Meet Nina Miller | Cinematographer

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

Hi Nina, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

I like this question because I think as a creative person, trying to make a living off of your art isn’t an easy thing to do. It takes a lot of perseverance, time-management skills, and constantly adapting to new environments. Looking back to around a year ago, I’m not really sure how I was able to even have a work-life balance while going through grad school, working two jobs, plus doing everything I could to get my foot through the door. All I know is after I graduated, I was extremely exhausted and burnt out. It finally clicked that what I had been doing wasn’t sustainable…it was just work work work, and no life.

Somewhere in that low point, I found crop rotation. Now I can sit through seasonal variations of my life without feeling like I’m not making progress. I can enjoy the slow moments; the breaks. I find good things come my way more often when I’m not waiting around for something to happen. As an artist, there is a critical need for crop rotation because when I get back to work, I’m fresh and ready for more.

When I’m not working as a cinematographer, I’m behind the piano, cooking, baking, doing a puzzle, going to a yoga class, riding my bike, taking pictures, and if it’s a beautiful day I am always outside. Crop rotating is great because you don’t have to just do things you are familiar with; these are the moments to try new things and set short-term and long-term goals for yourself. Some of these goals are in regard to my career as an artist and others aren’t.

I have and will always live by this quote by J.R.R. Tolkien: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Cinematography was something I fell into pretty unexpectedly. I always loved movies but it wasn’t a profession I knew anything about until my early 20s. The closest I got to being behind the camera was through photography, which I had always been interested in from a young age. However, music was my first love and to this day is an art form that I hold near and dear to my heart. I started playing piano when I was 5 and was classically trained for about 12 years. Then, when I was 14 I started classical voice lessons. I was a full fledged musical theatre kid in middle school and high school.

The challenges came when I had to decide where to go to college because I auditioned for a ton of music programs but deep down, doing music as a career wasn’t something I really wanted to do. So I last minute decided on University of Georgia to give myself a few more options.

I got the opportunity to do an internship at the Cannes Film Festival and that’s when it clicked. As soon as I got home I just threw myself into whatever I could find film wise and that’s when I found myself behind the camera.

For the last couple of years I’ve focused on cinematography. I recently graduated with an MFA in Film & TV from SCAD and spent my time there shooting a whole range of different projects. I’d say my style is definitely more dreamy and I really go for films that have a strong message; whether it’s about gender justice or environmental issues.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love a good walk around Piedmont Park and the beltline. It’s a great way to see Atlanta and get some great food. For anyone’s first time in Atlanta, Ponce City Market is a great place to explore. They have a great rooftop bar! My favorite place to eat there is Vietvana Vietnamese food.

Krog Street Mark also offers a wide selection of food vendors.

Around the area is the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, which is a must-see. There is always a beautiful display of flowers and plants.

I love little neighborhoods outside of the city as well. If you hit Roswell, go to Fellows Cafe and then take a walk to Roswell Mill Waterfall – it’s a bit of a hike but well worth it and super beautiful!

I love museums, so a day at the High Museum is always fun and sometimes they have jazz nights!

Little Five Points is a great place for some thrift shopping!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are loads of people who have influenced and supported me throughout my life but always gotta give it to my parents who have supported me through everything!

Website: ninarose.website

Instagram: lil_n1na

Linkedin: nina miller