Today we’d like to introduce you to Wes Milton.
Hi Wes, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2017, my wife and I moved from Birmingham, AL to Atlanta to continue our careers in theatre and take a chance at the film industry. For me, it was really a chance to start over. I had started to get bored. At the beginning of 2018, my wife recognized this boredom and asked me, “If I didn’t have theatre anymore, what would I pursue.” Photography was the first thing I thought of, and so the story of The Creative Raven began.
I was always interested in photography and even more interested in writing, directing, and producing my own films. She helped me purchase my first camera and lens and I was hooked. I took photos of everything, especially my cat. Quickly I learned I really enjoyed capturing people. I turned this into free headshots for my friends. Then by paying what you can, slowly, very slowly, charging more. I have always been really big on storytelling in theatre, and I love how with a camera, you can tell so many stories with just one image.
Eventually, this hobby transformed into a part-time business, then a full-time business. Not only am I doing headshots, but commercial shoots for advertising, music videos, promos, and plenty of conceptual-based portraits all mixed in the middle.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. I didn’t go to school for this. YouTube became my best professor. But I am a hands-on learner, so I had to just get out there, shoot, and make mistakes. And more mistakes. And mistakes again. When this journey began, I was already on a somewhat new journey. I was not long sober from my battle with alcohol. Therefore, picking an expensive hobby like photography may not have been the safest choice, but what’s fun about that. I really had to strap in and just trust my instincts and not get discouraged when every mistake happened. I am very fortunate for a loving and supportive partner, as well as the amount of friends who just let me practice with no pressure. I think the biggest struggle was learning to say no. When was I accepting too much? When was I being taken advantage of? No one teaches you that. We have to learn on our own sometimes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Creative Raven, LLC is a multi-media company focusing on high-quality photography and video production. We do a little bit of everything. We focus primarily on headshots, commercial advertising, and creative concepts, while on the video side, commercials and music videos. We are an LGBTQ+ friendly company and strive to partner and employ as many freelance BIPOC artists.
I am very proud of our story and where we come from. We focus on the human condition and telling a story. Our services are affordable and we create safe spaces for not only our clients but freelance artists.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My first play. My first time on stage. I played Hobie in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. My character was supposed to bring a robe to school or church so I could dress as a shepherd for the nativity scene. When asked why and what my dad wore around the house, I replied his underwear. The whole crowd laughed. I was hooked on theatre at the point. It’s a simple memory, but it stands out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativeravenmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.creative.raven/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativeravenmedia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAucEuJcmPHimAnGYE03lsQ
Image Credits
The Creative Raven, LLC
