Meet Dominique Gardner | Editorial Photographer

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

Hi Dominique, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I am relentless in my pursuit of greatness. Good is never good enough and I strive for protection. I don’t come from the best background. I did not have the opportunity to attend the best schools however, I never wanted to use my background as an excuse. I moved to Atlanta, enrolled at AIA and continued to pursue my passion. I am example that diligence and hard work always pay off.

In short I am hardworking, relentless, driven, a perfectionist and I believe in God’s divine purpose and intervention. These are the qualities that have made me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career at the age of 15. Throughout the years, I have continued to hone my skills and expand my brand. I was recently invited to shoot in Miami during the Rolling Loud Festival. I am working closely with several up and coming actresses in the Atlanta area. Within the last 60 days, I purchased my own studio. I am offering classes and studio rental. My current focus is increasing my publishing presence. ( I am on track to be published in 6 magazines in 2022) In addition, my debut photography book release in June 2022. Finally, I am an active father and mentor. I run a non-profit with my 14 year old daughter, Hoops of Comfort. I am also a youth basketball coach.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What’s a trip to Atlanta without seeing the legendary Jackson Street Bridge. Assuming the land in the evening, I would take them there first to see the sunset. From there its off to enjoy some of Atlanta’s best night life downtown. We can’t stay out too late though, because early in the morning we are off for a jog in Piedmont Park. Followed by brunch at Poor Calvins. The next day a visit to Dr. King’s home. And while were in the area, a trip to Centennial Park and a ride on the Ferris wheel. Next a shopping trip to Lenox. The next day, the Roswell Waterfall. Finally a trip all around Atlanta, seeing the King and Queen towers, a few rides on Marta, a look at World of Coke, High Museum and then to my home in Stockbridge. Everyone loves the feeling of home. My wife would pull out all the stops to make sure my friend felt welcomed and my kids are the most entertaining people ever. So we would end the trip playing board games at home and eating some good home cooked food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my success to my father. He was and is one of the wise’s men I know. He was the first person I ever saw take photography serious. Initially I played around with the camera as a way to relate to him. Over time, I developed my own passion for the art.

Website: dominiquegardner.com

Instagram: bythegram_