We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brad Mitchell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brad thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I actually had a well-known photographer in the triangle area reach out to me, not only because he is a fraternity brother of mine (Shouts out to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc) but also because he saw the “eye” that I had for the craft and wanted to assist me in honing my skills. Thanks, Tim Bowser!!

I don’t regret the pace at which I learned photography. I believe everything happens for a reason. The skill that I always deem as most essential for photography is the basic understanding of lighting. This understanding also requires one to learn how to operate your camera MANUALLY. Manual operation allows for more crisp and precise images and can speed up your editing time once you get your images into your computer.

The biggest obstacle that can stand in your way of learning is COMPARISION. What I have learned is every photographer is different, focuses on a different niche, and has a different skill set. You have a unique opportunity in this field to actually create your own identity, but if you rush the process and compare your work to everyone else, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I actually began in the photography space as a student in high school. During my senior year, I had met all requirements to graduate and needed some “filler classes” to remain a full day/time student. I was fortunate enough to be able to take photography 1 & 2 that year. I kind of lost sight of doing photography in college but once Instagram emerged, I found myself not only taking pictures of myself but also of others a few years and a made-up mind later, I made the jump.

In my business, I offer photography services in all capacities. I am very experienced with weddings, maternity, family portraits, fashion, branding, event, and sports photography. Within these experiences, my goal is to create a product that would allow someone to understand the story and emotion tied to the images captured.

My business is called “Merged Visions Media”. I intentionally named my business this because this is the approach I use to help solve my client’s problems or meet their needs. I’ve typically run into 2 types of clients. First, is the client who knows exactly what they want their session to look like and has identified with my style of photography. Second, is the person who has the idea but doesn’t know exactly how to execute it visually. In these moments I don’t try to deter their ideas because it’s not fully thought out. I take pride in being able to “Merge Visions” with my client to bring their ideas to life.

I honestly don’t know what sets me apart from others. While I admire the work of other photographers, I focus on my own brand and how to continually evolve. I will say there are many cases where my clients become family and I get invited to more intimate events to do photography or to just simply show up.

Aside from the growth I have seen since I started my business 6 years ago, I am learning my gift of photography is also my ministry. I have a diverse range of conversations with my clients before, during, and after we shoot. You never know what people are going through, so outside of the business side, I do my best to encourage and uplift as well as share resources I may have in other areas that they have a need.

For potential clients, understand Merged Visions Media seeks to provide a memorable holistic experience for the clients we serve. I understand that capturing moments can have a lifetime of sentimental value and providing the highest quality images possible helps us to create that reality for you. For me, Photography is LIFE!! I find joy in being in my element. Being able to shape reality in the palm of my hands with a simple switching of gears and a push of a button is the most liberating feeling there is.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Remaining humble about my work and have the integrity to follow up on the standard I set with my clients. I have photographers reach a certain level of “fame” within their community and speak negatively of their counterparts. I witnessed these moments before I even took the craft seriously enough to transition it into a business. The responses I witnessed as a result were not always pretty. I made it my business to always remain humble no matter how much recognition or notoriety I obtain in this field. I personally do feel I am a strong and skilled photographer, but I am never too proud to have an up-and-coming photographer shadow me or answer any questions they have while they gain their footing. I was mentored by a great photographer so as I walk into greatness I feel a responsibility to reach back and do the same.

I have always made sure to follow through on whatever standard has been laid out with my clients when they book a session with me. I make sure to show up earlier than discussed, especially if I wasn’t able to scope out the location prior to the day of the session. During the session, I am making sure I execute every idea or plan that has been discussed and accepted by the client. In the post-session phase, I work diligently to ensure that my clients get clean and memorable photos that they will appreciate for the rest of their life.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth has always been my bread and butter. Nothing travels faster than the endorsement of a satisfied customer. Currently, I am working to provide an incentive program for my current clients if they are able to continue to send referrals my way. Social media has been my primary form of advertisement as well. I do my best to showcase my favorite images from recent sessions that I have had. I have realized that I may need to expand my manpower in the future. I see many photographers who have a “behind the scenes” person capturing images and videos of how they are interacting with their clients during various parts of the photo shoot.

Contact Info:

• Website: mergedvisionsmedia.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/mergedvisionsmedia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MergedVisionsMedia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCns8XL9I8kQ6PsMFdYo7GHQ

Image Credits
All Photos are property of Merged Visions Media