Meet Demel Bolden | Photographer and Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Demel Bolden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Demel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I thrive off of pivotal moments where risk is involved. I love freezing time and displaying emotion through my images. Often times I find myself questioning to myself, “Do I climb on top of that?” or “Is laying in the middle of the street worth it?”. Often times that answer is yes, and I feel that some of my most captivating images come from those moments where I risk it all for that one shot.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Energy and emotion is the foundation of the Drvn brand. With every photo I take my objective is to make the viewer feel something regardless of their personal preferences, beliefs or even the sports team they support. I view the camera as an extension of myself and the way I see the world. I realize that my energy lives and carries through my images, so as I grow into adulthood mentally, physically, and spiritually, my photography does as well. Achieving this is not always easy as it requires me to be vulnerable as I display emotions that creatively reflect my past, but that’s what makes art, art. The perspective a person views the world in is something that is one of one and cannot be replicated or replaced.

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.
The first place we’d have to go is Dave’s Hot Chicken. I am a sucker for a good spicy chicken sandwich and I have yet to find one that my tastebuds enjoy more! Next, I’d have to take them to the Griffith Observatory. I love being on the highest of heights. As you overlook the city, the Hollywood sign is directly in front of you. Growing up on the east coast, the Hollywood sign was something I never thought I’d see for my own eyes, so taking them there would be a must. Lastly, we would have to shop at Kith to get some drip and The King’s Treat by LeBron James to show our respects to a living legend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a huge thank you to my friends and family back home in Virginia. I want to give a special thank you to my mentors Josh Boone and Aaron Hodnett for taking me under their wing and unconditionally pouring into me to this day.

Website: www.drvnpics.com

Instagram: @drvn_mel

Twitter: @drvn_mel

Youtube: Drvn Mel