I saw a reel on Facebook the other day. It said:

“She doesn’t know it yet, but that camera is about to make her unemployable for life.”

And honestly… that’s the truth.

The second you pick up a camera, your whole life changes.

When I walk into events now, I don’t see the world the way everyone else does. I’m looking through a lens—even when the camera isn’t in my hands. My brain automatically scans the room for light, angles, expressions, shadows, moments.

It’s like developing a second set of eyes that most people don’t even realize exists.

People treat you differently too.

Sometimes when I walk into places with a camera, people assume I’m press—whether I am or not. I’ve even gotten into places I probably wasn’t supposed to be, simply because everyone assumed I belonged there.

That’s the strange power of a camera.

But the bigger change happens inside you.

Running even a small photography business forces you to learn things most people never think about—contracts, marketing, branding, pricing, licensing, networking, accounting, copyright law, social media strategy, client management, and a hundred other details that keep a little LLC alive.

It rewires the way you think about work.

Over the years I’ve moved through industries—T-Mobile, automotive sales, life insurance sales. All of them were massive income markets where someone could realistically make $80,000 or $90,000 a year.

And yet every time I walk into one of those environments, I’ve got one foot out the door.

Because the truth is, part of me is always somewhere else.

Part of me is chasing the next photo.

The next project.

The next piece of art.

Photography doesn’t necessarily make you unemployed. You can absolutely maintain a job.

But it does make you unemployable in a different way.

Because once you start creating, once you start seeing the world through that lens, you can never fully commit yourself to anything that isn’t your dream.

You become that slightly crazy person standing in the corner thinking:

“Yeah, I could build a career here…

but I’d rather be out there making art.”

I don’t know exactly what to think about that.

Sometimes I love it.

Sometimes I hate it.

Sometimes it drives me completely insane.

And somehow… it’s also the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

The copyright battle over Hebephrenia was not something I expected. The Mirror took undeniable damage from the bad publicity, but there were several silver linings that came out of the drama as well. With the help of several good friends, I was able to pull myself out of the fire and begin rebuilding.

We aren’t gone—although I’m sure that enrages a few people, a fact I’m rather proud of to be honest. And we have a lot more to do.

Over the next few months, I’ll be working on building a new clientele and network, moving away from film and focusing more on branding and fashion. That said, I am by no means abandoning the film side of Black Mirror Media Group. It simply was never my primary interest. I enjoy creating mini projects—reels, stills, and visual concepts. Long-form video was never my long-term focus, although I am sure we will publish more films in the future.

We have closed our studio in Railroad Square and will be focusing on building a more mobile presence. I am sure I will purchase a new building eventually, but for now my goal is to expand my portfolio and showcase what this business can do.

If you are still supporting my dream—or even just reading this blog—I truly appreciate you. I hope you stick around to see the finished product.

It is going to be pretty cool.

As more developments occur, I will continue updating this blog. However, due to the rapidly changing and evolving nature of my business, the overall focus of this blog may change as well. We are evolving and adapting to an ever-changing industry and economy, and that is shaping what Black Mirror Media Group is becoming.

Some of the ideas I founded the company on were built on things I did not fully understand at the time. That is part of building something from nothing. To keep a business like this alive—and to make it successful—it has to evolve alongside my own personal growth and journey. I sincerely hope that you, as the reader, continue to follow along.

There have been many things I never expected back in Michigan when I first started this company as TSM 776 Entertainment Media. You can laugh at the length of the name—I often do. The small mistakes I made and the growth I have experienced along this journey are lessons I would not trade for anything in the world.

The things I have overcome and the lessons I have learned along the way have been incredible, and I look forward to seeing what my little media LLC becomes over the next five years.

To my readers, followers, and supporters—thank you for everything you have brought into my life.

This journey is far from over.

And the Mirror is still standing.

Well… I did it.

Black Mirror Media Group officially published its first film.

The film was directed by Jacqueline McQuillen, with Black Mirror Media Group handling the shoot, production, and release. For a first attempt, the process was confusing, complicated, and disorganized — which makes sense. A lot of people were learning in real time, myself included. What matters is that the work exists, the film is out, and it was brought together into something complete.

Along with the film, we released the full post-production photo shoot. The photos live in our galleries, and if you pick up the movie, the entire photo set comes with it. We also launched merch alongside the release — t-shirts, cropped tees, cropped hoodies, and standard hoodies.

All of this is part of the same goal.

Whether it’s a film, a photo set, or a piece of clothing, Black Mirror Media Group exists to support artists by helping their work live beyond a single post or upload. Film releases support the director and the people involved in that production. Merch gives us another way to carry creative work forward and build opportunities around it.

Different formats. Same intention.

This release represents the working model for Black Mirror Media Group.

We develop our own creative work and collaborate with other artists, then build systems that help that work get seen, shared, and supported. As Black Mirror grows, so do the opportunities available to the artists connected to it — and that growth only happens because of supporter backing.

Our members make this possible.

Your support helps fund production, artwork, hosting, merch creation, and the time it takes to organize and release projects like this. Without that support, this doesn’t move forward.

Because of you, we can:

• produce and release films
• build galleries and physical products around creative work
• give other artists visibility and opportunities
• and continue improving the quality and reach of what we make

This is the first time Black Mirror Media Group has been able to clearly say:

this is what we do, this is how we do it, and this is where it’s going.

Being able to share this with you matters. This is the foundation, and your support is what allows it to exist and grow.

Thank you for being part of this.

— James

Black Mirror Media Group is a photography and film studio based in Tallahassee. I’m drawn to pop culture, fashion, and visual storytelling, and that shows up in everything I make. The name comes from Black Mirror—something I used to binge with a buddy—and the idea of reflection and distortion stuck with me.

I focus on fashion and brand photography and work on short films when I can. I don’t see the studio as a place for only “professional” shoots. Style matters. Atmosphere matters. I want to make things that feel intentional, whether that’s images, films, or physical merch.

The brand mascots come from that same mindset. They’re inspired by contemporary and cosmic horror, mixed with a bit of Alice in Wonderland and Lovecraft. The dark, unsettling vibe is kind of my calling card—if it’s weird, Black Mirror will probably end up making it.

More than anything, the studio is a creative space waiting to be filled. Ideas from local artists, people online, anyone who wants to get involved or stop by and create something.

One thing worth being upfront about:

I use AI tools in my workflow. Not as a shortcut, not to fake creativity—but as an accessibility tool. I live with ADHD, CPTSD, and bipolar disorder, and without help organizing my thoughts, communicating clearly can be genuinely difficult. AI helps me bridge that gap so I can actually build, create, and connect.

The ideas, direction, taste, and intent are mine. The tools just help me get them out into the world. If anything, this space exists to prove that your limitations don’t disqualify you from creating something meaningful.

If you’re here, you’re early.

And you’re welcome here.

— James