Meet Daynesha Lewis of Daymechelle Photography in Inglewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daynesha Lewis.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
This journey of finding myself and purpose started when I joined the Navy in 2010, I was 22 years old. I served four years in Yokosuka, Japan where I went through some of the toughest and greatest times of my life. During my time in the Navy I got to see and experience things I always dreamed about. While living overseas I missed being home and being able to share the experiences with my family and friends but I always took pictures so I could share the “sea stories” when I came home.

Fast forward to 2015 when I abruptly moved from San Diego back to LA with my parents after retiring from the Navy and becoming a civilian again. This was when I had to really figure out what career path I would take and what is it that I love to do. I started working different jobs at temp agencies etc. started reconnecting with old friends and then one day while interning with my brother-in-law at Troy Lee Design where he was the content photographer for them, it all started to come to me. I had always wanted to be in front of the camera, like America’s Next Top Model in which I had auctioned years prior to joining the Navy but ultimately I had an eye for the arts. June 8th, 2015 I took a headshot of my brother-in-law and from that point on I felt like I could and would be a professional photographer.

Has it been a smooth road?
This journey has been everything but smooth but I guess that’s the beauty of it. I have to know my business inside and out before I can bring in other people. I think the easy thing to do is hire people to do things for you but I ain’t got it! With that being said, I look to my family and friends for support. The biggest struggle for me has been getting my family to support my business or anything that I’m doing for that matter, not just saying things but actions! Which has taught me that ultimately, people will support when they get ready too and it usually has nothing to do with you.

Please tell us about Daymechelle Photography.
Daymechelle Photography is an expression through her lens. An Androgynous African American woman viewing the world through her lens capturing pictures of different people and content. These photos are expressions from other people that create this beautiful world we live in and will live on forever. I specialize in photographing kids and sports. However, there’s not limits to art. It could be people, brands, and objects it’ll all look as though I specialize in it.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve created something for myself as well as my family that can really create generational wealth. I’ve also inspired people to do the same and that alone is far more than I ever imagined.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Honestly, being from LA. I had a lot of doubts because this is HOLLYWOOD! It’s plenty of people in this field but I NEVER compare myself to the next man, you’ll never get anywhere doing that. As photographers, we all have different views and things we specialize in so I’m just finding my lane and staying in it. How I’ve always seen it is, what’s for me is for me and nobody or nothing can change that. There’s room for everybody in any field you decide you want to go in. My city has always showed love and I’d tell anyone to start here if they can.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daymechellephotograpy.com
• Email: daymechellephotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: @daymechellephotog
• Twitter: @daymechelle

Image Credit:
The only guy photo is My brother-in-law Greg that’s the headshot I took when I knew I was going to be a photographer. Donut photo- Harper, Sports photos – WNBAKICKS, Girl with headband – Karyssa Wand, Me in the Navy, My logo

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.