Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Hunter.
Hi Don, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Imagine if you could travel to a city where the opportunity is endless and you could be anyone you wanted to be. That’s how my story began with my trip to Houston five (5) years ago. I grew up in a small town right outside of Richmond. Coming from this area, the opportunity wasn’t as available as it would have been in a big city. Around the age of 23, I started my modeling career. I would take the bus from Richmond, Virginia to Manhattan, New York to do different shows and from there, I developed more of a love for the art of fashion and photography.
Growing up, I enjoyed soccer and basketball (as did any young man). I always wanted to be a sports star and travel the world inspiring people. After modeling in my first show, I ended up figuring out that I enjoyed something more than my prior love. Modeling opened new doors and new opportunities that I would not have been able to get had I played sports. Modeling was great but I felt I had more to offer. From there, I taught myself how to be a photographer. I moved down to Houston in 2016 and it was rocky at first because I didn’t know anyone in this realm. Figuring out the way of the land was difficult at first but when you keep God first in all that you do, He is able to direct your path.
As my love for photography grew, new doors began to open and I’ve been afforded the opportunity to meet great people. I’ve been given the opportunity to now manage people and become a brand consultant. My one word of advice to anyone reading this would be, don’t give up on your dreams. There will be days where you will want to throw in the towel but stay diligent in perfecting your craft. Also, be personable in all you do.
People love being able to work with people who make them feel great as a customer. One of my favorite verses would be Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans”.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In any journey, the road has its bumps. The objective is to realize during your journey is we don’t fail, we simply figure out various ways how it won’t work. During this journey, it’s better for me to keep a “glass half full” instead of a “glass half empty” mentality.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Photography is a passion that I’ve been afforded the opportunity to do. I don’t necessarily consider myself simply a photographer. Each job requires more than simply snapping a photo. I enjoy various forms of photography and I enjoy helping people achieve the goal of each session. The thing I’m most proud of is the opportunity I have to be a light in a dark world.
Numerous times in life, we can get caught up in everything going on. During a shoot, people are able to step away from their lives and live in the moment. The smile and enjoyment they get from the shoot is an amazing feeling. If I had to choose something which sets me apart from others, is I’m able to be myself at all times around anyone. Typically, we tend to change how we are around different people.
I don’t change my actions whether I’m around clients or family because I try to be authentic at all times.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Personal health along with mental health is something our society has to focus on more. During the crisis, we’ve seen people stuck at home and have really suffered from it. One thing I’ve learned is we have to be sure to check on the people we know daily.
People suffer from things in the dark and don’t share them. By checking on them, they will know someone is there and that they matter.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @depictedbydlh
Image Credits
@pedrology11, @chinalynn__ ,@mal_bailey, and @wynterpatterson
