Today we’d like to introduce you to Detavius Niblack.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started out shooting every little thing I could possibly see with a small Nikon camera when I was a kid. From car trips to ventures around my neighborhood, I was endlessly taking pictures just for the fun of it. My mom bought me a Canon T5 when I was around 15 or 16 and I used the camera for everything. Family events, hangouts with friends, vlogging, and just documenting my everyday life. I soon after joined a team of photographers at my church and continued to experiment with different lighting and angles for about three years while I was attending. During that time, I started to dive more into street photography while also beginning my portraiture journey. I began getting more serious and in-depth with my craft, shooting with models anywhere from 2-4 times a week. and developing conceptual shoots while constantly collaborating with models, make-up artists, stylists, and creative directors. Now I am where I am with a lot more skills under my belt including shooting with film, developing my own film, and cinematography.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Most of the struggles have been internal. Having dry runs where I don’t create or shoot as much or just a bad string of days mentally definitely hits the confidence a bit but it’s in those times that I begin to imagine and conceptualize ideas as well as learn new skills while working on ones I already have.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m not exactly sure what I’m known for but I am most proud of the number of people I’ve been able to meet, create, and connect with. Being a photographer and more so a creative has definitely increased my social reach and also has helped my ability to communicate and connect with others. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I am me and I don’t want to be anyone but a better me. Being authentic has always been a priority and because of that, others have found it enjoyable to be around me and create with me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Spotify never turns off and Pinterest is constantly fueling me with new ideas. Rotten Mango, the Gaming Illuminaughty podcast, Genius Brain podcast, the Random Order Podcast are all podcasts that I listen to often. Creativity Inc. is an amazing book that helped me look at creativity in a brand new way. Anime and manga are always going through the revolving door of new addictions and inspirations.
Contact Info:
- Website: kneeblack.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kneeblack
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamkneeblack
