Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to DJ Carr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi DJ, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Neither, I believe that things happen when they’re suppose to, and not always when we want them to. Getting my first camera in 2011 was important for my development as an artist and an individual. I was in my first year of college, adulthood had just started.. I was in a position to really take a deeper look into what was happening in the spaces I was choosing to be in. Over those years I constantly had to re-learn my style and what moments felt worthy enough to actually capture, shaping my eye for the scenes and subjects I shoot today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m DJ, born and raised in Buffalo, NY. I’m a self-taught image-maker who uses 120 format film for about 95% my work these days. I specialize in connecting with people, so documentary, street, and portrait style photographs are my preference. With no formal education in my field, I used the public library, local book stores, photo apps and YouTube as my teachers for years to become a better photographer.

Photography was something that I stumbled into at first, it was never something I wanted to do, or be as a kid. I was gifted a point and shoot camera in 2011 and the more I used it, the more it grabbed a hold of me. It made me grab back, and that let me know to pursue it. Curiosity had always been in me since a kid, and also the need to connect with other people, photography was an excuse to merge those two things, which sparked a real interest for me.

I think there’s a few things that set me apart from others; I always try to approach a subject, an idea, or project with honesty and with a voice. Whether it be my own or the voice of a client. I remind myself of the “why” behind what I’m doing. That makes me pay closer attention to detail while I’m working because I’m always waiting for the moment that means the most to me. Clients that work with me know that at the end of the day the images that we complete together will be real moments that matter, and that have longevity.

My biggest sense of pride is being an artist of color, and being a living example that dreams are worth chasing if you truly believe in yourself, and have the resilience to continue on, no matter the odds.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having a voice, and giving others a chance to see through your eyes only. Photography especially is such an amazing thing when you think about it. The ability to stop and capture a moment in time you cant get back, and even make it tangible with printing is one of the greatest human inventions of all time. Its an honor whenever I get an opportunity to make a moment with someone, or something.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

In 2023 I was told about a podcast featuring Rick Rubin, which eventually led me to his book titled The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Its had a direct impact of philosophy when planning, creating and executing. There are so many challenges we face as artists in all different stages of our careers, The book has this ability to ground you mentally, and steer you towards creating work with pure intentions and with an open state of mind. It’s become my main source of inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: djcarrr.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/djcarrr
• Twitter: @djcarrr

Image Credits
Adrian Javon