Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron McGruder.
Hi Aaron, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been behind a camera since I was a teenager, but it wasn’t until 2010 that I truly committed to photography and videography as more than a hobby. I was drawn to the idea of capturing moments we can’t recreate—images that let you look back at life and remember how it felt to be there.
In 2011, I started filming and photographing car shows. My first camera was a Panasonic handheld HD camcorder, and at the time I was convinced I’d be creating movies. I began taking photos of friends and their cars, experimenting with angles, movement, and storytelling—trying to capture the energy the way I saw it. That consistency helped me build confidence and, without realizing it at first, develop a style that felt like mine.
Eventually I invested in my first portrait camera, a Nikon D5300, and started shooting at family gatherings. Once I began sharing my work, the response was immediate—people started asking, booking, and trusting me with their memories. Along the way, I discovered I genuinely love portrait work: helping people feel seen, confident, and celebrated.
One of my biggest turning points was my first paid gig—an engagement shoot. I still remember coming home, editing the images, and realizing how strong the work was. That moment made it real for me. Today, I’m known for portraits and videography, and I’ve recently started expanding into weddings. I work with models, families, graduates, and car enthusiasts, and my signature is natural color with minimal color grading—clean, timeless, and story-driven. At the end of the day, my mission is simple: create work that brings joy and elegance, and makes every client feel they made the right choice
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
t hasn’t been smooth—and that’s exactly what shaped my skill set. The biggest struggles were the ones that force every creative to level up: learning how to stay consistent, sharpening my style, and building a real brand instead of just taking “good photos.” Then there’s the business side—pricing, managing clients, hitting deadlines, and delivering quality every time, even when life is busy. But those challenges taught me discipline. I learned that talent gets attention—consistency builds trust. That’s what took me from shooting for fun to building something people book, remember, and recommend.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mac D’ Vinci Photography and Videography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I run Mac D’Vinci Photography and Videography in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, and I specialize in portraits and videography that feel clean, timeless, and story-driven. I work with models, families, graduates, and car enthusiasts—and that car culture background is part of my edge. It trained my eye for angles, detail, movement, and how to make a subject look powerful on camera. I’m also expanding into weddings, because I’m built for capturing real moments and delivering a polished final product.
What sets me apart is the combination of a strong client experience + a signature look. My work is known for natural colors with minimal grading—no heavy filters, no trend-chasing—just images and video that hold up over time. I focus on making people feel confident during the shoot and proud when they see the final results. The goal is simple: when you book me, you walk away feeling like you made the right decision.
Im most proud that my brand stands for something: quality, consistency, and storytelling. I’m not here to rush sessions and hand over a gallery—I’m here to create memories that feel elevated. I want readers to know that Mac D’Vinci is for people who care about how their moments are captured—people who want their portraits to feel like them, just refined. Whether it’s a portrait session, video, event coverage, or now weddings, the standard stays the same: intentional work, clean delivery, and a finished product you’re proud to share.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If you’re starting out, here’s the truth: your portfolio is built, not gifted. Shoot constantly. Study light. Learn how to direct people. And don’t hide behind the camera—connection is a skill. Also, treat it like a business early: set pricing, use contracts, protect your time, and build a repeatable workflow. And don’t copy—get inspired, but develop a signature. The fastest way to stand out is to stay consistent long enough that your style becomes recognizable. The work will speak for you—if you keep the standard high.
Pricing:
- Mini Shoot – $200
- Basic – $400
- Standard $800
- Premium $1200
- Weddings $2500-$6000
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/macdvinci
