Hi M.D., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Every story has a beginning, and mine began my freshman year of college. Facebook was a relatively new outlet and I was on my own at college. While I was there, I became fascinated with color splash photos. I told myself, “I can do that,” so I downloaded a copy of Adobe Photoshop. I had NO CLUE what steps I needed to take, so I started exploring the software. Feeling overwhelmed at times, and a few trips to YouTube later, I finally completed the first color splash picture. Once people found out I could do it, I was getting messages from campus friends and Facebook friends to design one for them. I desired to take a stab at photography because I always wanted to see an image from start to finish and master each process. At the time, I had a point-and-shoot Canon camera but knew I needed a DSLR camera. At that point, I did not have the money to invest in myself… being a post-grad adult at all. Luckily, I had two amazing friends who made an investment in me, and I could get my Canon DSLR with all the accessories. From my point-and-shoot to my current full-frame camera, I self-studied and taught myself. After a while, my friends grew tired of me asking them to shoot for my portfolio, so I began to make MD Photo/graphics into a business. MD Photo/graphics was born! I am a die-hard Canon user and I’ve had the opportunity have my work published and shoot for some interesting campaigns.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As a creative, I feel that overcoming the struggles are a very important piece of discovery and pushing the creative boundaries. For me, it was making the transition from being a photog for my friends into legitimizing my business and shooting for people I did not know. I am probably my most critical eye when it comes to my work, so defeating the idea that my work could not be showcased seems laughable, but I always strive to put out the best images possible. I’m not a salesman by nature so I had to seek guidance and learn the lessons of entrepreneurial. Luckily, I know some amazing creatives run their own businesses so I can constantly learn how to practice business better and further enhance the client experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a black creative—I specialize in photography and graphic design. MD Photo/graphics is the space where I work with clients to bring out the manifestation of their vision. My portfolio consists of professional photography as well as creative photography. Outside of MD Photo/graphics, I contract out my expertise as a designer for a few black-owned clothing lines (3 Bridges Apparel and Guaronteed Fresh). I am also a lead photographer for a black-owned creative agency (Sharp Creative Agency).
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The strongest lesson I have learned so far is to keep humility in your aura. I’m never the loudest person in the room, nor am I bragging in a way that discredits other creatives. I’ve learned that, in the space of creativity, there is room and niches for all photogs and creatives. I always look for opportunities to shoot with and learn from other photogs in ATL.
Contact Info:
- Email: photographic.md@gmail.com
- Website: www.mdphotographics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/md_photographics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MDPhotographics/
Image Credits
Image of me: Chris Radcliffe all others: MD Douglas
