Meet Deborah Gray Mitchell | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Gray Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah Gray, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I began my business almost 40 years ago showing my personal photography, selling prints and winning awards. As I began getting assignments, my focus changed and I concentrated more on my assignment work. I never stopped shooting for myself, but I stopped pushing that facet of my business. After two different studios, I entered into a partnership on a commercial building that we renovated and kept for a dozen years. One of the best decisions I ever made was buying a building and then selling it. I moved my business into my home, and that was a huge transition. My commercial business continues but I find these days that the aggravation often exceeds the satisfaction, and I’m now seriously considering closing this part of my business at the end of 2020. Plans are to go back to where I started, showing my personal work and trying to monetize both my existing print inventory as well as new images from trips to Myanmar, China and India. Once a photographer, always a photographer. As long as my eyes can see, and I can pick up a camera, I’ll be shooting photos.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 1979 I quit a job as a country club manager in Tennessee, stored most of my belongings and headed to Miami with a desire to become a photographer and see some of the world. Was it easy? No. I worked in a portrait studio, worked with one photographer who tried to convince me a woman couldn’t make it, and then I found a photographer who encouraged me and kicked my rear end when I needed it. I found clients and started taking assignments. I found a studio share, and then I had my equipment stolen. I wasn’t insured. I was so bitter, but friends helped me get past that, thankfully. I joined and got very involved with the ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers), and became the first woman president of the South Florida Chapter. Some of the lessons I learned along the way is that you’re only as good as the last photo you shot for a client, and if they don’t like it, they find someone new. I learned that you can survive if you can shoot a decent head and shoulders portrait and can shoot pieces of art. I’m proud of the fact that I accomplished what I set out to do: become a photographer and a mentor. I’ve had a forty year run, and it’s not over yet.

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?
Favorite spots in Miami include the Upper East Side, Wynwood, Coral Gables and some parts of Miami Beach. With Covid-19, I’ve not eaten in a restaurant in six months, and I’ve hardly ventured out of my home except to buy groceries. So many places have closed, so answering this question is not possible at this time. No one is coming to visit me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ll dedicate my shout-out to photographer Paul Morris with whom I shared studio space for 25 years.

Website: dgmfoto.com
Instagram: deborahgray_mitchell
Linkedin: I’m on it but I never use it.
Twitter: Don’t touch it
Facebook: Deborah Gray Mitchell Photography but most of my work is on my personal page Deborah Gray Mitchell

Image Credits
© Deborah Gray Mitchell