Meet Paul Miller: Photographer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I learned pretty early on that I was going to need to start and run my own business. Not being able to implement changes or ideas at other starter jobs, I was frequently frustrated about the need to follow the rules when they didn’t make sense, or when there were better ways to go about doing things. This caused me to look into doing my own thing and make my own rules. It’s quite freeing to be able to create and work in a way that suits me vs. just doing things “the way they’ve always been done.” The flexibility with being able to take free time when you want and need is something that has been a driving force for me. On the same hand though, you are the only one that is going to hold yourself responsible for getting certain things done, like marketing and networking, that are necessary for running a successful business. But I would rather work hard for myself and see the benefits over working hard for a larger company that takes it’s employees for granted. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It certainly wasn’t easy getting where I am today. A whole lot of blood, sweat, tears, and never-ending commitment went into it. And a whole lot more is what is going to have to go into it to progress and keep things moving as a business. The Covid pandemic this year has definitely shown a light on that and the need to be strong, confident, and persistent. One of the things I have learned along the way is that it doesn’t matter how good you are or how much you care about your work, if you don’t do anything to find a way to sell it to the right people. You could be the best in the world, but if you don’t get out there and show people that, they will never know. I would say that my acute level of attention to detail has a lot to do with what sets me apart from others. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and work tirelessly to create to the very best of my ability. It is something that is a bit of a blessing and a curse. There are plenty of times that I work with a client that doesn’t see that level of detail. But when you come across the ones that do, and they can appreciate the finesse of the craft, it makes my day. In everything that I do, I strive to do it with my all, my best, my heart. In photo school, a teacher of mine once said that he wanted me to “put more of myself” into my work. At the time, I was frustrated. Because I didn’t know what that really equated to. There was no book, no definition of how to do that. It took years of me shooting, and shooting, and shooting some more to finally find out what that meant. To finally evolve into my unique style. Nobody is exactly like somebody else. Using that to your advantage and showing the world how you see it is what sets you apart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, to start it off, I would take them for drinks at Death & Co in the Ramble hotel for great ambiance and fantastic cocktails. Then head over to Mister Tuna for some small plates. A brunch or two would be in order at Linger for their bottomless mimosas on the rooftop and Sassafras on 32nd for some good ol comfort brunch food. A stop at Rosenberg’s for the best bagel sandwich in town. Take a bike ride through confluence park and head down cherry creek trail all the way down to cherry creek reservoir to catch a sunset. The Clyfford Still museum is a must for anyone who appreciates architecture and art. Happy hour at Beatrice and Woodsley for some quirky and magical ambiance. The Dairy block is a great place to spend an afternoon. Browse through the shops, grab a bite to eat, and finish with some fabulous drinks at Run For The Roses. Maybe play some rounds of pinball at the 1up on Colfax before checking out some local music at the Bluebird or Lost Lake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The only reason I am able to create and perform at the level that I do is because of the talent of my team that is assembled specifically for each job. Some of my favorites are: My good friend, Cass Letson, who is my first call for director of photography and first assist. My favorite stylist team, Georgia Alexia Benjou, Liz Wegrzyn, and Nyla Nasser. Jon Rose, fantastic digi tech and always game to talk shop and collaborate on ideas. Others that have been instrumental in my career are Brian Mark and Priscilla Montoya. Who taught me how to put in the work, but let the work overcome who you are. Jeff Padrick, who showed me that particular can be a good thing and what my true potential could be. Beth Hawkins for showing me how to hustle and always being there to lend an ear. My parents have always been relentlessly supportive throughout my entire career. They still don’t quite fully understand my industry and all of it’s little oddities (like the time I spent trimming grass with scissors and painting it to get just the right look) but have always been accepting of it and my biggest fans. Lastly, my girlfriend, Cara Cook. She is a badass boss lady, who always encourages me to go for it. And has set a fine example of leadership.

Website: https://www.paulmillerphotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljmillerphoto/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-miller-9900172/
Other: Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/user24872730