Meet Darrian Cotton | Owner of 590 Photography.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darrian Cotton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darrian, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Detroit,MI but I’ve been living in Atlanta for the last 2 years. I thank my wife and my parents for making me into the man I am today. My parents for never making excuses and always having that Detroit mentality of “hustle harder”. I couldn’t imagine the challenges they faced raising four boys on the east side of Detroit, they never gave up on any of us and always did their absolute best to provide for us. My wife, Whitney Cotton, we’ve been together since high school. Shes always had my back and pushed me to be better everyday. She’s believed in me even when I didn’t believe in my self. It was actually her idea for me to pursue photography.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What’s sets me apart from most photographers is that I’m looking for the most candid moments, I’m looking to capture those moments that even the clients don’t realize are there, the smile you didn’t realize you had, the intimate moments that are there that most people wouldn’t realize are pieces of art. I’m most excited to present those special moments to the world.

The success I’ve had hasn’t come easily. I’m where I am because of two things, the first is my wife believing that I have the talent to do this on a major scale. The second is dedication, I can’t even tell you the amount of time I’ve spent studying every aspect of photography, the late nights/early mornings I’ve spent in the streets of downtown Detroit and Atlanta shooting in the dark, the rain, the cold. All for the sake of improving my skills.

Along the way I’ve learned that nothing will be given to you, nobody is going to just hand you an opportunity to go to the next level. You have go and do the work, make those connections, working even when you don’t want to. I want the world to know that myself, and 590 Photography is always learning always looking to take things to the next level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d definitely take them to the battery, the food, the atmosphere, I’ve always had a good time there. Have to get food at The Real Milk and Honey. Two Urban Licks, the live music, the smell of the smoke, it might be my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. Absolutely have to go to Fridas in Fayetteville for taco Tuesday.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife,Whitney Cotton, for having the idea to take photography seriously and not just a hobby. My youngest brother, Davonte, watching him get into videography encouraged me to buy my first camera and give photography a try.
My parents, Monica and Tyrone, for my work ethic. Growing up they showed me hard work can get me wherever I want to be in life.

Instagram: @590_photography

Image Credits
Whitney Cotton Allena Williams Rambo Rowe