We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Demond Drayton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Demond below.

Demond, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I would have started my creative career sooner. I started around the end of 2017, beginning of 2018. Before I started taking photography seriously, I was working at FedEx. I believe that starting sooner would’ve allowed me to be more dedicated and focused on my craft. When I first graduated high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do but I always enjoyed taking pictures. I’m sure if I would’ve went to college or a school of the arts, I would’ve had a different experience in my journey. I probably would’ve met more creatives like myself, gained way more knowledge, etc. Everything happens for a reason and I’m glad I stuck with it.

Demond, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I first got into the photography industry, I was shooting. portraits, landscape photos, etc. It didn’t really matter what I was shooting at that moment. Later on in my journey, I focused primarily on portraits and building relationships with my clients. Any client that chooses to work with me can be sure that they’re getting a unique and high quality experience. I strive to help them and make sure that they’re satisfied. For example, if my client needs anything, I make sure they get what they need to feel comfortable and confident. I try to help them find themselves, sometimes even going as far as investing my own money to make sure the project works.

I think my most proud moment so far is that I invested in building my own personal photography studio at home. I use to go to Cam Kirk Studios and don’t get me wrong, they’ve helped me a lot throughout my journey. However, there’s nothing like having your own.

If there’s one thing I want my potential clients to know, it’s that success comes with discipline. I had to work on my time management skills and my prioritization skills in order to achieve most of my goals. Some days I wouldn’t feel like shooting, editing, or much of anything. I just chalked it up to being human but I had to grow out of that mindset. When you promise the client something, all they have is your word. So I make sure if nothing else, I stand on that.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

If there’s anything I think non-creatives should know, it’s that some days are better than others. Some days you get bookings, some days you don’t. Don’t give up and always stay focused on the goal. People think being an entrepreneur is easy until it’s time to put in the ground work. When I’m not my busiest, I’m still working on honing my craft. Whether it’s research on YouTube, editing content, or just talking to other creatives, I’m always learning something.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

One day, I want to own my own commercial studio and eventually become a highly sought after video director. Don’t get me wrong, I love capturing photos, but I do want to get better at shooting videos. That’s probably one of my biggest goals as a creator.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/shotby713
• Website: www.shotby713.com
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/runitupdee
• Other: Email: shotby713@gmail.com

Image Credits
ShotBy713