Today we’d like to introduce you to D’ondre Merren
Hi D’ondre, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started taking pictures in high school as a landscape photographer, and to capture authentic moments in my life. Whatever it was, I had my camera.
I went to college and earned a psychology degree and became very involved with mental health. I am everyone’s hype man. We get one round on earth and I don’t want people to feel like they’re not worth anything. When one knows their true worth, they rock that with pride and that’s all I want for people. After I graduated I figured I could help people with their mental health through my photography. I switched to portrait photography in 2020 and started shooting with anybody who would allow me too. People who were “camera shy” or felt like they couldn’t take pictures that wasn’t a selfie were the people I aim to find. Overtime, my work started to reach others who wanted to work and now I, humbly, am where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest struggles was staying consistent. I would often re-edit the same pictures over and over, trying to learn new techniques in lightroom. I wasn’t shooting enough because I was in school and didn’t have a lot of time outside of studying. Another struggle was the fact that I’m indecisive. It was difficult to find my own style because I liked everything that others were producing. Trying to learn from others while trying to find my own style was hard at times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
It’s difficult to name my specialty because I like to do a little bit of everything. I’ll say I’m heavy into fashion and editorial photography. People express themselves through their clothing and that uniqueness/indivduality is something I love to capture. I’m also interested in hearing others ideas. If somebody has an idea for a shoot, I’m always willing to help bring that vision to life.
I think, I hope, I’m known for being somebody who likes to vibe. Going into every aspect in life with good energy is something I thrive on. At my shoots we vibe, we dance, we laugh, we sing, we rap. I don’t want the experience to feel like a business transaction and it helps when everybody is having fun.
I’m most proud of the people I’ve worked with who’ve come out of their shell and now know their true worth. As far as myself, I’m most proud of the growth I noticed in myself when it comes to the content I put out.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Be a good person. When you give amazing energy, you’ll get that in return. I’ve approached people in Walmart, target, cafe’s, etc. I’m blessed with the ability to communicate well with others because the only way people would know that I am a photographer is if I say something to them. Don’t be scared to put yourself out there and the rest will follow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: d.merrenphotography
