For Mia Moore, owner of She Shoots 317, often stylized as SheShoots317, photography is more than a business; it is hereditary.
“When I was younger, I remember my grandfather having an extensive camera collection,” Moore told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine.
It was like the universe bestowed the skills of understanding lighting, shutters and aperture specifically upon Moore.
“I come from a long line of photographers,” Moore said. “I learned a lot before I even started.”
Founded in 2018, She Shoots is Moore’s photography company based in Indianapolis.
She is also a graduate of Kentucky State University, a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
Additionally, Moore holds a master of science in media arts from IUPUI, adding another layer to her keen vision in multi-media work.
Before founding her business, the fabrics of the universe naturally wove her into photography.
“I got into photography almost a decade ago but started taking it seriously five years ago,” Moore said. “I am primarily self-taught except for taking an elective in grad school on photography lighting. I’ve learned a lot from local photographers and filmmakers in Indy.”
Moore shared more on the foundation of her business.
“I remember shooting an event for my friends and they thought the photos were pretty good,” Moore told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. “After that, I (basically) jumped right in.”
Since founding She Shoots, Moore has done photography and videography for many events, locally and nationally.
Having an artsy lineage, Moore knew where she wanted to be with her business.
“I come from a family that loves and is directly involved in the arts,” Moore said. “It (the arts) have always interested me.”
Ironically, Moore has shot BUTTER, one of the country’s most prominent art fairs, the last few years.
“I have had the opportunity to work with GANGGANG covering BUTTER,” Moore said. “It has been an amazing experience.”
Moore was also pivotal in the shots generated at the I Made Rock ‘N Roll Tour, another local festival regarded on a national scale.
However, her beginnings were not without controversy.
“In the past, there were a few events I had to sneak my camera and equipment in to get some of those shots,” Moore said.
The shots would ultimately be loved and shared by artists such as Ashanti, B2K, Bobby Valentino, Keri Hilson and many others.
When asked about her favorite experiences, Moore said she loves working with Nicki Minaj and Toni Braxton.
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to shoot for the living legend Toni Braxton during her Love & Laughter Las Vegas residency,” Moore said. “It is amazing show full of surprises.”
Braxton would even cosign Moore on her social media, sending Moore appreciation for photos that Braxton will cherish forever.
When asked about her favorite part of the job, Moore said she enjoys theatrical lighting.
“I love dramatic lighting,” Moore said. “I try to refrain from the normal bright lights and white backgrounds.”
No event is too big or too small; She Shoots covers meet and greets, weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, concerts, tours, graduations and everything in between.
“I do it all,” Moore said.
Those interested in learning ‘Moore’ about She Shoots can visit her website at sheshoots317.com.
This minority business highlight was crafted by Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham. Contact him at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
