What a Commercial Photography Campaign Actually Looks Like on Location
What actually happens between the brief and the final selects — an honest account of how a commercial photography production comes together in the field.
Kubota Country…sometimes I get to do things just for fun!
Isaac Miller, Professional Photographer
Isaac Miller grew up around grandfathers who were amatuer photographers. There were always cameras sitting around the house, but everything changed when Isaac bought his first camera to catalog plants.
What started out as cataloging plants to practice rangeland identification turned into shooting pictures for fun! Isaac was heavily involved in 4H and practiced his identification and photography skills throughout high school. He enrolled in rangeland science at Texas A&M, but felt an urge to pursue his true passion– photography.
Isaac’s passion grew and grew, giving him the opportunity to work on photoshoots for Kubota Construction Equipment, Kubota Life on the Ranch, Double R Ranch, STIHL, Leatherman, Neptune Aviation and more! He’s gotten to meet some incredible people, travel to unforgettable locations and create pictures and memories that will last a lifetime.
Isaac's favorite pictures are those that tell a story about the person in the image. Whether working with farmers, ranchers, steel mill workers or construction workers on a jobsite, there’s always a story to tell.
His childhood experiences and passions have gotten him to where he is now, and Isaac is forever thankful that he bought that camera and started following in his grandfathers’ footsteps.
Isaac’s advice to young photographers? Try everything! Isaac went from photographing plants to wanting to be an outdoor sports photographer, but what he discovered is that you’ll find your passion by taking as many pictures as you can. New styles, new themes, new filters… with enough practice, you’ll find a style that’s uniquely YOU!
See Isaac’s stunning photography on his website Isaac Miller Photography
My journey into the Star Nation…
Isaac Miller Photography: Bringing Western Star’s Next Generation Campaign to Life
Montana-based photographer Isaac Miller brings his bold spirit and a love of all things West to the images in the Next Generation campaign.
The Passion Behind the Camera
Isaac Miller’s journey to professional photographer began when he was just a kid growing up on a ranch on the south side of San Antonio, Texas. “I can remember both my granddads traveling with photography bags full of gadgets – and I always wondered what each one did,” said Isaac.
Although photography is his full-time focus now, the road from poking around gear bags to working as a professional photographer wasn’t a straight shot. Isaac spent more than 20 years doing many of the jobs he now captures on film, crediting those experiences to the grit and determination he brings to his work as an agricultural and industrial photographer. “Being a creative is maybe the toughest job I’ve ever done. I’m not digging ditches or welding on a skyscraper or anything, but the sort of mental toughness needed is something I severely underestimated when I started off.”
Isaac started shooting seriously after college. He made money to pay the bills with jobs in construction and aviation with photography as a passion project, but he quickly knew he wanted to make a go of it full time.
Making the leap from side hustle to full time professional photographer gave him firsthand knowledge of Western Star’s “Never Back Down” philosophy. While the portfolio of brands he works with today is robust, his partnership with Leatherman was a noteworthy turning point in his career. “I had to work hard for a large brand to trust me,” said Isaac. “Leatherman and I have now been working together for over 10 years, but when we first started, the work gave me that spark I needed. One opportunity led to the next and I haven’t looked back since.”
Now, his primary focus as a photographer is agriculture and industry, working with brands like Ag America, Kubota, and many more. “Growing up on a ranch, I feel really connected to clients and brands in this space. My background has allowed me to connect with a subject during shoots and ultimately, portray my work in a very authentic way.”
