We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Desmond White a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Desmond, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned by combining hands-on practice with constant research and feedback. I made it a priority to stay curious, take on new challenges, and learn from both successes and mistakes. Looking back, I could have sped up my learning process by seeking out mentors earlier and asking more questions instead of trying to figure everything out on my own.

The most essential skills were adaptability, problem-solving, and communication, because they helped me not only learn quickly but also apply that knowledge effectively. The biggest obstacles were time and access to resources, but I learned to be resourceful and make the most of what I had, which in the long run made me more resilient and well-rounded.

Desmond, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Desmond White, and I’m the owner of Dezexoticshots. I’ve always had a passion for capturing moments, but what really pulled me into photography was the joy of freezing time—those memories that people can look back on forever. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a business because I realized how much value there is in creating lasting images for people’s most important moments.

At Dezexoticshots, I specialize in event and portrait photography—everything from proms, graduations, birthdays, and engagements to weddings and creative model shoots. My goal is simple: to give clients high-quality images that don’t just look good but also tell their unique story. I solve the problem of people worrying about how their big day will be remembered. They can enjoy the moment knowing I’ll capture it in the best light possible.

What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring. I don’t just show up with a camera—I take the time to understand my clients’ vision, guide them on poses or locations if needed, and make sure they feel comfortable in front of the lens. I’m proud that many of my clients tell me I made their experience fun, stress-free, and that the photos exceeded their expectations.

The main thing I want people to know about Dezexoticshots is that I’m dedicated to my craft and to my clients. Every shoot, big or small, matters to me. I put passion, detail, and creativity into every shot, and I’m building my brand around authenticity and excellence. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come—turning my passion into a growing business—and I want clients and followers to know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting pictures, they’re getting memories that last a lifetime.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, definitely. Early on, I wish I had known more about online photography communities, mentorship programs, and workshops. Having access to resources like editing tutorials, business guides for creatives, and networking groups would have saved me a lot of trial and error. I also wish I had tapped into marketing tools and platforms earlier things like social media strategies, client management systems, and even simple things like contracts and pricing templates. Those resources not only make the creative side smoother but also help you run your business more professionally. Looking back, the biggest lesson is that learning from others and leveraging available tools can cut your learning curve in half.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with my clients mainly through emails and direct messages, since that’s where most people feel comfortable and it keeps communication personal. I like to check in with past clients, share updates, and send sneak peeks of upcoming deals or projects. Beyond just communication, I focus on building real relationships—remembering details from their shoots, celebrating milestones with them, and making sure they know I appreciate their support.

I’ve found that brand loyalty comes from consistency, professionalism, and genuine care. If clients know they can trust me to deliver quality work every time and that I value them beyond just a transaction, they’re more likely to come back and recommend me to others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _Deztooraw

Image Credits

Dezexoticshots