Today we’d like to introduce you to Dauss Miller.
Hi Dauss, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in the creative industry for nearly three decades now, but my real work has always been about people — about seeing them, honoring them, and reflecting back the power they carry, often before they see it in themselves.
I started my career as a photographer, picking up a camera as a kid and quickly realizing it was my passport into people’s stories. Over time, I grew that passion into a thriving photography business, shooting everything from luxury weddings to global commercial campaigns. But what really lit me up wasn’t just the beautiful images — it was the transformation I witnessed in my clients when they felt truly seen.
That understanding deepened as I worked with founders, artists, and thought leaders who weren’t just looking for “content.” They were looking for clarity. For confidence. For alignment between who they are and how the world experiences their brand.
Out of that realization, my wife Tamara and I co-founded Planet Ü, a creative agency rooted in personal brand strategy, cinematic content creation, and authority positioning. We help entrepreneurs not just show up, but show up powerfully — as the brand their future needs.
Today, my work is still about that same heartbeat: helping people tell the truth of who they are, with courage, beauty, and conviction. Whether it’s through editorial photography, brand storytelling, or strategy, my role is to create the space and the roadmap for them to shine.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not a smooth road — and honestly, I wouldn’t trust anyone who says it has been.
There have been seasons where the work was flowing effortlessly, the bookings were stacked, and the creative energy felt unstoppable. And there have been seasons where I questioned everything — wondering if the work I was pouring myself into was really making the impact I knew it could.
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the tension between being an artist and being an entrepreneur. Early on, I thought my craft alone would carry me — that doing good work was enough. But I learned (sometimes the hard way) that positioning, messaging, and understanding human psychology are just as important as talent.
There was also a major shift when my wife and I relocated our family and restructured the business. What had worked before in a different market and chapter of life didn’t automatically translate. We had to reinvent — not just the offers, but the entire approach, asking harder questions about what we stand for, who we really serve, and what kind of legacy we’re building.
On top of that, raising six kids while growing a creative business has been its own masterclass in patience, prioritization, and grace. The balance isn’t always perfect — but the struggle has shaped me into someone who leads with more empathy, clarity, and resilience.
Those hard moments have taught me to double down on the mission, not just the mechanics. They’ve refined the vision and deepened the why behind everything we do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I help founders and visionaries step fully into their story, and show the world who they really are.
At the heart of it, I’m a brand strategist, photographer, and filmmaker, but more than that, I specialize in transformation. I guide high-level entrepreneurs through a process that clarifies their essence and elevates their visibility through iconic imagery, cinematic storytelling, and soulful positioning.
I’m known for creating experiences that go beyond “a photoshoot.” Clients come to me when they’re at a pivot point, launching something big, or ready to claim their next level. The work we do together often marks a before-and-after moment in their brand and in their confidence. I’ve captured global campaigns, luxury personal brands, and award-winning creatives, but what I’m most proud of is when a client tells me they finally saw themselves in the work we created.
What sets me apart is the depth of the process. It’s not just visual. It’s spiritual, emotional, and strategic. I don’t just build brands, I help people embody them. I bring nearly 30 years of experience, a deep reverence for story, and a high-touch, white-glove approach that feels more like an awakening than a business transaction.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The next 5–10 years are going to radically reshape the creative and branding industries.
We’re moving from surface-level aesthetics into an era where depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance aren’t just desired, they’re required. With AI saturating the market with fast, generic content, the real value will come from work that feels, that captures humanity, story, and soul in a way automation can’t replicate.
I see a rise in experiential branding, where clients don’t just want visuals, they want transformation. They’re craving strategy that integrates identity, purpose, and legacy. As a result, creative professionals who can offer immersive, multi-dimensional experiences, rooted in both vision and execution, will lead the way.
The lines between art, marketing, and personal development will continue to blur. More founders will build brands not just to sell, but to serve something bigger: movements, missions, and meaningful change.
I believe the future belongs to creators who can hold space for both beauty and depth, both strategy and soul. And I’m building my work to stay right at that intersection.
Pricing:
- For those interested in working together, here’s a general sense of the investment: • The ICON Session A transformational brand shoot experience designed to capture the soul of your next evolution. Ranges from 4k-10k+, 3 spots available each month, booking up to 1 year in advance.
- • The ICON Method™ (12-week Signature Brand Experience): Starting at $30k Includes full brand strategy, positioning, cinematic video storytelling, social assets, and publication support.
- • ICON Circle™ Retainer (Ongoing Content & Brand Stewardship): Starting at $3,000/month Designed for founders who want long-term strategic and creative support—monthly content creation, consulting, and media development.
- • Speaking, Teaching, & Mentorship: Custom pricing available For conferences, workshops, and private coaching related to brand storytelling, the art and business of photography, pricing, client experience, and visibility.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.daussmiller.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daussmiller
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daussiz
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daussmiller
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@daussmiller
