We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Cross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, why did you pursue a creative career?
It all began when I was 22 years old. I worked as an Assembly and Team Leader automotive worker for various companies in Michigan. There came a day where I no longer wanted to work in those facilities and pursue KingA Productions full time. Since the age of 21 I always knew that capturing special moments brought out the joy in me! It took me years to realize that throughout my childhood life, I always had a camera in my hand. I used to play around with my father’s Sony Camcorder and I even used to have a Kodak Easy Share Camera in High School. After High School, I then began to work with my aunt Denise Phillips, who was a well know photographer in the Michigan area. I used to help take pictures and edit her photos for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Within a year of working with her, she gave me one of her professional Sony Cameras. SInce then, I haven’t stopped capturing those special moments that individuals like yourself can look over forever as history goes on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart from other photographers and videographers in my city is my personality. I make shoots fun and enjoyable for my clientele. Sometimes you won’t have a confident client who’s a music artist, dancer, actor, actress or model who knows exactly what they are doing on a set. It may be their first time shooting and they are looking for your professional guidance. I help guide those individuals through their insecurities and make sure they feel good about the image or video product they are producing. KingA Productions is “Where Your Image Matters!”

It took quite a few steps to get to where I am professionally. I learned mostly hands-on from my aunt and through some schooling at Specs Howard School of Digital Media Arts. Having a full time automotive job, going to college and already pursuing KingA Productions was not easy at all. Juggling all three was a complete disaster! I was in my last semester at Specs Howard and I did not finish because my job schedule conflicted with my school schedule. Bills are REAL! So I kept my job and continued pursing KingA Productions without receiving my certification in Digital Media Arts.

Before my last semester of school, I remember one of my teachers say, “all they really want to see is your WORK!” I really took that in, and I learned from it. To get the job, people only want to see your work. Can you deliver a good product? There’s really no need for a degree or certification in this field of work. I said to myself, “You’re okay, Aaron. Just keep going!” From there on, that statement was true and it is now my story! All they want to see is your work!

Throughout my journey, I had to stop worrying about people’s personal opinions when it comes to my imagery. My creativity is MY creativity and there’s only one of me. Some people love my work and there are those who may not care for it. That’s what makes my field so special! If I’m not able to produce what a client wants, there’s always more creatives out there who can. We are all unique in our own way and that’s awesome! My lesson and advice to any creative out there is to keep going no matter what anyone has to say about your ART! If you believe that you are good at what you do, keep moving until you reach your goal! Art is Art!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
HA! The best location in the city is for sure Downtown Detroit! My favorite foods are fish, chicken, pizza, pasta, sushi, smoothies, tacos and cheesecake! Townhouse Detroit, Bakers, Beyond Juicery + Eatery, PizzaPapalis are a few good food places. If you want to have a fun night out there’s always Annex Nightclub, Niki’s Nightlife, Deluxx Fluxx. The options are endless, there’s always something for everyone to do in the city!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes! There’s tons to shoutout! I would love to shoutout my amazing partner, family and friends who kept me in the right mindset to keep pushing through during the hard times. A few names, Robert Gilmore, Diane Cross, Eric Fossett, Nikita Williams, Tee Cross, Arnel Cross, Earl Mahone and the Detroit Dance Community.

My amazing LA To Detroit Dance Intensive Organization Instructors! Without you saying yes there would be no major Michigan Intensive! I wouldn’t have been able to help change dance lives without you. Jenzi Russell, She’Meka Ann, Sean Bankhead, Cisco Ruelas, Heather Kelly, Brya Woods, Kyla Fajardo, Cheyenne Backer, Aliya Janell, Kida The Great, Deja Packer, DeVaughn Ballinger, Courtni Poe, Charlotte Posey, Bernard Bell, Marissa Milele and SayQuon Keys.

Website: www.kingaproductions.com

Instagram: King_asoserious

Twitter: King_asoserious

Facebook: Aaron Cross

Youtube: KingA Productions

Image Credits
Arielle Cross

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