Meet De’André Watkins | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with De’André Watkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi De’André, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is a major role as a photographer. You have to take risks in order to find that success in this business. You can’t second guess your self when it comes to putting the best project possible to the attention of the business or people you want to work with in the future. Risk for me is having that courage to contact that magazine in hopes to work with them, send a message to a celebrity with hopes they’ll see the message and response. Even with 99 No’s that one Yes can be a major game changer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a photographer I get excited most with being able to “paint with light”. I try to look at my subject like a painter with a blank canvas. I always ask myself, In what ways can I shape light to make a 2D image look 3D.

To be honest I’m still on that long road into my professional career. It definitely isn’t an easy task. With everyday competition coming in from every direction and new technology, I have to continue to work on perfecting a style that isn’t unique per say, but a style that’s recognizable when it’s spotted even by the average fan. Some of the lessons I’ve learned over the years, 1 – be true to you and your art. Don’t let outside influences determine the photography you wish to produce for the world to see. 2 – Stop comparing your path to those around you. Your only competition is the person you look at in the mirror everyday and no else. 3 – There are people who will try to tear down what you love, instead of getting depressed about it. Use that energy to prove them wrong creative the best work possible. What I want the world to know about me is that when working with my and my brand is that it’s an experience. I work hard to be as creatively as possible even if it’s the simplest of canvases given to me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Which so some much to do in LA it shouldn’t be to difficult to do. Day one as they just arrived to the city, I would take them to Venice and Santa Monica to enjoy the beach as a starter to relax for the day. Probably rent bikes to easily transverse the beaches. Day 2 would be another relax day. For this would take em to Hollywood park and enjoy the day under the Hollywood sign. Finally end the day exploring Hollywood and the Walk of Fame. Third day, I would take them to The Getty for the art and views. Next few days would be up to them, whatever they want to visit. Food wise I don’t have any recommendations because there is so many good places. It’s hard to narrow it down to a few.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wanna shout my mom of course for always believing in my goals and ambitions. My mentors David Eldridge and George Mitchell for believing in my talents and for pushing me creatively since day one. Also, Chris for giving me that extra push when I felt like my talents weren’t what I believed them to be.

Website: www.dwatkinsphotography.com

Instagram: dwatkinsphotography

Image Credits
Ka Laam Chan Tori Cerda Sydney Webb Tara Lidia Harms