Conversations with YaDeijha Butler

Today we’d like to introduce you to YaDeijha Butler.

Hi YaDeijha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story is one of growth, resilience, and learning how to navigate life through loss. My personal story is rooted in learning who I am and giving myself permission to be free. I’m the only girl of five kids on my mom’s side, which shaped me in a lot of ways early on. Growing up around mostly boys, I learned how to be strong and independent, but I also struggled with fully expressing myself. Creativity always lived inside me, but I didn’t always feel like I had the space or confidence to explore it freely.

For a long time, I felt like I had to fit into expectations instead of following my instincts. Finding my voice — creatively and personally — was something I had to grow into. Being part of YELLS Inc. played an important role in that journey. It gave me exposure, structure, and a sense of belonging that helped me see myself differently and believe in my ability to grow beyond what I was used to.

Life also brought significant loss that deeply shaped me. The experience of loss forced me to mature quickly and reflect deeply on who I was becoming.

I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always come from comfort — it often comes from challenge. Through all of this, I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear and that pain can push us closer to who we’re meant to become if we allow ourselves the time and space to heal properly. My story is still unfolding, but it’s grounded in resilience, self-discovery, and learning to give myself permission to evolve, heal, and exist fully as myself.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has involved navigating both personal loss and professional growth at the same time. In 2022, I lost my brother Tre, who was a photographer and a major inspiration for me. That same year, I also lost my grandfather, and the following year, I lost my uncle. Then in 2025, I lost another brother while still healing from the earlier losses. Carrying that much grief while trying to move forward was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced.

At the same time, I was a college student studying digital photography, balancing coursework, deadlines, and creative growth while also building CAPTURED By CreativeChange. Managing school, grief, and entrepreneurship required learning how to give myself grace, set boundaries, and keep going even when things felt overwhelming.

Another major struggle was building confidence and learning the business side of photography while still growing creatively. I had the vision, but understanding pricing, consistency, client communication, and sustainability took time. Programs like YELLS Inc. helped me strengthen my foundation and reminded me that community support is essential.

None of these challenges stopped the journey — they shaped it. The struggles taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of purpose-driven work. Every obstacle reinforced why I create: to tell honest stories, to preserve memory, and to turn pain into something meaningful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the founder and photographer behind CAPTURED By CreativeChange, a storytelling-driven photography brand rooted in authenticity, intention, and connection. Through my work, I focus on capturing people and moments in a way that feels honest and emotionally grounded, rather than overly posed or performative.

I specialize in portrait, lifestyle, and documentary-style photography, with an emphasis on natural light, bright and soft visuals, and genuine expression. I’m known for creating a comfortable, safe space for the people I photograph — a space where they feel seen and at ease enough to show up as themselves. That trust allows me to capture images that reflect who someone truly is, not just how they look.

What I’m most proud of is building a brand that creates meaningful work rooted in purpose. My photography is shaped by lived experience, healing, and community, and I strive to use my work as a way to tell stories that matter. Projects like Healing Through Purpose reflect my commitment to using art as a form of connection and growth, both for myself and for others.

What sets CAPTURED By CreativeChange apart is the intention behind every image. I approach each session with empathy, patience, and care, understanding that everyone carries a story. I don’t just capture moments — I create space for people to be present, vulnerable, and seen, which allows the work to feel personal, impactful, and lasting.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Work With Me
• Book photography services (weddings, portraits, events, branding, creatives)
• Hire me for visual storytelling, content creation, or campaigns
• Commission creative or faith-based projects

Collaborate With Me
• Brands, designers, creatives, and organizations looking to create impactful visuals
• Events, fashion shows, nonprofits, and community initiatives
• Artists, musicians, and storytellers needing imagery with purpose

Support My Work
• Share my work and refer me to others
• Sponsor or partner with my creative projects
• Donate to help fund purpose-driven work, travel, and storytelling
• Engage with my content (likes, comments, saves, shares all help!)

📩 Email: trethehonorable@gmail.com
📸 Photography: Captured by CreativeChange
Website: capturedbycreativechange.mypixieset.com
Facebook: Deijhaa Butler/ Captured By CreativeChange
Instagram & TikTok: TheArtOfDei

Contact Info:

• Website: https://capturedbycreativechange.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofdei/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/officialdeijha.b
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yadeijha-butler-3b99a8167?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Captured By CreativeChange