapdragon Insiders from around the world traded tips and tricks, showed off personal projects, and supported each other.

To me, that’s what being a Snapdragon Insider is all about — building a community driven by tech, creativity, and togetherness.

Have you attended any events as a Snapdragon Insider? 

Earlier this year I had the amazing opportunity to fly out to LA for the GRAMMY’s Producers and Engineers Wing Celebration.

The best part of the night was hanging out with the team behind Snapdragon Sound™ Technology Suite and hearing the true power of the Snapdragon^® X2 Elite processor in audio and AI processing. I also got to experience lossless music over Bluetooth^® wireless technology with Qualcomm^® aptX^™ Lossless Technology. Normally you need a cord to get that kind of sound clarity! This is something you have to experience for yourself.

The next day, Snapdragon took us behind the scenes at the GRAMMYs on a tech tour to see what goes into putting on a production on that scale. They bring in the best in the biz, and it was cool to see how they use tech to tackle what seems impossible.

Tell us about your work. What first drew you to it? 

After graduating from college with a degree in Communications, I knew I wanted to create content for brands. I focused on video production and started learning everything I could to tell stories through my work. 

I focus on educational and brand content, as well as lifestyle photography. I’m a licensed drone pilot, and as a hobby I love to take my drone to the mountains or desert and hone my landscape photography. 

Tell us about something you’ve created with a device powered by Snapdragon.

One of the coolest projects that I’ve worked on was a music video for Andrea Sharp for her song, “Damsel.” I edited it entirely on my Microsoft Surface Laptop powered by Snapdragon X Elite. 

For this video, I wanted to show people that you don't need expensive camera gear to start creating. I wanted to push my devices to the limit, so I filmed it entirely on a mobile phone (with a few drone shots, of course).

I loved that I could help an up-and-coming artist create a beautiful music video for such a touching song while showing other creators that they can make amazing things with the gear that they already have. 

Why did you choose a device powered by Snapdragon?

A project this large and demanding requires a powerful processor like the Snapdragon X Elite. It also needs software optimized for Snapdragon technology. That’s why I used Davinci Resolve.

I also loved that with the Snapdragon X Elite processor, I had full editing power on battery. On some other devices, your laptop has to be plugged in to get the most out of it. But I often edit on the go, sometimes working for long periods at a time. The Snapdragon X Elite not only gives you more hours of unplugged editing, but the full power to edit without slowing down. That’s a game changer for anyone in a creative field!

Can you give us some tips or tricks for using devices powered by Snapdragon to create?  

Here are my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your device powered by Snapdragon:

1.     Learn to run AI models locally (PCs powered by Snapdragon are built to handle it!): Download and Run local AI models using software like Nexa AI to brainstorm, plan, work through, and organize local files, etc. This allows you to use AI on the go when internet is not available. It’s also processed securely and privately on device, protecting your privacy.

2.     Use software supported by Snapdragon to take full advantage of your NPU: Using Windows on Snapdragon will speed up your workflow. Software like Moises and Ableton for music and sound, Luminar Neo and Affinity for photos, and Davinci Resolve for videos are all optimized for the Snapdragon X Elite series, allowing you to take advantage of the Qualcomm^® Hexagon^™ NPU.

3. Choose your power level: Devices powered by Snapdragon X Series give you multiday* battery life and still dish out content like no other piece of tech out there. But for those moments you need even more speed, set the Power Mode to Best Performance  (Settings > System > Power & battery > Best Performance.) It doesn't matter whether you are on battery or plugged in; the Snapdragon X Elite processor will give you everything you need to tackle your biggest projects.

 Stay tuned! More Snapdragon Insider Spotlights are coming soon.

*Battery life varies significantly based on device, settings, usage, and other factors.