We recently connected with Larry Miller Jr and have shared our conversation below.

Larry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

During my graduate program at Full Sail University, where I worked on my Media Design Masters, I gathered many tips and tricks when using programs such as photoshop, illustrator, and premiere pro. Out of all the tips that were given by instructors one stood out to me personally and has guided me since, in providing quality business to numerous amount of small businesses or entrepreneurs around the Dallas, TX metroplex. The one skill I still use till this day to help me keep sane is “file organization”. File organization really helps me as a creator find what i am looking for quickly and helps me in post production when editing. Naming the files correctly and using subfolders to separate different parts of a project helps with post production timing. Being able to quickly locate and grab the files I need is essential to my quick turnaround time as a photographer/videographer, which I believe sets me apart from many editors like myself. The normal turnaround time for photographers is believed to be 5-7 business days. Being organized shortens my turnaround time by two days (3-5 business days) for photos and under a week with video editing which could take some editors weeks. This alone has scaled my business to what it is today along with building different skills outside of being in school and finding what works for me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I got into the photography and film industry about four years ago. I bought my first camera (canon t6 rebel) and decided to do some video work for my cousin (Kia Leiani) at one of here video shoots. She saw what I was capable of and invited me numerous of times to film her music video short for her. Although I was very good at shooting and editing, I had a lot to learn and the reimbursement for my time editing and shooting was not aligning with my financial goals. My cousin understood and that’s when I went out to seek other gigs that I exchange my time and effort for money. I stumbled across a woman named (Sweet Savage) who at the time was working for Galaxy 9. A company who brings in local and out-of-state artist to perform at venues. Luckily I had my camera around my neck at the time we met because the company had just been told that their videographer for the night could not make it. Well, after discussing with Sweet Savage that I also shoot videos she asked me to come with her and brought me to a woman named Mokah Soul Fly who was one of the heads over production for Galaxy 9. She asked could i do a 1=2 minute recap video of the night, and that is when everything changed. Given the opportunity to showcase my skills was a big break in my career, especially now that it was a well known company. I provided them the video and from then on I was recognized as a videographer for Galaxy 9. Throughout my two years I worked for the company building up my video portfolio. A client who found me on instagram asked if I could do photos as well. Although I was no expert in photos at the time I still accepted the challenge. When I gave the photos back to the client, she asked for more edits because they were so good, that’s when a lightbulb went off in my head. I could literally make more income if I provided photos as well as videos to my future clients. This is what got everything started with me becoming a known figure in this industry. Now my company provides services such as: Photography(Mostly All Categories), Videography(Mostly All Categories), and Graphics. I am mostly known for my portrait photography and headshots being very well edited and clean while bringing a natural look. The problems I solve for clients are normally undistinguished creative direction for what they are looking for. Clients usually ask for consultation on what I think would be a great scenery and or props for photos or direction in a creative video they want to achieve. I solve these problems by coming up with a visual story timeline sketches and/or inspirational boards filled with inspiration for the photos or video they want. I am most proud of establishing a business that can flourish and also my motivation and dignity with in the business. My professionalism is unmatched and I am a great team player. I would like potential clients to know that when you book with Don Photography and Film LLC you are not just another client, you are special and will be treated as such. Your session with us will be specialized just for you. Don Photography and Film LLC is all about quality and transparency. Having a connection with clients is our number one goal. If we can figure out who you are as a person, your goals and morals. We can connect with you on a level that will help us succeed in bringing your vision for your company or brand to life.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

The list goes on and on with this particular question as I am still finding resources till this day I wish I had earlier in my journey. i wish I knew the importance of a website, having retainer clients to generate steady income monthly, and having a virtual assistant to answer any questions when you can not. These are some of the resources I wish I knew about when I first started.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I feel as if NFTs will become the future sooner than later. I believe it will create an even better opportunity for creators out there, especially photographers and videographers. Because we create once in a lifetime memories that are priceless at a snap or push a button. NFTs would allow creators to sell their once in a life time photos or videos to buyers around the world. Soon instagram will just be a portfolio platform to show off what Photo NFTs photographers have taken and owned as a means to sell or brag(flex as we call it now). NFTs are the future of photography and video hands down.

Contact Info:

• Website: Donphotography.net
• Instagram: donphotographyllc
• Facebook: Don Photography & Film LLC
• Twitter: LMILL5
• Youtube: Don Photography

Image Credits
Onome Eliza Galloway Alyssa May