Today we’d like to introduce you to Deziree Little.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Deziree. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in a very creative environment. Creativity was highly encouraged and at a young age, my family began to feed into my love for photography. They would buy me disposable cameras and take me to get them developed at the nearest one-hour photo. I was absolutely in love with the idea of capturing a moment and keeping it to look back at weeks later. A week after graduating high school, I started attending a private art school and got a couple of degrees in digital photography. My love for photography grew even more and my love for people had just started to grow! I truly believe that there is beauty in each person. My greatest goal is to reveal to people the beauty that I see in them to themselves through photography. It is my desire to truly love people well. So when I am taking their portrait, I am also making a friend. Photography has been the gateway to so many wonderful friendships and adventures. Presently, I am a freelance photographer. This decision was recently made earlier this year and has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made in my career. At the same time, it has also been the most rewarding decision. I’ve made the conscious decision to surround myself with people who pour into me, challenge me, encourage me and love me well. A couple of times a week, I go on photo walks with other creatives to draw inspiration from. If you haven’t caught on, portrait photography is my jam. Still life photography is a close second and forever in my heart are landscapes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Overall, it has been an up and down road. I’ve been graduated for a couple of years now and felt like I had no foundation of work to show for it. I did. I had tons of work to show for it. I sabotaged myself with harsh criticism and self-doubt. I would edit photos from a shoot and be terribly unhappy with the outcome. It took me stepping away from photography to come back and look at my work with fresh eyes.
My advice for young women starting their journey is this, walk in confidence with a meek spirit and a strong heart. By meek spirit, I mean know how to handle critique. Know how to defend your work when necessary and let your work speak for you. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you and encourage you.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in portrait and lifestyle photography. Photography has been a gateway to some wonderful relationships. I love using warmer tones to compliment a person’s personality. I want people to see themselves how I see them, flaws and all. I think each person is beautiful and I intend to show that proudly.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
My biggest barrier today to female leadership is setting myself apart from the crowd. What makes me, a woman photographer, different from the next? What sets me apart from the men in my industry? If they can do it, why can’t I do it? Also, having a voice to be heard. I am naturally a soft-spoken person and people often translate that as a sign of weakness. Being soft-spoken has been one of my best traits and allows me to be easily approached without any fear of judgment.
Contact Info:
- Website: dezireelittle.com
- Phone: 9513109464
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @littledez
Image Credit:
Personal Photo: Delmy Diaz
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