Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetrius Neal.
Hi Demetrius, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
This is such a deep question for me. Photography was something that God put in me. I always give God all the praise for my talents. I picked up the camera around 2014. One of my close friends Erica just bought a camera and she wanted to go take pictures. She called me and asked if I would go with her to the park to take some pictures and I agreed because at that time I wasn’t doing anything. We get to the park and she starts shooting and her phone ranged and she told me t hold the camera. Naturally, my creative side sparked and I started taking shots. She came back and I gave her the camera and she started looking through the shots and she was like did you take the last couple of shots and I said yes. She was dannnggg booiiiii those are good!! The next day went to another location and I started taking pictures and we ended up running into her family photographer. I got his card and I emailed Lance Omar Thurman and sent him the photos and asked would he mentor me. He agreed and that’s how I got started in photography.
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?
This has not been a smooth road!!!! (Laughing Out Loud). This industry and heavily dominated by Caucasuin-Men. So being an African-American Male who shoots products seems to be a rare find. I even had a lady question my integrity. She thought I stole somebody’s work and was passing it off as my own. I always tell people you can’t cheat the process. You cant cheat hard-work, dedication, and sacrifice.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Commercial Photographer. I specialize in Commercial Product Photography. I am known for how clean my work is. I am most proud of my dedication and hard work to this craft. I am also proud of being recognized by some of the great photographers: David Butler, Brian Cummings, Osborne Macharia. What sets me apart, I believe is my lighting and sharpness of my images.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a normal kid. Outside playing around breaking bones and doing stuff. I and my dad and my Uncle Henry used to re-make comic books. Ex. we would make a Ninja Turtle with Wolverine claws. Just exploring as much as possible. My first love was drawing… man, I remember those days just drawing all day. I believe that drawing translated into the camera. I love surfing, beaches, water, soccer, good food, wine, dope music. Simplicity is me! I am a dreamer! My dreams give me mi]motivation and power to keep going as well as my ideas.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: dlneal.com
- Instagram: deelneal
Image Credits:
Me & Jasmine Wingdom
