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

Hi Reda, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It’s just been me since I was a 5year old I loved art, drawing, taking pictures, painting, anything where I had creative freedom . It’s always been a place to forget everything on the outside and just be me. When I was in jr. high and high school they would have us take these quizzes to see what career path you should take. I don’t know how many different quizzes I took the results were always the same, The arts something creative.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Communication with clients is what sets me apart, listening is key. Making people feel comfortable. Most of the work i’ve received is based on a client referral. There are plenty of photographers out here so I do my best to give my clients what they want. What I want people to know about me is that I didn’t really get in to photography until I was 35 , it’s never too late to try something different and that because i started when I did, I don’t take it for granted.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Detroit Michigan is my hometown it’s had some ruff times but even then I loved walking downtown. I would try and think about better days when the streets were crowded and shopping during the holidays up Woodward Ave. I would say one day it would be back to people filling the streets. Today it has become that city again but better with shopping and parks and restaurants. I try and shoot downtown at least a few times a month and to stop for a coney dog lol.

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 Mother Rita Coleman she always encouraged my creativity, Taking me to special art classes and telling me that I had talent and that she believed in me. That was so important to me especially being a young black girl , where we are so often made to feel invisible She definitely wasn’t the type to lie to you if it wasn’t what she truly believed and that made it all the more special to me.

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