Meet Dejuan Davis Criner | Photographer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dejuan Davis Criner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dejuan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks to me are the key to success in my opinion. Like, what is life without risks? You don’t just play it safe to get to the top, there will be opportunities that you are unsure of but what do you do in that situation? Do you sit back and let it blow by you, or do you go out and take that risk in hopes of bettering yourself? I took every opportunity that came my way no matter what the cost was. Now I have my own photography studio to work from, equipment that I could only dream to have, and a life that is steadily growing into greater purpose. I bet on myself and the people around me and it only furthered my career into photography. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if I didn’t take risks.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’d like to see myself as a multitalented creative. I can be an animal in front of the camera and behind and I don’t know anybody doing it like me. But I don’t see competition all I see is motivation and lessons to learn around me. It’s kind of like Thanos with infinity stones I collect and learn a different skill from everybody I collab with which just adds to my repertoire. Getting to where I’m at wasn’t easy and I still haven’t even reached my full potential of creativity. I started off doing canid photos with my high school history teacher’s camera that he would use for yearbook. It got to the point where a lot of friends and students wanted me to take pics for them. Then I graduated and had no way of doing photos so I decided to eventually put a whole work check towards my first official camera which was a Canon Rebel T7. I loved that thing and it inspired me to buy endless lenses and equipment. Eventually I bought a Sony A6000 which I use time to time for macro photos and very detailed pictures. Then the time came to do a major jump into the full frame mirrorless world with my baby, my Canon RP. To keep it short and into perspective, photography has changed my life for the better. Battling depression and hardships photography is the one thing that genuinely brings me happiness and pleasure, I can be stuck in the house losing my mind and I’ll leave and take a drive searching for good shots to take because it’s my remedy its’ where I feel at peace. I want people to understand, don’t settle for less. Keep pushing for your dreams and do exactly what makes you happy. We’re all here to make a living and find where we fit in and belong, don’t give up looking for it. Take me for example, sports was my first career hobby I wanted to pursue, then it was becoming a DJ, and if you’d ask me did I ever think I’d be a photographer the answer would’ve been no.

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.
San Diego has treated me great for the past couple years. I’d say genuinely I’m still discovering San Diego but my favorite views and spots to shoot are Windansea Beach in La Jolla and Sunset Cliffs but I have a variety of landmarks in my notes of secret spots with good views and great shots. Food and drink wise there are SO many spots to choose and eat from couple of my favorite spots are King and Queen Cantina for great margaritas and mexican food, Cafe 21 for a phenomenal and affordable breakfast along with the best mimosa flight I’ve ever had. I have a bucket list of 50 plus places to visit for food in my notes too haha. being from LA, San Diego is a breath of fresh air. From the beaches to the food to so much more. I love everything about it despite California prices for everything.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people to thank and credit. I’d like to personally start with my brother Cody. None of this would be possible without him. When we became friends it was between a mutual friend, little did I know we would turn our lives into greatness. When he brought the idea of the brand Street Politicians to me I was doing mediocre self portraits and working at Target. Now look at what we accomplished together. I’ve done endless shoots for people that saw me work alongside Cody which has vastly expanded my horizon, we’ve done many events together, and we have so much more to get done. I’d like to thank all my family from my mother, my sister Diamond, my brother-in-law Jarvis, my nephews Cam and Zave, even my niece Amiyah. They are a huge reason I keep fighting through all of this. The road isn’t as easy as I make it look but I’m glad I have family and friends to bank on. I can write 3 five paragraph essays on the people that have supported me whether that be social media likes or even money when I needed it. I’m not going to go too in depth but when or if they read this, I love you guys thank you all for making this possible.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modelsumnjuan/ & https://www.instagram.com/shootsumnjuan/