Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Nine.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dylan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
So I first started with photoshop when MySpace was a thing, and always had unique layouts from editing my photos and backgrounds to merge together as one. Eventually, I started to take the photos on a more professional camera and developed a passion for shooting the photographs instead of just creating cool layouts, That’s when I started shooting with my friends around Port Saint Lucie.
The consistency in this led to me subconsciously developing my unique style. One day somebody asked me how much I charge for a shoot and that sparked the idea of turning this from a passion to something I could generate revenue from.
That is one of the toughest transitions I think, is believing that what you’re are passionate about can somehow transform into an income generator. Staying committed pays off in this sense. Eventually, I started to outgrow my city and needed to take the next step in growth, and that’s what moved me down to Miami three years ago (Jan. 2017). Since in Miami I’ve excelled in my career as a Photographer/Videographer and am still writing my history book.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The support has always been there, but there were definitely obstacles along the way.
– One of the first ones was getting started and really investing in gear for the first time.
How I overcame this was by applying for a Best Buy credit card and buying my first camera with that. I paid that off with the checks I was making from my part-time job at the time.
– Another obstacle was probably where I was living. In the city of Port Saint Lucie, for my style of work, business was kind of slow as it is more of a retirement city than a thriving growing city, in my opinion.
Moving to Miami definitely helped boost my exposure to bigger productions and experience, as well as clientele and social clout.
– One of my biggest obstacles came earlier this year though when I came back from a trip abroad, and two days after I was back in town, my friend’s vehicle was broken into while my gear was in it, and all of my gear was stolen. From my $2,000 camera, 3 lenses, MacBook Pro, and hard drive, everything was gone and I had a decision to make.
Give up, or come back strong.
Within seconds of realizing the situation, I kept my composure and instantly wrote up a narrative and created a gofundme account hoping I had real backing from the people who supported my art.… And I did.
Within two weeks I was able to raise $3000 on gofundme and other donations. Another friend of mine even donated his old MacBook to me.
If I’m being honest, without the support of the people around me, my photography would have definitely taken quite a while to get back up and running and could have run into stagnancy, leading to the end of 9x.
Thankfully that’s not the case.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I try to capture an emotion or some sort of feeling that my audience can connect to. Something that grabs them. I am already picky enough when it comes to which selections I choose, and if I don’t FEEL it, how do I expect my audience to FEEL it. Some of my biggest accomplishments have been, for one, just staying committed and trusting the process. As long as you spend enough time doing something, you’re going to grow no matter what. You’re going to get better!
This year I’ve had Celebrities reach out to me to shoot and am in constant contact with high profile people that years ago I wouldn’t have imagined having their contact info. Now I feel like I am entering a new league of heavy hitters and need to keep bringing that same energy.
One thing that sets me apart from others I’d say is the experience in shooting with me. Aside from photography, I am fascinated by the art of human connection. Chemistry is a big deal with something as intimate as photography, especially when you are photographing someone that you just met. My ability to connect to my subjects and really have a personal experience, I think is something I’ve put focus on maintaining, to preserve the authenticity of my brand and art. People feel when there is a disconnect between photographer and subject.
Also, I’ve been told my color selection is unique to me, and if somebody sees my photo without context that I took it, they would be able to tell it was taken by me.
What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
100% Miami is a great hub for growth, especially in the creative industry. People are very open-minded down here and will allow crazy ideas to flow. One thing I like about Miami is that it’s all about who you know. I’ve been to many places that NEED a degree or some certification on paper, but not here. If you get along with somebody and your vibe is right, it will be rewarded with a reference.
References are really how my business thrives. I do no advertising or marketing, just connecting.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ninexproductions.com
- Phone: 5616030610
- Email: nineexpressions@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nine.ex
Image Credit:
Dylan Nine
Jennifer Delgado
Yovanna Ventura
Stef Gorrin
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
