We were lucky to catch up with Montez Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.
Montez , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
My grandmother is my biggest inspiration and hero. She came from a small town in Alabama raised multiple children as a single mother for a lot of that time. The thing I admire the most about her is her resilience, her drive, her consistency, her love for family her strength and knowledge.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I didn’t start out as a photographer or even a gamer. I come from a corporate background. Upper level management in hospitality and retail. One day I had enough of the corporate hussle and bustle and being told when and where to be. Spending hours upon hours with little to no vacation , recognition, etc. so I left a very good corporate job in order to become a professional gamer. I built up my online presence from the ground up. Competing in multiple tournaments and make public appearances etc. how I ultimately feel in to photography. Well I was diagnosed with cancer and it just wasn’t feasible for me to spend multiple hours upon hours in front of a computer screen steaming for hundreds and hundreds of people. I picked up a camera and at first it was a hobby. Then it became a passion which then led to a career.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The story itself shows my resilience. Leaving a six paying job to persue something many, including family said was crazy. But I had spoken to multiple people in the gaming industry. They convinced me I had what it took and I took it and ran with it and never looked back.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the height of my flourishing gaming career. I went to the doctor one day after experiencing lots of discomfort after a workout session only to be told I had cancer. It was a devastating blow. I had to undergo multiple rounds of chemo and radiation. So being in front of a camera for 10-12 hours a day while I was going thru that was not an option. I picked up a camera and starting with shooting pictures of things around the neighborhood on walks I would take. Shortly after I began taking pics of family and friends. Then someone noticed online I commissioned my first paid job and been in the field ever since.
Contact Info:
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- Twitter: Tcleantv
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