Today we’d like to introduce you to Walter Dozier.
Walter, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started my senior year in college at North Carolina Central University. I would always take photos and videos of my friends around campus. I was on the drumline and I remember marching in big games with 10 to 20 thousand plus screaming fans at football games and at different battle of the bands competitions. ESPN would come to campus a few days early in the week whenever we had big games. Their camera crews would come to our band practice to record us and do interviews for different segments showcasing HBCU band culture. Seeing all the behind the scenes stuff, the cameras, being interviewed, and seeing the work it took to produce different content made me want to do this full time and turn my hobby into something more. Going into my last semester at NCCU I had a few internships and started working more with the NCCU Sound Machine (our marching band) media team. During that time I was able to work on my story telling skills and capturing pivotal moments. I created Dozier Productions shortly after, and the rest is history.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting to this point wasn’t easy at all. I had a plan and was like ok this is going to happen, that is going to happen, imma do this, go there and do that. Let’s just say my plan didn’t work out but I’m forever grateful that it didn’t work out. I struggled with comparing my art and style to other guys I’ve met. Thinking my work wasn’t good enough I went into self sabotage mode. I would tell myself you don’t have this equipment or that lens that so and so has. For a while I was in my head and stopped taking opportunities and wanted to quit. I took more L’s than wins but I learned from them and it made me better overall. I use to try to copy other creatives styles but it didn’t hit the same. But it wasn’t supposed to, and I had to realize that. I needed to find what worked for Walter, and not what worked for so and so. Once I found my target audience and a few styles I like to create everything was smooth. I think back to the times growing up and my parents would always tell me “ Son you have your own mind so use it. You weren’t created to be like everyone else.” Once I finally got out my head I’ve been locked in ever since.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dozier Productions?
Dozier Productions is a production company based in Raleigh, NC. We specialize in lifestyle and event photography, as well as cinematic videography. Dozier Productions creates memories that last forever. We take pride in making our clients feel like family and having fun during the capturing process. We can take care of all your media needs. Covering everything from pre recorded church announcements, family portraits, to your big wedding day.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next five to ten years I see the creative industry at the top thriving. People often say the it’s over saturated and everyone has a camera now. But I think it’s great. Once you find your target audience and realize your strengths the opportunities are endless. It’s all about building relationships and being genuine. If you’re just doing it to be seen or make just for the money you’ll get burnt out quick. Specifically speaking for Dozier Productions, in the next five to ten years we will be expanding more into the film industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dozierproductions.pixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doziershotit?igsh=dmxkMTUyMTlpYW9r&utm_source=qr
