Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Camron Finney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Camron, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be successful it takes courage and determination. Accepting a path where nothing is given or guaranteed. A path that comes with so many different twists and turns. It truly takes a strong mind to take a leap of faith. We’ve always been told to have a Plan B, a plan constructed just in case Plan A doesn’t work out. In doing so it’s almost as if we’ve started to developed a mental crutch in our head, a safety rope that we can pull on at any given moment to retreat back to safety when the mission gets tough. To be successful is to completely remove that mental crutch in your life and fully commit and follow your dream. There can be no turning back or self doubt, but confidence in every move you make. Sometimes there has to be sacrifice to do what you love full time. If you don’t ever take that leap you’ll never know failure or success.

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

I had been shooting video and taking photos on and off since I was about 14. Whether it was making videos to post on YouTube to my 20 subscribers or just exploring downtown, Fort Worth and taking photos with friends, I always had my hands on a camera. I never saw it as a passion or a career path, but a hobby that I much enjoyed. I just didn’t think it could take me anywhere. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for 80s and 90s culture, especially the music and all things analog. That appreciation has helped shape me into who I am today. June 27th, 2021, Dj Screw Day, would be the night that would change my life forever. Every last Sunday of the month, my uncle (DJ Sober) and Jessi Supreme would host a party called Paradise at a small bar in Dallas, Texas. Take in mind at the time I’m only 19, so my hopes of even stepping foot in Paradise was out of the equation. I would just get to see a few photos and videos online, but that was enough to let me know that Paradise was something special. So I was definitely surprised when I got that call from my uncle asking if I’d want to attend the next Paradise. Of course I asked if I could bring one of my life long friends along, in which he replied “yes” and after that it was history. That night, still to this day, would be the craziest night ever and a night that me and my brother still talk about. I felt like once I stepped foot into Paradise I was at home and soon realized I finally found the creative pocket that I’d been searching for my whole life. That night I was introduced to so many new faces and people that I would later build relationships with. It truly was one of the best nights ever. I brought my video camera out that night and captured the whole party, but by the end of the night after being introduced to Oscar Lozada, one of the best photographers Dallas has to offer, I was determined to get my hands on a film camera. Between him and my uncle, they both inspired me to start taking photos again with a passion and a purpose, and of course this time I’d do it using 35mm film. The very next day I went to the antique mall and bought my very first film camera. Jessi would always let me know how important it was to document all these parties, so I did. I would attend nearly every Paradise after that, taking photos and capturing all the best moments for the next 2 years until it was over. Which I’m excited to say I’ve got something coming soon for those who’ve partied in Paradise. To some my photos are just cool photos, but to me they’re pieces of history. Over the years i’ve had the pleasure of capturing so many local parties or any events my uncle could get me into. Whether I was getting paid or not, I was hungry and just wanted to build my portfolio and capture moments in time for everyone to look back on. Photography has opened so many doors in my life and has took me down different avenues. I would later venture out and start doing more photoshoots for people, establishing a style recognized by all, buying Technic turntables, and collecting records and CDs. I simply just love taking photos and all things creative, so I do just about anything and everything. I love when people present to me a vision they want to portray, and need my eye and expertise to help capture it. I do like to think I work a bit different from most photographers. I love the candid and raw moments in life, people in their true element, so I stray away from posing and directing my clients, unless need be. I listen to every idea and help them figure out the best way to portray their vision. They are the artist, I’m just there to capture the masterpiece. I take so much pride in my work and would love to do it full time. Soon everyone will want a photo by Cam.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Countless nights of taking photos of people and my friends at different parties. The best advice is to always get the instagram and tag the people you take photos of in hopes they repost your work. So now your photos are not only being showed to your following on social media, but also the following of the people you took photos of. it’s all about exposure. Even now I’m still building my audience on social media, but I definitely found my pocket of people where I fit in. That for sure has helped me build my audience. Knowing who you’re posting too. Also just stay true to yourself and present that online to your viewers. Give them a reason to not only get to know you, but your work as well.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

What’s most rewarding is the relationships that I’ve built. I’ve had so many opportunities to meet new people and collaborate with different minds. I love what I do and enjoy seeing the feedback from all of my photos.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camronfinney

Image Credits

Myself, Camron Finney