Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Pinate.
Deja, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After having a strong passion and pull towards capturing pictures, in which was fueled off and on as I went throughout the end of middle school and high school – finally grasped ahold of me after I graduated in 2015. As I was in college for Computer Information Systems, I needed something else to stimulate my mind and photography was just that for me. Coming up, I’ve always loved IMVU and Tumblr not just for what all they had to offer, but also for the platform they were both structured on. The platform completely gave one the opportunity to challenge oneself in expanding in not only a creative, and original sense, but even a visual sense when it came to the virtual aspect of it! I finally took the leap and invested in my first camera and immediately knew that I wanted to be different but yet original with my photography, when I purchased a white Canon camera… it was a color I’ve never seen before on a camera other than polaroids! I’m always looking for ways to innovate, so I immediately started incorporating the skills and knowledge I’ve picked up along the way from computer coding, building a website, understanding firmware, and adobe into the editing aspects of my work.
That then resulted in where I am today! Once I moved into the Dunwoody area in which I’ve always dreamt of coming out of high school, I started to use the entire Sandy Springs area as the base architectural grounding and creative getaways for Deja Iman Photography. March 31, 2017, I hit my first feature on The Cut Life’s “10 Instagram IT girls to Follow” blog alongside collaborating with my wonderful creative partner, friend, and model; Cameron Hill. June 21, 2017, I received my first actual publish and feature in Model Citizen Media’s web magazine, blog, and app. I then hit another milestone February 27, 2018, by being featured on Polaroid Original’s Instagram page for modeling and collaborating in a film series for my good friend Antonio Aguilar. April 29, 2019, I received another publish and feature on FilaUK’s page alongside collaborating with another great collaborative partner and friend of mine; model Alexandra Preston. June 17, 2019, I received my first ever media credential approval to cover the BET Awards in Los Angeles, and although I wasn’t able to make it out this year due to such short notice I was more astounded than words could ever articulate to receive such an opportunity – and definitely look forward to being there the year 2020. All capping off with merging ideas and into a business partnership with my well-known mentor, Stephanie Rose who is the CEO of Atlanta Teen Magazine Media company. I look forward to implementing a lot into the works of what’s being cooked up these upcoming months with my business partner Stephanie Rose, as well as everyone else involved! My focus is to grow and share these moments with others, not just myself!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road and I don’t expect it to be going forward. However, I do not mean that in a bad way at all. All of these obstacles and challenges, just seem to have fueled me more and spring me forward in the direction that I want to go with my photography. With that being said, I will say it has been the smoothest road and path of least resistance in my life. Some of the struggles I’ve faced along the way have been taking a break from college, with eventually shifting my focus into the entrepreneurship and self-made aspect of my photography. This eventually leads to having to find that balance between still working a 9-5, obtaining certifications, education, wisdom, and points of elevation in life in different ways; all while putting significant energy into exuding what I’ve gained, into my platform.
Another obstacle/challenge I’ve faced along the way was having to sacrifice my bed sometimes, and having to sleep in my car because I was faced with the opposition of having to be in my mom’s house by a certain time. This drew up many oppositions being that not only did I want to respect her rules, she also just moved into a new home, and did not yet have internet set up at that location. This caused me to have to take a risk in something I love doing, which resulted in me going to Starbucks after closing at my job and/or meeting up at a studio late night to complete a photoshoot session that was booked. Of course, there have been a couple more obstacles along the way, but for the most part, all of the risks taken to bring balance to the situation(s) was well worth it, and taught me something every step of the way! When you move for something you truly love, you don’t seem to allow resistance to stop you. You will find a way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Deja Iman Photography – what should we know?
Deja Iman Photography was established in 2015. This is a company in which is not just focused on the photography aspect of the industry, but also the fashion, art platform, and organic form of creativity and ways to expand it. I handle everything across the board when it comes to scheduling, coordinating, budgeting, financing, traveling to other states and eventually other countries. As of now, although being based out in Atlanta – Deja Iman Photography goes out but not limited to Miami, New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Tennessee. I also handle the editing and processing of all images ever taken, while also maintaining the ability to adapt to change. I am known for my balance scale of using natural editing styles to switching it up to something super out of this world when it comes to the creative aspect of the edits. I am also known for being a multifaceted artist as I do not like to limit myself, and I am often called upon when it comes to figuring out an outfit concept whether it be for a photoshoot, interview, or everyday wear. And lastly, I am known for having good taste in music and making mixes that also helps people all around me open up more to being themselves in that moment, and feeling comfortable in whatever is going on which tremendously helps during photoshoots as well.
What I am proud of most as a company is how organically all of this has come to me, and how Deja Iman Photography has worked to not just grow as a company but help everyone involved in a collaborative sense to grow as well. Nothing feels more amazing then to have your work featured somewhere, where you and another come together, bring ideas from different perspectives/visual vantage points and tie it all into one creative project that people actually love and are inspired by. What sets me apart from others is again being so multifaceted in not just capturing the pictures but carrying out the notion of creating my own presets and filters for the edits, as well as always looking to implement more than what’s already implemented to create a new space for more. My work ethic also sets me apart from others, because as a female artist I tend to be very hands-on and spontaneous which results in me not minding to get my hands dirty, go the extra mile before being asked, and I take those risks of going into abandoned spaces and high rises if I have to, in order get the job done or perfect shot!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I truly appreciate everyone apart of this creative team!
Edith Pinate – The drive of it all. My grandmother inspired me and Deja Iman Photography to be where we are now. She inspires and pushes me to travel the world with my craft, always believing in me without having to question the whys and hows.
Kelly Shrieves – was not only supportive of me and my dreams as my mother every step of the way, but even when it scared her at times that I was pretty certain about wanting to take time off of college to focus more on photography. She started to fulfill the roles of proofreading contracts and important detailed messages for me which brought comfort to me, in having another set of eyes outside of me. She also kept the challenges coming, for me to keep pushing myself.
Stephanie Rose – has been a spectacular mentor and business partner along the way and has provided me with not only great life advice, but also the platform to still grow as a freelance photographer as she did not want to put limitations on the work that I can do for myself even within expanding in our business partnership. Without Stephanie, I would have not received the opportunity and credential approval(s) in order to cover the BET Awards in LA as well as being apart of essence festival events in Nola, joined with some of the crew members of HBO. Stephanie goes above and beyond to make sure Atlanta Teen Magazine and the crew members apart of it get opportunities and seen.
Brianna Nichols – Is not just my childhood best friend, but also my sister and another who makes sure to always stay on top of me to make sure that I have what I need to get things done. She creates an open space of vulnerability for me in which I can express my worries, stresses, goals, and milestones without feeling less than or “weak” for expressing emotion. She makes the effort without me having to ask, to see if I need any extra further assistance with a photoshoot, creative idea that I want to have come to life, and even everyday life.
Alexandra Preston – Is not just a model whom I consistently collaborate with. She has grown to be a best friend to me who challenges and pushes me every day to try new tactics, or to set foot in traveling the way that I want to. Alexandra is the key factor that doesn’t just talk about ideas and goals with me, she also applies the action and pressure to make it happen for herself and for us which is that extra push that I sometimes need.
Cameron Hill – Is another model, friend, and business partner apart of my journey. When Deja Iman Photography first started off in 2015, Cameron was the first model who consistently created new looks and styles with me and matched my energy and efforts in going above and beyond. I gained my very first ever feature working with her and was amazed by her efforts to get the job done- for instance shooting in 23-degree windy weather on top of a rooftop in the city which was later posted on The Cut Life’s blog.
Jamon’e La’pree – Is a wonderful multifaceted model coming out of New York whom I’ve always wanted to collaborate with since he was first living in California. It was always a plan that whether I go to Cali, NY, or he comes to Atlanta we will certainly meet each other and create projects. The very first collaborative visit was all that was needed before we connected in an entirely different way than most. He also gave me a piece of advice that as soon as I got back home from New York, and embodied it… my photography career shifted in a major way. I will forever be thankful for him.
KRVZE | CAMTZU | VENUS (Kii ) | BEIACEMJ | AWOA Team – My boys and girls. Where the magic happens. Within AWOA team, we have a producer and writer Will, who helps the team structure their raps, writing, and poetry. Multifaceted artists and musicians Camtzu, Kii, and Beiacemj who aren’t just about music, but also fashion (creating clothing/logos) and spreading honest insight and opinions making sure all of the guys are in a good headspace. Tamia, Lexus, Jacenia, Savannah, Iyliyya, Alexis and many more whom are the strong creative women of AWOA who are also artists with drawing, painting, poetry and coordinating meetups for the girls.
The list truly goes on… Sarah Phann, Jone Fam, Ion Edwards, Omar Pinate, David Fennell, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dejaiman.pixieset.com/dejas/
- Phone: 404-713-7701
- Email: dejaimanphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deja_iman/
Image Credit:
Images of me: Photographer – Antonio Aguilar, Derek Brown – @dolo4ly – All edits done by me – @deja_iman, Teddy – @Yourboyted, Images of everyone else: Photographer – Me – @deja_iman
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