We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tre Nolen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tre, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Art has always been a big part of who I am. Even as a kid, I knew I wanted to be an artist—I was always drawing, always creating, even during class when I probably shouldn’t have been. But as I got older, I started to hear the message that art wasn’t a practical path, that it wouldn’t lead to a stable career. So, I stepped away from it for a while and tried to pursue something more conventional. But I quickly realized something was missing. I didn’t feel like myself without a creative outlet. When I got to college, I made the conscious decision to return to art, and it felt like I was finally doing what I was meant to do. That choice has shaped everything since.
Tre, 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?
I was born and raised in Maryland, and my journey into photography began somewhat unexpectedly during my time at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I initially set out to become a graphic designer, but everything shifted after I enrolled in a studio photography course. It clicked with me almost instantly—I discovered I had a natural eye for it.
My professors and classmates at UMBC played a major role in my journey. They nourished my creative instincts, encouraged my curiosity, and gave me the tools to grow into the artist I am now. I’m eternally grateful for their guidance and support.
A huge part of my creative evolution has come from my studies in art history. Learning about the masters, the movements, and the meaning behind visual storytelling deeply influences how I compose my images today. Whether it’s the use of light, color, or emotion, I often find myself drawing on that knowledge when I’m behind the camera.
As a freelance portrait photographer, I bring a distinct aesthetic and visual style to my work—something I’ve developed through experience, inspiration, and a constant desire to improve. What I’m most proud of is my growth and dedication. Photography isn’t just my career—it’s my craft, and I’m fully committed to it. I want everyone who supports me to feel that in every image I create.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The true reward of being an artist lies in the ability to bring a vision to life. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in those moments when the work I create mirrors exactly what I envisioned. It’s a feeling that, I believe, resonates with every artist—the sense of fulfillment that comes from translating an idea into reality. This process of creation, where imagination meets execution, is one of the most gratifying aspects of the artistic journey.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
People who aren’t in creative fields often don’t realize how personal—and vulnerable—being an artist truly is. It’s easy for them to overlook the effort, or even take advantage of it, because they’re not the ones doing the work. What they don’t see is the courage it takes to pour your heart into something and share it openly, only for it to be dismissed as just a hobby. It’s not easy to create from a place of truth and have that minimized.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trenolen.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/treinolen
