Hidden Gems: Meet Donovan Barnes of Reel Production & Photography LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donovan Barnes

Donovan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a Marine Veteran, my passion for photography began in the heat of combat. I’ll never forget the day combat photographers captured our platoon in a heavy firefight—those photos were powerful, filled with raw emotion and resilience. When I returned home and transitioned to civilian life, I moved to Raleigh, driven by a vision to start a photography career. I chose to specialize in real estate photography, immersing myself in a niche where precision and an eye for detail are paramount. At the same time, I pursued my real estate license to go beyond capturing homes; I wanted to truly support clients in both buying and selling, blending my expertise to serve them at the highest level.

In both real estate and photography, my work is grounded in integrity, transparency, and a sincere commitment to creating value. I want clients to feel at peace during the process, confident that they’re in good hands. For me, it’s more than transactions; it’s about building trust and bringing a little bit of light and love into every project I take on.

What makes my approach unique is the combination of my skills as a real estate photographer and a licensed realtor. My photography is detailed, high-quality, and designed to make homes shine in a crowded market, and my realtor expertise ensures that my clients are maximizing the value of their properties.

Recently, I worked with a family that was struggling to sell their home. Not only did I capture the essence of their home through photography, but I also adjusted the listing approach to showcase it in a new light. The home sold above asking price within weeks. Seeing their relief and happiness is what drives me to continue refining and elevating my work.

My goal isn’t just to be another realtor or photographer—it’s to offer value, create connections, and inspire positive change in the lives of those I work with.

Above all, I want clients to feel they’re getting a partner committed to their success and well-being. I believe in transparency, saving clients money, and creating real value in everything I do. If you’re looking for someone who combines expertise, heart, and dedication, I’d love to connect and explore how we can work together.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been anything but a smooth road. The journey from being a Marine in high-stakes situations to becoming a photographer, and then a licensed realtor, came with its share of challenges. Initially, adjusting to civilian life itself was a big shift. I went from a structured, intense environment where every day could mean life or death, to learning the ropes of an entirely different industry, where I had to rebuild my identity and approach.

Photography, especially real estate photography, required me to see things from a different perspective. It was no longer about capturing combat or survival—it became about creating peace, inviting potential homeowners into a vision of what a home could be for them. Building trust in this new field meant establishing myself as both a creative and a professional who genuinely understood what clients needed. Learning the business side of real estate while perfecting the artistry of photography wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and the importance of patience.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Reel Production & Photography LLC?
Reel Production & Photography LLC, founded by a Marine Veteran with a passion for storytelling, is a creative hub dedicated to capturing the essence of our clients’ visions. Specializing in real estate photography and videography, we blend artistic insight with industry knowledge to deliver stunning, high-quality visuals that communicate value.

Our dual expertise in real estate and media sets us apart. We’re most proud of the trust and satisfaction we’ve built with clients who value transparency, quality, and integrity—values that are the foundation of our Veteran-owned business.

At Reel Production & Photography LLC, we’re committed to more than just delivering a product; we offer a partnership that prioritizes your vision, respects your goals, and brings the true essence of your project or property to life through impactful visuals that connect with audiences and drive real engagement.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking has been instrumental in building Reel Production & Photography LLC, and I can’t stress enough how valuable strong connections are in this industry. Finding a mentor or connecting with professionals in real estate, photography, and content creation can open doors you might not even know exist. For me, networking is all about authenticity, being genuinely interested in others’ journeys, and looking for ways to add value without expecting anything in return.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelprophoto/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReelProPhotos/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@reelprophoto3068