Daily Inspiration: Meet Charlee Moss

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlee Moss.

Charlee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had my hand on some sort of camera since I was a young child. My mother made sure of that. She bought me many film and digital cameras growing up. Following in her footsteps, I would take pictures of my family, toys, and nature. When I got to high school, she bought me my first DSLR. I took grad photos for a couple of my friends and family as well as shot my very first wedding. Once I got to college, NCCU, I wanted to learn more. So I got a mentor on campus, Chi Brown, that taught me a little more about photography and video. I began doing more filming and editing and became intrigued by the process.

Wanting to expand my knowledge, I transferred schools and graduated at another school in May 2020 with a Bachelors’s degree in Art, concentrating in Film & Video Production. When graduating in May 2020, I took a step back from a lot of things. My creative juices weren’t flowing and I was uninspired. Despite that, I ended up purchasing another camera because spending money is fun, right?! From there, I began filming myself again as well as taking self-portraits without too much direction. I just wanted to bring the joy back into the process and It worked. When I kept posting my self-portraits online, people began reaching out to me to take their portraits and the rest is history.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
One major thing I struggled with was my worth as a photographer/creative, “Should I be charging this or that?” “Are my photos even that good to charge more?” I say in this industry, confidence is key. Back then, I wasn’t 100% confident in my ability to produce great work and I wouldn’t be surprised if that is why I didn’t get as much clientele as I should have back then. In the beginning, charge what you are comfortable with, don’t be scammers out here people. However, the more you build your portfolio, the more people you bring onto your team understand that from that point on, you aren’t just selling a photo; you are selling an experience.

Also, if you’re waiting for that “moment of inspiration,” you will be waiting for a while. Word of advice, just start. Inspiration will come the more you shoot, practice, and hang around other people. Ask me how I know.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a portrait photographer and filmmaker. I am most proud of my recent projects depicting black love, black culture, and self-love. What sets me apart from others is my use of composition and the tones I use when editing my photographs.

How do you think about luck?
I wouldn’t say it’s as much as “luck” per say as it is God. My belief system is just set up different. I prayed a lot and spoke a lot of things into my life with conviction. Having faith, confidence, and a support system on and offline, all the while working towards my goals is what has gotten me here thus far. Nothing more, nothing less. Big shout out to those that believe in me and support me on the daily.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mosscharlee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosscharlee/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMossCharlee