We recently connected with Roosevelt Mansfield and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Roosevelt, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
As far as a legacy, I want to build, build something sustainable that I can pass down to my children while also creating a name for my brand that is financially stable, that’s connected with respect, care, originality, and innovation. I would love to know I’ve made a positive impact on my community and the people within through my work. When people ask about Roosevelt Mansfield and what he’s done with photography, music, and his community work I want people to speak nothing but positives, Especially when I am no longer, I would love to have stories of positivity told to my kids. Those stories of positivity attached to their Father and the building or business I’ve left behind for them to continue to be creative.
Roosevelt, 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?
I am a person who has always thought differently and looked at things in a different way. Ever since I was young I used to draw Fashion, Shelter what date is with fat laces, hairstyles, dresses, and cartoons from the ads in the Sunday paper. I also used to get teased because I did that. I used to look at the Sears catalogs and teen magazines and always felt I can create those photos. I loved the clothes and the story the models told by wearing them, hip-hop magazines gave me information to create, but at that time it was only drawings. As a self taught photographer that’s how I learned. I imagine what it took to create certain styles! I see editorial work today and I feel I can produce that, I know I can produce it in a way that is unique. I’ve always said all I need is a chance! I pay attention to the lighting in photos and imagine what it would take to create it. So I practice, then practice my imagination on subjects until what is in my head is on my camera. One thing I think that sets me apart from the average photographer is my imagination and the way use light and angles. I feel like I have my own distinct style that can be recognized in my work. I’m not afraid of failure and I’m not afraid to let it be known I do not know everything. I’m always learning and evolving, as a matter of fact I learn from new and old photographers and photos that inspire me every day. I am proud of the fact that everything I do I worked hard to create and now I do it for a living. Working 80 hour weeks is tough sometimes lol but it’s mine and it is worth it!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When the pandemic hit all my sources of income were hit also. Everything I do consists of working with people in one way shape or form. Photography DJing and Youth work, all dealing with people so then I had to get creative in order to make money. Got a cool idea for my friend Mandi about doing front porch portraits. I would be far enough away from the client so that we are safe, I’ll set up the lights on the front steps or porch,I would go to the sidewalk, they come out and i’ll take the photos. I charged $25 a photo and for weeks I was traveling to what it felt like every city in Minnesota just for that $25. Driving on average 100- 140 miles a day. With the money I made I was able to contribute to my house and help to make it through this pandemic financially.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation is being a stand up human being and person of my word. Most all my business is through word of mouth and people seeing what I post online. My work speaks to the fact of me working hard. My reputation In the community helped with my business also. For all I’ve done in the community there’s nothing negative attached to my name and for that I’m thankful.
Contact Info:
- Website: digiemadephoto.com
- Instagram: @digiemadephoto
- Facebook: digiemadephoto
- Linkedin: Roosevelt Mansfield
- Twitter: [email protected]
Image Credits
On found on I.g. MODELS @al_tawam_movement @bri_sprags @moliesha95 @angelicc.creature @chapete25 Designer Hair and Wardrobe @anysefashion @torihmichelle Crown Designer: @theastralemporium Makeup Artists @anysefashion @kimberlysteward @lip_esteem @jetjones1 @just_junepierce ALL PHOTOS Roosevelt Mansfield for DigieMade Photography