Check Out Aaron Cross’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Cross. 

Hi Aaron, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
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 Michigan 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. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not a smooth road 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 and my college tuition was being paid out of pocket! 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. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m well known for Photography, Videography, and my LA To Detroit Dance Intensive event. The LA To Detroit Dance Intensive is an event that help develop dancers into becoming industry-ready dancers. 

I’m mostly proud of not giving up during the hard times keeping up with KingA Productions. I love my creativity and the services I’m able to provide! 

What sets me apart from other photographers and videographers in my city is my personality and creativity. I make shoots fun and enjoyable for my clientele. Most times as a creator 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 product they are producing. KingA Productions is “Where Your Image Matters!” 

We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking?
The biggest risk-taking idea I created was the LA To Detroit Dance Intensive event. Creating the nonprofit organization took a year to present to the city. Using tons of personal money to fund the nonprofit was not ideal for me. I totally thought after creating it, the donations and grants would fly in for the event to fund itself. However, I was completely wrong! There’s a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into creating a nonprofit organization. 

When creating the event, a lot of thoughts of it not being successful came up. Though, with me knowing all of the connections that I had for it to be successful, it did not giving me the reinsurance I needed to continue creating the event. The reinsurance came from the few individuals that knew about the idea from the start. If it wasn’t for those few special individuals, the event would have never came into fruition. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kingaproductions.com
• Instagram: Kinga_productions
• Facebook: KingA Productions
• Youtube: KingA Productions

Image Credits
Arielle Cross
Carlos Kidd