Reginald Todd - It's All Part of The Story

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Stillsxana

He is a native and resident of Detroit, MI, also known as the “motor city”, so it makes perfectly good sense for Reginald Todd to work for one of the major car manufacturers located there. However, it didn’t take too long before he realized there was another purpose for him; entrepreneurship.

Reginald shares that family is a huge part of his existence and has contributed to the man he has become. In 2010, after graduating from Southfield High School in Southfield, MI, he completed a few courses at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI. Shortly after, Reginald decided to transition into the workforce and settled in the automotive industry as a Production Operator. In 2020, he got his first taste of entrepreneurship and began working as a Car Salesman for a local auto shop. In only a year of working there, he found his passion in photography and videography, which led to his business’s birth, Reginald Todd, LLC.

Reginald’s company offers a variety of photography and videography services, including studio photography, events (weddings, birthdays, baby showers, etc.), business and commercial branding, and lifestyle shoots. “My whole purpose is to help people turn ideas into a creation,” he shares.

“While working in the plant, I came up with a wedding visual for my cousin, a well-known professional videographer who works in the film industry and owns MyTouch Films. He asked me if I knew anything about videography, which I did not. I barely knew what the buttons on the camera were for. He handed me an old camera and told me to shoot something and return it to him. It took me about a week to get it done, and he was so pleased with the outcome that he decided to allow me to shoot weddings with him part-time. I was very grateful for the opportunity, and that is where it all started,” Reginald says.

As a professional photographer, Reginald’s gift allows him to see things from unique viewpoints. While his clients may simply pose in front of his camera lens, Reginald’s gift and creativity make the difference. He says, “When people get in front of a camera, they often get camera-shy and point out their flaws and insecurities. I love helping to relieve that. I take pride in putting a smile on my clients’ faces and seeing their friends and family’s reactions when they see the finished product. I also enjoy building my clients’ confidence during shoots and encouraging them. Creating a memory that will last a lifetime and helping companies and brands grow their business in an impactful way is what makes this all worth it.”

I feel like everything happens for a reason, and I’m right where I’m supposed to be. It’s all a part of the story.

He says that he might still be at the plant today if his cousin hadn’t put that camera in his hand. He credits his cousin for the life-changing opportunity. “I would be remiss if I didn’t also give credit to my lady, who keeps me grounded and level-headed. Being an entrepreneur is tough, and she brings me the peace I need.” Reginald’s ability to create a timeless memory is what keeps him inspired, and he shares that many years from now, and even after he leaves this earth, he knows that he’ll leave a legacy of work for generations to enjoy.

Getting his business off the ground came with a few challenges for Reginald. He had to build a business model and purchase the necessary tools and resources, such as a laptop and camera. He had to create his website and many other things for a solid business foundation. Currently, he has dealt with the challenge of structure and stability. “Sometimes business is booming, and sometimes I wonder when my next payday will be. It’s a continuous learning process and uncomfortable sometimes, but it’s pushing me to grow and improve during this journey.” While challenging at times, Reginald admits he wouldn’t change how things have happened. “I feel like everything happens for a reason, and I’m right where I’m supposed to be. It’s all a part of the story.”

So, what’s next for Reginald? He’s hoping to have his own studio in the metro Detroit area and continue to grow his business partnerships within the next one to two years. He plans to continue inspiring more creatives like himself, to take a risk and step out on faith. “You’ll never know if you don’t try,” he says.

To learn more about Reginald Todd and his business, Reginald Todd, LLC, please visit his website.

www.reginaldtodd.com

313-701-0126