Always inspired by the world around him, Spencer Douglas loves the way people respond to his company’s unique name – Dark Water Creatives. The name was inspired by the idea of mystery surrounding dark waters. There are secrets waiting for their reveal – just as every brand has a unique story to tell – Spencer has a mission to bring those stories to life!
“My business has evolved significantly over the years. I started with portraits and event photography before transitioning into the commercial world,” Spencer explains. “During that phase, I had the opportunity to work on projects with nationally recognized brands like HomeGoods, NCAA, Hairitage by Mindy, and C4 Energy, among others. It was also during this time that I introduced video into my services.”
But, Spencer was discovering that his true passion was elsewhere.
“The more opportunities I had to collaborate with local businesses, the more I found that’s where my heart was. Working with large corporations was exciting – seeing your work out in the world is always rewarding – but it often lacked a personal connection. You rarely see the measurable impact of your work on the business itself.”
He discovered that working within the community and with locally owned businesses was much more fulfilling.
“The work I create for these businesses can have a profound impact on their growth and success. High quality, consistent visuals can truly be a game-changer – it elevates their appearance, helps them stand out and connects them with their audience.”
In 2021, Spencer rebranded and officially launched his business – a one-stop shop for visual content. Dark Water Creatives offers a full range of photo and video content services, from large-scale video productions and brand photography to social media content.
There are two elements Spencer feels sets the business apart – using a strategic and tailored approach and comprehensive video and photography services.
“I don’t just create pretty visuals,” he explains. “Dark Water Creatives is strategically driven, blending our marketing expertise with a deep understanding of your business to create content that aligns with your goals. I start every project with a discovery phase to understand your needs, objectives and audience, tailoring our work to maximize its impact.”
Spencer knows that cookie-cutter content doesn’t work.
“Before I pick up a camera, I spend time learning about each client – who they are, what they stand for and what makes them unique.”
And, unlike many other companies, Dark Water Creatives offers both videography and photography under one roof. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a nationally recognized brand, they provide cohesive, high-quality content without the need to hire multiple companies or juggle separate projects.
For the creative Spencer, one of his favorite parts of the business is the very beginning of a project – when he sits down with a client to discuss their vision and how Dark Water Creatives can help.
“There’s something so energizing about those initial conversations where we get to plan, strategize and bring their ideas to life. It’s not simply about creating videos or taking photos, but it’s also about capturing the passion and excitement of the people behind the scenes. We have so many incredible businesses in this area, and I’m constantly inspired by their creativity, dedication and uniqueness. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey and to help them connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.”
Spencer also loves teaching new clients why authentic visual content matters.
“In a world where consumers are constantly inundated with similar products and services, decision-making often boils down to perception and gut feeling. Most customers rely on visual cues to make choices. A strong visual presence isn’t just nice to have – it’s what sets businesses apart and helps them thrive.”
For businesses seeking fresh, engaging content on a consistent basis, Dark Water Creatives has a Content Club with monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly sessions. This is especially important for businesses looking to stand out on social media.
“At Dark Water Creatives, we hear this sentiment all the time from our clients’ customers: “I just wish I knew about this place sooner.” It’s a universal feeling – wishing we knew what something truly was before ever engaging with it,” Spencer explains. “Brand photography and video are relatively small investments that yield enormous returns.“
To engage with Dark Water Creatives for growing your own business, learn about their services at Darkwatercreatives.com, email [email protected] or call 336.462.8789. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @darkwater_creatives.
