Shoot Day with Shane Miller
“I am constantly adjusting as a creative and business owner. My foundation prepared me for a lot but life keeps showing me that there’s a lot you need to experience on your own to fully understand. My parents are Jamaican and I was born and raised in the Bronx. These things made me who I am and are at the core of who I am. I’ve been a photographer for 10+ years but I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. I’m complex and have a lot going on at all times but I always appreciate the journey.”
Photo: Mitchell Louis
As a Bronx native, what was it like growing up in your community?
Growing up in the Bronx is a huge part of who I am. I learned how to be vigilant, I learned how to dress and I learned how to speak in a way that only the Bronx could have taught me. I grew up around people from different cultures, education levels and financial backgrounds and all of those experiences prepared me for my career today. My love for photography is mainly based in the community and I can’t wait to give back to the Bronx in a way that makes people happy. I started phase 1 of giving back by doing free photo shoots for the people in Co-op City, Sec 5 and I’ll be advancing that by making a print magazine that people can physically purchase, hold and keep in their collection.
Wearing Arizona Diamondbacks Fitted, Aqua Swish x FTB Tee, A Bathing Ape Bapex Watch, Issey Miyake Homme Plisse Pants and Jae Tips x Saucony Sneakers.
Pictured above: Issey Miyake Homme Plisse Pants and Jae Tips x Saucony Sneakers.
Photo: Mitchell Louis
When was the exact moment you knew you wanted to pursue photography?
The exact moment I knew I wanted to be a photographer is when my journalism class let us rent our pro level cameras. I used the camera for the assignment but used most of my time taking photos of everything I saw. Plants looked different, architecture started to amaze me and every time I had the camera in my hand I felt at peace. Although I got my bachelors in multimedia journalism, once I graduated I did photography related internships, watched hours and hours of YouTube videos and applied to photography related jobs to learn the industry.
Miller’s collection includes a DJI Mini 2, Sony A7r IV, Nikon f90, Polaroid Now+, Sony RX1 and a custom gift with the “SirShanePhoto” branding from his friend Shi.
Photo: Mitchell Louis
What goes through your mind before you take a photograph and what do you want the viewer to perceive?
Honestly not much goes through my mind before I take a photo. I would compare me taking photos to people walking, it’s just natural to me and not something I overthink or over analyze. The only time I’m concerned about what the viewer perceives is when the goal is to sell a product. Outside of that I feel like everything just flows naturally as they should. My job is to capture the energy of the space I’m in.
Photo: Shane Miller / sirshanemiller.com
You also have a distinctive style when it comes to your photography. How would you describe this style?
This is a tough question for me. My photos have a warm, vintage tone while keeping modern quality. I love film but not the turnaround time that comes with it. I think my photos display a great balance of the old and the new.
Photo: Shane Miller / sirshanemiller.com
You recently showcased a checklist of people you would love to photograph and some of those you have already checked off the list. What is your overall goal when it comes to your craft?
My overall goal is to inspire people that look like me to make a plan and know those aspirations are achievable. I’ve worked myself into a position where I can assist other photographers to grow and get paid based on my recommendation and I’m going to keep working to ensure that I can do that. Another major goal of mine is owning a studio space that I can rent out to other photographers in addition to having a space for free bookings that support other artists.
Can you highlight some important moments while pursuing your career as a photographer?
I don’t reflect much on my accomplishments or down moments because I try my best to stay balanced. I don’t get too high or too low regardless of what’s happening. Photographing Ye is one of my career highlights that help me put things into perspective but the reality of it is that moment alone didn’t shift anything for me career wise. Consistency and keeping promises to myself is when I feel the most accomplished.
Photo: Shane Miller / sirshanemiller.com
How do you maintain balance by being both creative and also operating the business side of things?
It’s difficult. I need to find an accountant, financial advisor, assistant and nanny. I slack on emails and responding to text because of how busy I am shooting, spending time with my family or attending to other responsibilities. I’ve been getting everything done but it would be done much better if I had a team around me.
Wearing Issey Miyake pants and shirt, earrings by Aziza Handcrafted and shorter gold chain passed down from Miller’s Grandfather. The longer chain was purchased in the Diamond District in NYC. Grills are by Undergroundgrillz. Bapex Watch from A Bathing Ape and Air Jordan Low Chinese New Year as the footwear.
Photo: Mitchell Louis
When it comes to your personal style, what do you find yourself mostly wearing these days?
Tier, Visionary Society, Issey Miyake, COS and Uniqlo have been my go tos for the past few months. 70% of my fits include something made by a black owned brand or a black designer.
Wearing Cactus Plant Flee Market Hat, assortment of chains, Fauxfriends New York Tee, Bapex Watch by A Bathing Ape, Issey Miyake Pants and Nike Air Force One.
Photo: Mitchell Louis
What is your favorite type of photography and would you ever pursue filmmaking or any motion picture role?
My favorite type of photography is anything I have full creative control over. Whether it be sports, editorial, event or any other genre I appreciate when the client trusts me. If I could only choose one style of photography the answer would be event photography. It allows me the option to be more creative or more straightforward. I’ve been at events where I ask the subject to step to the side and the shoot looks very editorial. I would love to start making films and I have what I think is a solid idea.
Any projects in the works that you can mention?
I’m publishing my second magazine this year and may squeeze in a gallery showing my work.
Keep up with Shane here and here
Words: Mitchell Louis and Shane Miller
Photo: Mitchell Louis
Direction: Mitchell Louis
Assist: Harvey Miguel
