Meet Natho & Plex: Founders of ThisIsOGMedia
Nathaniel “Natho” Tate and Leonardo “Plex” Maxwell are the dynamic duo behind ThisIsOGMedia, a Black-owned media company based in Sacramento, CA, also known by their LLC name, Only Gold Medals. With a shared passion for photography and videography, Natho and Plex have spent over a decade creating stunning visuals that capture authentic stories, moments, and experiences.
Natho developed his love for cameras from his mother, a creative force who always encouraged him to express himself through art. When Natho entered college, he began hustling with photos and videos, using his skills to support himself and his education. His early days in the industry were all about learning and building confidence, particularly through his partnership with Plex, whose extensive experience in the field gave Natho the edge he needed to succeed.
Plex, on the other hand, discovered his love for visual storytelling after serving time in 2005. Already an accomplished beat maker, Plex pivoted to photography during a photo shoot with rapper Keak the Sneak. A simple twist of the camera's viewfinder sparked a passion for videography, and from that moment on, Plex quickly became a pioneer in Sacramento's hip-hop photography and video scene. His neutral stance within the city's turbulent landscape earned him a unique position, allowing him to thrive while keeping peace with different neighborhoods.
The two met through a mutual associate, Black Nino, at the grand opening of the Upper Level Clothing Store in South Sacramento. Both were filming separate music videos when Bam introduced them, recognizing how well their strengths would complement each other. Plex’s street smarts and Natho’s technical expertise made for a powerful combination, and their friendship soon blossomed into a business partnership that has lasted over ten years.
Together, Natho and Plex have built a company that emphasizes wellness, growth, and creativity. Their mantra is "Gold Medals Only," a philosophy that pushes them to excel in everything they do, be it photography, videography, or client care. They don’t just strive for excellence—they expect it from themselves and those they work with.
Client care is at the heart of their business. Natho and Plex prioritize clear communication, personal trust, and building lasting relationships. They’re dedicated to going above and beyond for their clients, ensuring each project exceeds expectations and that clients feel heard and valued throughout the process. Plex, in particular, believes in forming friendships with clients, emphasizing that business is about more than just transactions—it's about connection and community.
As a Black-owned business, Natho and Plex are committed to representing diverse voices and telling authentic Black stories through their work. They’ve made it a priority to document a wide range of Black experiences, ensuring representation across shades, sizes, genders, and sexual orientations. Their goal is to challenge misconceptions about Black-owned businesses by delivering excellence and professionalism in every project.
Looking ahead, Natho and Plex are focused on scaling their business, adding more directors, editors, and photographers to their team, and venturing into larger projects such as TV, cinema, and documentaries. Their future is full of promise, with plans to leave their mark on the entertainment industry while continuing to serve their core clients in music and beyond.
With roots in Sacramento, Natho and Plex are available to shoot in Sacramento, the Bay Area, and LA, offering a wide range of services that span across music videos, photography, corporate media, and more. Whether you're an individual, artist, or brand, ThisIsOGMedia is ready to bring your vision to life with skill, passion, and a relentless drive for gold.
Natho developed his love for cameras from his mother, a creative force who always encouraged him to express himself through art. When Natho entered college, he began hustling with photos and videos, using his skills to support himself and his education. His early days in the industry were all about learning and building confidence, particularly through his partnership with Plex, whose extensive experience in the field gave Natho the edge he needed to succeed.
Plex, on the other hand, discovered his love for visual storytelling after serving time in 2005. Already an accomplished beat maker, Plex pivoted to photography during a photo shoot with rapper Keak the Sneak. A simple twist of the camera's viewfinder sparked a passion for videography, and from that moment on, Plex quickly became a pioneer in Sacramento's hip-hop photography and video scene. His neutral stance within the city's turbulent landscape earned him a unique position, allowing him to thrive while keeping peace with different neighborhoods.
The two met through a mutual associate, Black Nino, at the grand opening of the Upper Level Clothing Store in South Sacramento. Both were filming separate music videos when Bam introduced them, recognizing how well their strengths would complement each other. Plex’s street smarts and Natho’s technical expertise made for a powerful combination, and their friendship soon blossomed into a business partnership that has lasted over ten years.
Together, Natho and Plex have built a company that emphasizes wellness, growth, and creativity. Their mantra is "Gold Medals Only," a philosophy that pushes them to excel in everything they do, be it photography, videography, or client care. They don’t just strive for excellence—they expect it from themselves and those they work with.
Client care is at the heart of their business. Natho and Plex prioritize clear communication, personal trust, and building lasting relationships. They’re dedicated to going above and beyond for their clients, ensuring each project exceeds expectations and that clients feel heard and valued throughout the process. Plex, in particular, believes in forming friendships with clients, emphasizing that business is about more than just transactions—it's about connection and community.
As a Black-owned business, Natho and Plex are committed to representing diverse voices and telling authentic Black stories through their work. They’ve made it a priority to document a wide range of Black experiences, ensuring representation across shades, sizes, genders, and sexual orientations. Their goal is to challenge misconceptions about Black-owned businesses by delivering excellence and professionalism in every project.
Looking ahead, Natho and Plex are focused on scaling their business, adding more directors, editors, and photographers to their team, and venturing into larger projects such as TV, cinema, and documentaries. Their future is full of promise, with plans to leave their mark on the entertainment industry while continuing to serve their core clients in music and beyond.
With roots in Sacramento, Natho and Plex are available to shoot in Sacramento, the Bay Area, and LA, offering a wide range of services that span across music videos, photography, corporate media, and more. Whether you're an individual, artist, or brand, ThisIsOGMedia is ready to bring your vision to life with skill, passion, and a relentless drive for gold.