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

Josh, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Looking back on when I first embarked on my photography journey, I realize that I wish I had started sooner than I did. I actually created the social media account for my brand a whole year before I actually started using it. Prior to college, I would take pictures with friends, but during my freshman year, I didn’t use my camera at all. It just remained in my room. The time that passed could have been a period of growth and more opportunities. If I had continued instead of pausing during my freshman year, I would have been three and a half years into my photography journey by now. With that being said, I don’t regret it. I just know that I had the most time of my college journey on my hands at that time.

This is the start of my journey, and now my ideas are expanding. It would’ve opened my eyes sooner.

Josh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Let me take you back to my high school days when my fascination with cameras and photography first ignited. Like many others, I found myself immersed in the world of YouTube, following the lives of my favorite influencers. It was during this time that I developed an interest in cameras, particularly for videos and vlogging. The holiday season of 2019 was when I had my heart set on a MacBook. However, as we all know, MacBooks don’t come cheap, especially the Pro models. That’s when an idea hit me – why not ask for a camera instead? Fortunately, my parents were able to gift me one for Christmas.

As the year transitioned into 2020, little did I know that it would bring about significant changes in my photography journey. Just before the announcement that school would no longer be in-person, my friends and I started a routine. After school, we would venture into the city for lunch, capturing moments and making memories with our cameras. There’s something about exploring the cityscape that fueled the creative souls of my best friend and me. Coincidentally, around the same time, my best friend launched his own YouTube channel, and together we embarked on a thrilling adventure, camera in hand.

Oh, to add a little detail, right before heading off to college, I decided to give my social media presence a complete makeover. It was the perfect time for a rebrand, and I wanted a more professional name to reflect my evolving skills. And thus, JCMILL was born, along with the business handle ‘SHOTSBYJCMILL.’

Now, fast forward to the present. I made the decision to attend Savannah State for college, finding myself torn between the artistic allure of Savannah and the vibrant photography scene in Atlanta. For the past two years, ‘SHOTSBYJCMILL’ has been my identity, capturing breathtaking portraits, brand photography, and intimate events. My most common shoots involve solo sessions, catering to individuals who seek captivating birthday photos, impressive fashion moments, professional headshots, and more.

When it comes to working with clients, whether they’re new or returning, my biggest priority is to create a relaxed and enjoyable environment for them. I believe in breaking the ice, whether it’s through engaging conversations, playing their favorite music, or even injecting a bit of humor into the session. It’s essential for me to establish a connection and make them feel at ease. After all, when you feel comfortable in your own skin, it shines through in the final photographs, capturing the true essence of who you are.

In Savannah, some of my shoots take place in my personal studio. Even though clients are aware that they’re there for a photo session, it’s not uncommon for a hint of nervousness to creep in. That’s why it’s a must to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that every individual feels comfortable and confident throughout the shoot. I want you to be yourself and enjoy the experience, just as you envisioned when you were inspired to book the session.

When you choose me as your photographer, you’re not just getting someone behind the camera. I become your creative director, your collaborator, and your trusted friend throughout the process. I invest myself in every shoot, bringing my expertise and creative vision to the table. I’m here to make your shoot not just good but undeniably dope, capturing images that surpass your expectations and truly showcase your unique essence.

Being between Savannah and Atlanta has given me a unique advantage. It has allowed me to adapt and thrive in different environments, learning to harness the best of both cities. However, one of my upcoming goals is to establish myself as a prominent figure in the Atlanta photography scene. I want to be known for my craft, attracting the attention of brands and individuals who can benefit from my skills and expertise. It’s a mutual journey of growth and collaboration, where we can elevate each other to the next level.

What began as a passionate hobby has now blossomed into an official business. I am incredibly proud to have completed over a hundred shoots, each one a testament to my growth, dedication, and artistic vision. The journey has been incredible, and I am excited to see where my camera will take me next

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Absolutely, recognizing oneself as a creative and treating oneself with respect as a business owner is a crucial aspect of the journey. It’s important for others to understand that being a creative professional entails more than just a hobby or a casual pursuit. It requires dedication, effort, and a level of professionalism.

One of the things that non-creatives may struggle to grasp is the fluctuating nature of creative work. As a creative, there are highs and lows in terms of customer base, income, and general engagement. These aspects are often influenced by various factors, including seasons, trends, and people honestly. It’s important to maintain consistent effort and momentum to keep the business thriving, even during slower periods.
Another aspect that non-creatives may not fully comprehend is the time and effort involved in the behind-the-scenes work of photography. While a photo shoot itself may not take an extensive amount of time, the editing and other backend tasks can be quite time-consuming.

There are certain conversations and experiences that may be challenging to convey to non-creatives. The creative journey often comes with unique challenges, victories, and moments of inspiration that may be difficult for others to fully relate to or understand. In those instances, it’s best to seek understanding and support from fellow creatives who can empathize with your experiences and provide valuable insights.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first started my photography business, I decided to create a separate Instagram page dedicated solely to my brand. This allowed me to maintain a clear distinction between my personal identity and my professional work as “JCMILL.” At the beginning, I had zero followers, but I knew that defining my page was crucial. I wanted to answer the questions that a person might have when they first come across my page: Who am I, what do I do, and why should they be interested? To kickstart my growth, I shared a “coming soon” photo with my close friends and family. This simple act helped me gain my first few followers, I believe like 40 people or so people off rip came from that. Marking the first accomplishment in growing my social media presence.
From there, I focused on showcasing my work and building out my page. Whether you offer a service or a product, having visually appealing photos and compelling content is essential for attracting and engaging your audience.
Remember, your social media presence serves as a digital portfolio, so invest time in curating a professional and visually consistent feed.

To grab people’s attention, it’s important to intersect what you do with the interests of your audience. I leveraged popular events like Orange Crush in Savannah to capture photos and meet new people. I posted those photos within 24 hours to take advantage of the event’s social media engagement. It became my most liked post, showcasing the power of timely content. Attending such events allows you to tap into existing excitement and connect with a wider audience. By aligning your content with popular events, you can increase visibility, attract new followers, and foster engagement.

While not all ideas may reach the finish line, it’s valuable to brainstorm creative ways to capture the attention of potential customers, collaborators, and anyone who can support your growth.In addition to visual content, engagement with your audience is key. Respond to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely and authentic manner. Show appreciation for your followers and foster a sense of community by interacting with their content as well. Collaboration with other creatives or influencers in your industry can also help expand your reach and introduce your brand to new audiences.

Consistency is vital for building and maintaining an audience. Establish a regular posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Engage with your followers consistently and provide them with valuable content that aligns with their interests.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of analytics and insights. Pay attention to the data and metrics provided by the social media platforms you use. Analyze what types of content resonate most with your audience, which posts generate the most engagement, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Contact Info:

• Website: shotsbyjcmill.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: Shotsbyjcmill
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamatthews02/

Image Credits
All Photos included were taken by me, Josh Miller.