Meet Deja Iman | Photographer & Creative Director

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

Hi Deja, how do you think about risk?
I feel as though risk taking is very important in not just business, but everyday life! Risk is necessary in order to grow. However, I feel as though the risk should not be so substantial that it can very well ruin a business and/or self in the process. Risk taking has played a major role in my life/career in the aspect that it is a constant reminder that it is chess not checkers… meaning work smarter not harder. From that mindset and spacing – risk taking tends to be one of the main driving forces behind each opportunity that I partake in, behind each step forward that is made within my alignment for life and business, and ultimately behind the decision that is either going to catapult me 10 steps forward, or 10 steps back. Lastly, risk taking in my life/career has played a major role of “The Teacher” when it comes to teaching that what comes with great risk taking, is great discipline.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Deja Iman Photography is originally based out in Dunwoody since 2015, being a major starting ground to my entire artistry. The Dunwoody area is truly the foundation of where the magic happens for me. When I’m in the area, it constantly keeps my thoughts/ideas free and flowing, provides me a multitude of beautiful buildings and locations to do shoots on/in, is in the center of everything – similar to the hearts center, making it super convenient for shooting at settings with a variety of different flavors and vibes.

I believe what sets myself and artistry apart from others is my ability to simply listen. I always listen to the ideas and concepts of the model / coordinator involved in the shoot and then effectively communicate ways we can all incorporate the vision we see towards that particular project.. that way no one feels unheard or left out. I’ve also received a lot of feedback from clients on how they love that I don’t just edit the way I want to, they love the fact that I send over all of the files that are in good quality- touched up, no blinking, or blurriness vs. limiting them down to selecting their favorite 5 photos. Lastly, what sets me apart is not only that I do my own edits, but my ability to keep it at natural professional business level but embody the depths to take the edits into a completely different multidimensional realm to where my art is moreso not on the spectrum of just my lens, or the lens of the models, but the lens of the audience…I love being able to ask people “When you look at it what do you see?” “What does it make you think of?” “What do you think is the meaning behind this concept?” and hearing sooo many different vibrant answers. That’s my confirmation I’m doing my job. As it’s beyond just picture taking for me.

I’m super proud of my growth and accomplishments thus far, and feel as though my opportunities and partnerships keep expanding. I’m proud of the fashion shows I’ve been able to attend / cover. I’m proud of my publishings from Model Citizen Magazine, VoyageATL, and The Cut Life.. while also being featured by FilaUK and Polaroid Originals. I’m proud that although was not able to make it out that year, I got approved to shoot at the Los Angeles BET Awards the same year that Nipsey died, which truly meant everything to me because he’s not only my grandest inspiration, but it was a mirror reflecting to me not only where my skillset already is, but ultimately the spaces that I’m headed into as I only get better and better.. it gives off the vibrations that my name has been planted, and brought up in buildings I haven’t even walked into just yet..humbling. I can’t wait for what’s in store! I’m excited for the future travels that are taking place, as well as the many brands and faces that I will be meeting and working with.

I’d be lying if I said it was easy to get to where I am today professionally. It took me a lot of sacrifices, trial and errors, lessons of who and what energies to trust and not trust in the business realm of things. It took a lot of money, dedication, and determination because everything within Deja Iman Photography is self made..from the 2 cameras, MacBook, Editing software, Backdrops, props, lighting fixtures, etc that I invested into myself and business. I taught myself how to use and master every last tool listed previously. No one ever taught me how to edit, nor did I have to go through classes. It came very natural. It took my devotion, to make the sacrifice and shift that college at that time was not for me 2 years in..photography was – but at that time I had to make it make sense. I had to cut off people. places, and things that did not align with the visions of where I’m headed. I’ve had to unfortunately turn down all of 3 contracts I’ve received thus far from partnerships and agencies, because my ideas and goals were always bigger than the self limiting boxes that they each tried to confine to. Only for me to realize it’s because I am my own Agency. In my agency, there is no limitations, outside competition, or talks of what I can and cannot do.. their is truly no ceiling. Because of that, I’ve had to learn how to be a boss and leader with great management skills, until I find the mentors and team whom is supposed to be in my path in which I’ve found and continuously expanding on. I’ve overcome every challenge and obstacle thus far, by staying true to myself, truthful with others, and also by moving from no where but my hearts core center. In times of being met with delays and re direction.. I created the extra time and space to go read more books and educate myself on the things I didn’t know, that would be able to get me through those certain roadblocks as it is hard for me to just stay stagnant and I’m all about execution.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You know an individual with such flavor, loves to be in the most vibrant spots of the city. Here, come with me and let me put you on!

So, a typical spontaneous day/week for me would look something like:

Starting off the day with breakfast at Einstein Bagel Bros or if you like brunch.. Toast At Lenox, Corner Cafe, Flying Biscuit, and/or BlaqHaus ATL!

Followed by a smoothie to enjoy for the adventure from Tropical Smoothie!

To then, popping out either by myself or with friends/family to either or perhaps multiple in one day:

The Avalon in Alpharetta
Atlantic Station
Ponce city market
The Beltline
Little 5 Points
Several rooftops all around the city via garage decks and hotel rooftops one favorite in particular Clairmont Hotel.
Tacos and Tequila
SkyLounge
Crave Atlanta
Cru
Perimeter Mall
Piedmont Park
Roswell Mill
Lake Allatoona
Fellinis Pizza
Antico Italian pizza

Ending the evening most likely having fun with friends until it’s time to K.O.

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?
Of course, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today, if it wasn’t for the love, mentorship and support from those listed below:

My Mentor(s):

Roy Woods, Jonay di Ragno

My Support System:

Edith Pinate (Grandmother, Guidance), Robert Curry (Brand/Creative Director Management, Recruiter), Miss Tuki (Model Personality Coach, Media Producer, DVRS Content Coach), Kelly Shrieves – Dixon (Management, Accountant, Consultant), Dwane Dixon (Accountant, Consultant), My Close Friends, and lastly my loyal followers on my social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter) whom always consistently show up and show out when it comes to referring me for opportunities via word of mouth or through tagging(s) which has always been tremendously appreciated and valued.

Website: https://dejaiman.pixieset.com/

Instagram: @deja_iman

Image Credits
Alexandra Preston, Deja Iman