Exploring Life & Business with Darrius Campbell of D.See Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrius Campbell.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
As a child, I attended a visual and performing arts academy at Livingstone College, and that’s where I first was introduced to photography and loved it. The camp focused on the arts, so we explored music, theatre, dance, and, favorably for me, photography! Our instructor was Mr. Cooper, and he made learning about photography extremely exciting! Because of my admiration for photography, I brought my first camera in 2013 during my junior year of college. I took a few photos for friends and family, but I didn’t really do much with it after that due to a very unfortunate experience that I had a few months later. After returning to college from the Thanksgiving holiday break and celebrating my 21st birthday, I was robbed at gunpoint, and my phone, clothes, laptop, camera, money- practically everything I owned at that time in my life was stolen. When my car was found two days later, the ONLY thing that was in my car that belonged to me was my camera. Funny, right? After that ordeal, I packed the camera away and left it at that. 

Six years later, in the spring of 2019, I remember having a conversation with God about wanting to revisit photography- to try it again. But, because I always associated the bad experience with the camera, I purchased that was still packed away and missing some important pieces that came with it- I asked God for a new camera. I told him that I’d try it again if he allowed me to be able to get one. That’s all I said about it. I said nothing else about it to God or anyone else. 

So, guess what?!? In October of 2019, I got a very random phone call from a friend who asked me what I was up to. After telling him that I was at Longhorn Steakhouse having lunch with some other friends, he quickly ended the call by saying that he’d have to call me right back. About 30 minutes later, he asked me to come meet him outside by my car. Very skeptically, I went outside to meet him, and he greeted me by saying, “Here’s an early birthday present. I don’t know why, but I feel like you could really use this right now.” He then proceeded to hand me a brand-new camera. I lost it because I really believe God heard and answered my prayer. 

So, that was the beginning of my pursuit of my passion for photography, and now has become a Headshot & Branding Photographer in the Triad Area. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, it’s been a fun journey! I’ve learned a lot over the last few years, and I am still learning something new each time I pick up my camera. There have been some bad days, more good than bad, and times I’ve wanted to give up and quit. Like anything else, it takes dedication, consistency, and hand work to keep growing and become better. 

One of the challenges I had was figuring out which vein of photography I felt more connected to. At first, I was taking pictures of any and everything- literally! Squirrels at a park, shoes on the floor, buildings, people, books. Again, literally everything. But as I began to work with individuals who gave me the opportunity to capture them, I fell in love with headshots and branding photography. 

So, for anyone who feels like they’re in the phase of “figuring it out”- enjoy the journey of discovery. 

I would also encourage you to seek help and build community with individuals whose styles are both similar and different than yours. I’ve learned so much from some amazing photographers who have each played a significant role in my development as a photographer, and I’m truly thankful for them because they’ve all pushed me to be better, and some wouldn’t let me quit when I’ve wanted to give up. I have to shout them out! However, I’m thankful for the community that I’ve been able to build since becoming a photographer. Marc Smith of Images by Marc Anthony, Santana Boyd of Santana B. Photography, Darryl Moore of Phocused By Darryl, Ciara Brown of Ciara Sherae Photography, Marvin St. McCary of M. Saint Photography, Selena Roberts of LennaaMay Photography, Alphonso Abbott of JR Action Shots and Isaiah Morrow. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about D.See Photography, LLC?
What makes me different as a photographer is what clients get beyond just booking a photo session with me. As my true initials are “DC,” becoming a photographer was never about me, and I’ve come to realize that it’s much bigger than me, which is why I replaced my last initial with the word See when deciding on a name for my business. I always want people to leave their time with me better, if even in the smallest way, then they were before they came. I want them to feel seen, see themselves better, happier, brighter, and most importantly, to see themselves as God sees them. 

Primarily, I enjoy capture headshots, portrait and branding photos. However, I love having the opportunities to work with married & engaged couples to capture their love for one another and special moments at events and celebrations. While I’ve been honored to capture multiple weddings, I am no longer accepting injuries for weddings. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dsee.photography
• Instagram: dsee.photos
• Facebook: D.See Photography, LLC

Image Credits
Darrius Campbell