Conversations with Donovan Mitchell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donovan Mitchell.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with photography did not begin as expected. From a young age, I’ve been interested in technology and how it works. I chose film and media as my major at Georgia State. While in college, I injured my right hand skateboarding, causing me to wear a cast, and I could not play my instrument in the band. My instructor wanted me to take pictures of the band while they performed rather than not participating at all. For the rest of the season, I took pictures of them with a camera I was borrowing from my dad wherever they traveled, eventually having my photos featured on the band’s page. Since then, I have continued to use the camera to take pictures and videos of friends and family as a hobby in my free time. I eventually upgraded to using my own camera and got a GoPro so I could take it with me wherever I went. I started making plans with others and got paid for the very first time to take photos for someone else. From then on, I made my first couple of paid films for clientele who would promote them. Having my work shown off to an audience made me feel accomplished and motivated me to continue.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. Some struggles I had in the beginning were with pricing my work appropriately. You have to take into account the hidden costs that you may not typically think of. I would struggle to prepare effectively at times when photoshoots or videoshoots required more than what my battery life could handle. Also, another big area for improvement for me was my posing skills on the spot. Sometimes during a shoot, my subject may run out of poses to do and wait for my direction. And to this day, I struggle with marketing myself and staying consistent to effectively reach the clients that are willing to book with me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a media editor, photographer, and videographer based out of Atlanta, GA. I am excited to create memories and document this beautiful place we call home. My community and environment drive my photography. I specialize in capturing events, landscapes, and special moments, blending artistic vision with technical expertise. What sets my work apart is my ability to work both independently and collaboratively under pressure while maintaining strong attention to detail. My community and environment drive my photography/videography, and I am most proud of having the opportunity to photograph special moments like my friends’ graduations and events like 404 Day. My work has been featured on Target, and I get rave reviews from clients.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the culture and diversity this city cultivates. Our city is unique with its own art and history, like nowhere else. But one thing that gets on my nerves about being in our city is the traffic. It feels like it takes me twice as long to get somewhere than it should. I blame the drivers and traffic lights.

Pricing:

• 1 hour standard graduation photos – $150
• Simple portrait pictures – $125
• Video: $50/hour to record + $100 to edit a recap
• $75 Raw footage fee
• $50 Raw photo fee

Contact Info:

• Website: https://silofade.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silofade/