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Black in Business: Marcus Miles

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blackinbusinessI’ve been hard at work creating spaces and opportunities for black entrepreneurs to thrive in our community since leaving my full-time job this past March. To keep it going I’m back with a weekly column featuring Black entrepreneurs across the state of Wisconsin. We’ve got so much to offer that it only made sense to share more of our entrepreneurial endeavors with you.

This week I begin with Marcus Miles, owner of Marcus Miles Photography. He’s been both a great friend and has taken countless photos of guests at my events. He’s captured so much love and brilliance that many of us who book him are usually sitting at the edge of our seats awaiting the release of his work.

Heymiss Progress: Marcus, what impact does social media have on your business?

Marcus Miles: A fairly significant impact, I use social media extensively as a means to connect with community and marketing.

HMP: What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?

MM: Work hard, study your craft, learn the technical aspects of photography.

Photo by Marcus Miles
Photo by Marcus Miles

HMP: Which photographers are you most influenced by?

MM: Gordon Parks, and I like this multimedia brother out east named Chris Charles. I also admire local photographers, Cora White and Ray Truesdale from back in the day. But mostly I’ve tried to define my own style, I find myself drawn to the outdoors and more natural settings.

HMP: Gordon Park, that’s a renaissance man for sure right there! Tell me about your first professional photoshoot.

MM: Oh wow, awhile back in the 90s, my older sister worked at the Urban League of Greater Madison and they were looking for a photographer for the Annual Banquet. I had been taking pictures since I was about 16, but this was my first paying gig. I think I shot about 300 photos. Back then that was a big deal because before digital you had to buy film, batteries, and pay for photo development before you ever saw a check and then sometimes take the pictures back for editing if the client wanted changes. Fortunately, they liked the photos and it began a great relationship and career in community photography.

HMP: Who are the top five people you’d love to photograph and why?

MM: I would have loved to photograph Lena Horne. Just her stunning beauty and

Photo by Marcus Miles
Photo by Marcus Miles

elegance. Pam Grier circa 1975 because well she’s Pam Grier. Indian Actress Aishwarya Ria because I think she is absolutely beautiful. Malcolm X, other than his historical significance, because he had such bold features and his persona just commanded respect. I also would have loved to capture my mom and dad from their youth, I have seen old photos of them together early in life and my mother is so beautiful and father cool and handsome looking! I think that and photographing my ancestors would have been cool.

HMP: That’s love Marcus! What is the hardest part of your job?

MM: Definitely pulling myself away from the environment while I’m working. I run across so many friends at many of the community events I photograph. Some who I have not seen in person in a while. I start these great conversations about issues and things we mutually care about but I am always torn between that and looking for great shots and doing my job. So I hope people aren’t offended if I seem distracted or run off in the middle of a conversation. I think also being an entrepreneur and businessman and a part of an active and vibrant community. Photography is my passion. It’s part of my community so I have a hard time separating the two in terms of business decisions, what to charge and the amount of pro bono work. But I feel good in the sense that with my photography I am contributing in my own way so it works out.

HMP: You’ve for sure been an invaluable asset to many of us in the community who are creating spaces for others to thrive. You’ve captured so much love, warmth, and laughter Marcus! I appreciate you, man! Thanks for sharing both your genius and goodness with us!

Name – Marcus S. Miles

Business Name – Marcus Miles Photography

All social media handles – Instagram = marcus.miles.photos, Twitter = @photo_miles, Facebook = @marcusmilesphotography

Web addressmarcusmilesphoto.com

Business email[email protected]

On Thursday, I’m back with Jasmine Banks, owner of Perfect Imperfections.