Conversations with Donjai Gilmore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donjai Gilmore.

Hi Donjai, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Peace. I am Donjai, a NYC born & raised Entrepreneur who adopted the love for photography around 9 years old from attending the International Center of Photography classes with The Point Community Center in The South Bronx. Being one of the first & youngest to join the program I was crowned a child prodigy where PBS Channel 13 put a spotlight on me on a segment. Within my 30 years of experience, I developed my eye to curate my 360 journey from student to teacher to entrepreneur. My Portraits in Lifestyle is the subject that overall describes my body of work with everyday people. What may be seen as commercial work for hire even encompasses my raw eye that gives an organic edge to my images. Although I don’t consider myself a celebrity photographer, Documenting celebrities which ranges from David Beckham, Robin Thicke, Nipsey Hussle, Ice Spice, DMX, are often talked about amongst his extensive library of Subject matter that boost my credibility.
Along with working with reputable brands Warner Records, Mass Appeal Records, Roc Nation, BenchMark Senior Living, Union Settlement,Association for Neighborhood & Housing development,City Seminary of New York, African American Day Parade Breakfast,VH1, HULU,Complex,HOT 97, Revolt, NailCON,Scan Harbor, Harlem Shake,National Action Network & many more! Too much to remember.

Going from struggling artist to published artist is rare but more importantly being the living proof of how well a child from an underserved neighborhood can rise above his circumstances with the opportunity of community programming. That gift keeps on giving as I serve programs such as Labs, Children of Promise NY,Friends of Island Academy, Scholastic Art & Writing, Leak & Watts, HCZ, or Red Hook labs, Camera Camp which he co founded focusing on subcultures leading Photo Walks where he teaches how photography can be the therapeutic way of expressing yourself and how to transfer those artistic skills to generate income and where students are placed with Industry Collaborations from the likes of ID Magazine to Uniqlo and Calvin Klein.
My day to day currently consist of public speaking and workshops, mentoring, traveling and selecting work to be placed in various galleries across the world. I have currently been appointed as the Manager of The Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market in Harlem.

I have been able to chase my passion without compromising for a commercial eye even for commercial gigs putting my raw perspective on final images from any photo subject I lays my eyes on Leading with the Lens of Love is the key to Lending Love.

Thanks for having me

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the struggles are literally self evaluation of work and worth in an era where likes and shares are currency amongst social media. I continue to share even if under them terms the work of art doesn’t seem as favorable VS an image of a celebrity or video content. Uploading frequently and imposter syndrome are struggles as well

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think the biggest part of who I am is the fact that a child who took a talent inspired by being a child seen it through and through within a span of 30 years and showed what it looks like to carry that as an adult. its inspirational for parents who watch kids entertain a hobby or passion and what it looks like as a professional. Most kids or parents can’t imagine outside of basketball or sports what it looks like for a child to pick up a skill and transfer that as a means of making a living above self expression.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Traveling ! Getting into mischief and exploring South Bronx and Harlem by walking for miles with my friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.donjaigilmore.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donjaididit/

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Donjai Gilmore