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

Alright, Israel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking risks is how we grow as artists. Whether we realize it or not risks always push us to be greater and put us in higher positions to succeed. My biggest risk that I have taken was picking up a camera and curating art in the first place. When I picked up the camera for the first time, it gave me a sense of freedom but what I was not aware of is how many risks I would have to take throughout this profession. Telling my parents that this is what I want to do not only now but for the remainder of my life, prioritizing shoots and personal projects over my schoolwork, and just choosing everyday to keep on creating even though I have no idea if my passion can reach the prosperity I believe it can. My life’s work can be seen as a risk.

Israel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Israel Adé Miller and I am 19 year old videographer/photographer. My Birthday is November 4th, 2003 so by the time this interview comes out I may be 20 years old already. I have been an artist for 4 years but I just started filming my own videos and taking pictures for about 2 and a half years. I first began editing videos when I was 16 years old in high school but it was not until I moved to Detroit , Michigan where I got my first camera thanks to my uncle. I still use that same camera and I like to do all types of work, from filming documentaries highlight reels, behind the scenes, creative directing, and taking all kind of pictures that range from baby showers to clothing brand photoshoots.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my main goal driving my creative journey is to inspire as many people as I can. I remember when I used to be scared to dive into my passion and I want to show others to not be like that. I believe there is art in all of us, so I want those that are already thinking about tapping into their artistic ability, to do so without any second thoughts. I also want to inspire the youth as well. Growing up it was very rare that I would see anybody with creative dreams around me. It was either play a sport or go to school; when I found out that I had a talent different from those two I knew I had to put my all into it. With me doing this I want the kids, especially African American kids to see and be aware of the fact that you can be anything you want to in this world and there is no cap to the amount of success that you can have. My favorite thing about being an artist is when kids walk up to me while I’m taking pictures and ask what I do. It brings me so much joy and I really believe that I’m making an impact in the ways I want to and God has given me the ability to.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I have three aspects that are most rewarding if I’m being completely honest. The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is when people take the time out of their day to watch or admire the art I have created. I love what I do and I put myself into my art. My thoughts and my feelings go into whatever I create, so when people tell me how much they like a video I curated or pictures I took it really means the most because for one, they took the time to watch or appreciate what I have created and two because that means I’m appreciated as well as the art, due to the fact that the art is me. Another thing that is very rewarding is when I have captured a moment of someone’s life or properly portrayed a vision someone had and they are happy with the outcome. Seeing their face light up with excitement or joy is something I will never take for granted. Last but not least, when others tell me how I have inspired them to pick up a camera, start creating, or just to be their authentic self. I always take those messages to heart because at the end of the day I am just being me so they also inspire me as well to continuing being my most organic and authentic self.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://4ahdae.pixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayupahdae/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPaAonVI6CC5eYNVMijkd5g

Image Credits
All pictures are taken by me, Israel Miller