Life & Work with Cj Mcgill of Greensboro, North Carolina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cj Mcgill

Hi CJ, 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?
I love being asked this question. For starters, I have loved the game of basketball since I was a 5 year old kid attending after school programs at the Raleigh Boys Club on Raleigh Blvd, in Raleigh, NC. However, I got started in my basketball content creation journey as far back as 2015. I remember helping one of my closest friends build their basketball business and operating as a business management intern for his company. I had dabbled in the creative arts with a camera in regards to basketball while maintaining my responsibilities but it was then that I realized the game of basketball was apart of me, yet I still didn’t know if it was something that I truly wanted to pursue since I no longer played the game competitively and didn’t know if this were something I can see myself doing in the future. Fast forward to 2019 and I find myself going to different games and events, mind you I had already started honing my creative skills working for a fortunate 100 company that employed me. It was than that I realized, my two passions. One for the game of basketball which had made its way back into my life, and the other was my new found passion for the arts in content creation. Since then I have traveled all over the country seeking opportunities to better my craft in photography, videography, and story telling art it pertains to the game of basketball.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road is definitely not smooth, but, I wouldn’t change it for anything. Nothing worth fighting for comes easy right? I have come to learn that if there is something you really want to pursue, a dream you want to chase, you have to make sacrifices along the way and give it your all. If this is something you want to pursue full time and get to a place of “comfort”, it can very well be a long and lonely journey. I’m speaking from experience since that is the journey that I am currently on. Shifting your mindset from one of singularity to one of multi-disciplined concepts was challenging for sure. You realize very quickly that you are your own boss, your own accountant, your own manager, supervisor, etc. You literally have to do it all.. Granted you will make friends along the way, and I am fortunate enough to have that friend group in this creative space. However, when you are pursuing your dreams, especially in the realm of basketball content creation, your time is EVERYTHING. You are going to find yourself sacrificing time with your loved ones, your friends, your family, and even your kids but understand that you will get to a place where it is all worth it and you can all celebrate together.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love discussing the work aspect of it all. I am a professional basketball content creator who specializes in basketball photography, videography, and story telling. I pride myself in being a hybrid creator because it allows me to operate in several different spaces in this industry at the same time. I understand how to operate as a creator in fast paced environments like a Professional Basketball Game having shot for the Greensboro Swarm who is the G-League affiliate of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, college atmospheres of all levels, as well as multi game scenarios, such as summer league games, high profile AAU Tournaments and high school invitationals alike. There isn’t one atmosphere in this space that I fear or back away from, because to this point, I’ve been in them all. For me being known for my consistency and work ethic is what drives me even more than my focus on the end goal. I am most proud of my journey thus far because it has opened doors for me to navigate in an industry that otherwise I would not have been able to be apart of. I will say that the thing that set’s me apart from others is my professionalism, my seriousness when it comes to my craft and my clients vision, as well as my energy. I have had instances where I turn my camera on at 8 am and do not stop shooting until 9pm. If that’s not high energy then I don’t know what is. I also pride myself on always learning because it means I am always winning.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Great question! There are a few characteristics that come to mind when I think about success.

The first one is possessing a willingness to keep learning. Im not ashamed to ask my peers or mentors for help on a project, for advice on how they achieved a certain goal, or even tips on how they achieved a certain edit. I also love to find ways to better my craft, my equipment, and my relationship with others in this space. You have to keep learning. You have to keep networking. Above all else you have to keep going!

Secondly, you must always speak highly and confident of your work and of yourself. The moment a potential client, whether it be an individual or a high level corporation senses that you yourself are not confident in your abilities you more than likely will lose that client as a potential partner in the future. It’s the nature of this industry. So as you learn your craft and continue to build your portfolio, always and I MEAN ALWAYS, speak light and positivity into yourself and those around you. Not only will you exude confidence in everything that you do but you will see that those around you will feed off that energy as well.

Lastly, do not ever let anyone step over you and take advantage of you in this industry. There will be times where you will be tested by someone, something, or even a business when it comes to your craft. My simple advice, is to stand on business and protect your brand and your work by any means necessary. Standing up for yourself is pivotal. Always remember that.

Pricing:

• – For all Pricing and Inquiry please use my inquiry request form on my website home page or via the link https://forms.gle/pgMiWutU57goPkX69

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mactheshooter.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjmcgill
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MacTheShooter
• Other: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDMEhxmFplL5_uaivkpLrlK1j_eQHH6v4XKdUNmmpQrqc4EQ/viewform