We recently connected with Neil A. Miller and have shared our conversation below.
Neil A., we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
It is hard to remember when a sense of knowing my real abilities came about. It probably started when I came to the conclusion that if someone else could do something I was interested in, I should be able to do it. Well, it turned out not to be true but along the way many experiences were entered into and I learned much about what was important to me. Being satisfied with where you are gives you the ability to enter the future with a sense of purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Creative photography has been a part of me since high school even though I did not see what it meant at the time. I am retired now and can look back at the many ways the art of photography traveled with me. Many of the work experiences I had during my career, including thoroughbred racetrack photographer, US Navy photographer, photography instructor and TV news photographer, offered opportunities to do personal photographic work. No matter what my job/assignment was I always found a way to bring back additional work from the heart. Since retiring I have been concentrating on what is important to me. The actions and emotions of people are a dominate area I work in. Photographing on the street is a study of life and can give a better understanding of the likes/dislikes, joys/stresses affecting everyone. The work also is a statement of our time. Currently I am working on book projects including one on the outlaw motorcycle club Dirty Dozen.
As President of the Arizona Photography Alliance, I am able to support others who have interest in fine art photography. We offer various activities including studio visits, gallery visits, discussions groups, exhibition participation and grants. Many of our members are not photographers. An appreciation of photography and its history can be a member’s sole focus. With a membership of over 100, our members have various skill levels. Being an inclusive group is what makes the organization unique.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The following three qualities have been impactful throughout my life. First thing is, I have always been looking for adventure. Seeing opportunities and do things out of your comfort range can help you find your future. Don’t be afraid to take chances. A second factor is It helped me to have an optimistic view of the future. All through life I looked at the glass as being half full. I set goals to fill the glass. A third item that I look at as critical is to consider your wants and needs but balance that with an interest in others. We live in a social network and for a person to progress others are needed. it is important to listen as well as talk even if you disagree on the discussion.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
It is interesting that the most impactful things a parent can do you might think happen when you are home living with them. I was fortunate that my parents were there when I was growing up and supported me all through undergraduate school. It was after I graduated and I moved back to Cleveland things changed. My parents had sold their home 6 months earlier and moved to Phoenix to live near my oldest sister. The home I lived in now gone confirmed a natural move to my next adventure in the US Navy.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.neilamiller.com
- Instagram: #namdotcom namdotcom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neil.miller.779
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeilAMillerPhotographer/featured
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@vintagenewsaz/videos
Image Credits
All photo © Neil A Miller
