We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dante J. Cutley. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Dante J. , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
There was a time I stood up for my best friend when he got into a fight at school. Unfortunately, I got expelled and was not able to graduate high school with the class that I grew up with.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dante J. Cutley! I’m a Los Angeles-based photographer/videographer. My passion for capturing moments began shooting with disposable cameras as a kid. The love for photography deepened in high school, where I took a photography class and learned the fundamentals i.e: Exposure Triangle (ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture), developing film in the darkroom, and exploring visual storytelling.
In 2019, I got back into photography and was determined to develop my craft. I practiced on shooting all types of photography styles. From portraits, landscape, and different other type styles. Since then, my work has been published in magazines, earned IMDb credits, and had a Solo Photo Exhibit called “The Vision”.
I have expanded into videography with the launch of my YouTube docuseries, “I’M AN ARTIST”. Also, I have created/filmed 2 short films titled “WE NEED TO TALK” and my latest “GHOST PHOTOGRAPHY” which is narrated by two legendary photographers, Frank Jackson and John Simmons. You can find both short films on my YouTube page.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship with my mother has shaped me the most. She has demonstrated what love, heartbreak, friendship, trauma, disappointment, addiction, and redemption look like. Knowing that these are some of the experiences she’s gone through, it has shaped me in a way that enables me to handle any situation that comes before me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Someone close to me said I should take my photography as a hobby and not pursue it as a career. Hearing that made me break down and cry. I started to second-guess myself, but luckily, I fed off of that and it made me want to go even harder at pursuing my dreams of becoming a professional photographer.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A project I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is called “INSIDE MY BRAIN”. The reason for my unwavering commitment is that it’s rooted in thoughts I have jotted down since 2020 and until current days. Although I’ve begun filming for this project, I don’t have a specific timeline for completion and I’m perfectly content with that.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to tell an honest story about me when I’m gone. Rather good, bad, or indifferent, as long as the story is true is all that matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/DJCVISION?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=98f0c925-497f-4347-aaa4-706c8c647f9a
- Instagram: @djcvision @a.djc.production
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@a.djc.production?si=xi1zcZNwV_8MxWrb
