Meet Alana Miller | Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Alana Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alana, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
If you’re too afraid to walk in faith then you would never know your heart. -Alicia Keys- I chose this quote because it explains the level of faith one must have to really learn or grow into themselves. 
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art? Wow, never really thought of it as such. I can definitely see it now. I believe the one thing that sets me apart from others is the passion I have for making little ones happy and smile. Also, the fact that I get to capture this memory for a lifetime. I am most proud of the clients I have reached. My name gets mentioned A LOT on the posts seeking a photographer “Good with kids”, “great with kids”, “kid-friendly photographer”. I now say, feel and believe that I am THE kid photographer. I got to where I am today by wanting my own brand with photography by working at the portrait studios (Sears Portrait & Wal-Mart Portrait Studios). I captured mostly children and families and kept the push going once I was able to create a brand from it. I’ve worked in summer camps, coached little league cheerleading and assisted in daycares throughout the city and beyond. The tough part of it all; I would say is getting the parents to follow the instructions (as in making sure the child has had a nap and food, lesser family they bring the better, etc). Just to stem from that last part, when clients bring excessive people or more support with them. The child, at that point, has too much in the room to be focused on and it makes my job tougher on capturing that million dollar smile. How do I overcome it? I ask the parent to have the others step out of the room for a moment to eliminate distractions. The lessons I’ve learned along the way in photography would be to remember that the brand belongs to me and I am in control at all times. Pricing hasn’t always been my favorite thing to do because I want to gain clients and reach different levels of my art. I am still working with that portion as I continue to grow. I would love for the world to know that I am more about just capturing that moment! I actually love what I do! Smiles as a kid are easy, but trying with all the troubles in the world is hard! I created this brand with little me in mind. I always wanted to create as a kid; even with the little resources I had growing up in poverty. I still created. I still create today with the little financial resources I have now. If you want to create, then create! 
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d take her to The Crazy Mason in downtown Greenville to cool off with a relaxing “crazy” milkshake beverage. We’d probably hangout downtown Greenville for a bit to explore. We’d grab a prepared meal from Mo’ Flavorz in Easley. Take a load off at group therapy for some axe throwing and pure kid adult fun! 
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Children Ty & Zyana – They inspire me to push everyday. I go harder because I don’t want to fail them as a single mother and as an entrepreneur. Mo’ Flavorz – Monique McFadden – My sister by grace! God knew I needed her in my life as a mentor/role model and friend. She is the epitome of what every female entrepreneur needs! Not only me as an entrepreneur but as a single mother in this tough world. She and her family have gained that bond and connection that encourages me to know exactly what God has provided me with to grow my brand.
Jay Jones – Jessica Jones, my sounding board, my sister/friend that pushes me greater than my potential while balancing both our photography brands.
Raki & Ronda – My best friend and her husband! The power couple! They inspire me everyday, new business ventures and growth with the rock of the foundation! They have solid businesses and a constant drive that stems from no other!
Smitha Lee – Oh Smitha Lee, the boss of the brand! This guy, also another in the photography world I have adopted as a brother and mentor! I’m grateful to not only be a part of his team but to also get that connection that every photographer needs to grow and inspire others. Through working with him & how he has placed me in a leader role/position at times. I get that drive everyday to know “I’ve gotta go inspire”. 
Website: https://sgmediaprints.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgmediaprints/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanamill
Twitter: https://twitter.com/imalanac
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgmediaprintsllc
Image Credits
Headshot Photo by: Joshua Gaffney Photography, MUA: PorkyMae Beatz, Hair: Loc Dame Miller Family Photo by: Smitha Lee Angelique Goode Frankee Ryan Mavis Gentry (Lefty Liah, Royalty, Maziah Faith) Jydance Kerns Mikayla Williams
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
