Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Hill.
Hi Chris, 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.
I started photography in 2017 while in my undergraduate at Arkansas State University. Networking with students bumped into a life long friend who goes by the name Casen McCormick. Casen being an art major showed me a lot of the differences in the mediums of art as well as originality in finding your style and giving it a feel through expression. Growing up as a kid, I loved the look of film photography, embracing true colors and pushing them to be more vibrant. Finding time to practice my craft between being a track athlete and creating with friends turned into networking my way to Memphis where there were some photography studios.
I learn a lot of the ins and outs of my photography through building relationships with the models through social media and I started with one of the best, which is Nakia Poole, creative director, and published model. Working alongside her we began developing a dreamy but crisp style for early projects which lead to growing more into the Memphis creative community.
Early on networking with Nakia helped introduce me to local creatives of the Memphis area (models, photographers, makeup artists) where we were able to get experience starting with headshots to digitals creating a footprint to what turned into photo walks and lifelong friends. The photo walks were in partnership with other creatives (Alexander “Dro” Phillips, Eric Smith, London Paige, and Dontario Malone) to connect with more creatives in the area to promote unity as creatives and bring together the creative community.
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?
The road has been rough in the beginning finding my way to projects that best suit my style as well as give me the ability to grow as a creative.
Networking has taught me a lot from talking to people I found a common understanding that nothing is easy and everyone is trying to figure it out. Life is about growth and as long as we stay consistent in the things we want to be better at things will come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer and videographer that specializes in sports and lifestyle work. I am known for my photography as the majority of the work I have done on video projects is a team effort growing the vision of clients ranging from MLS teams, MLB World Series, Nike and the Civil Rights Museum.
The thing that set me apart from others is the ability to be optimistic as working with others comes with many challenges understanding the common goal is building the skill of human connection and relativity.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The books I have been reading lately are “Money Talks” by Kerry Lofton, Photo-books by Gordon Parks, and “The Creative Act: A way of being” by Rick Rubin.
The podcast I listen to are on Spotify by the Creativ Sports Podcast which speaks on the struggles and growth of creatives in the community and 85 South Show to keep my spirit high on long gigs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamchrishill.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamchrishill/
Image Credits
Nakia Poole (Model/Creative Director/Author), Keaton Jones (Music Video Director), Malik Heard (Model/Singer), and Christina Spencer (Model)
