Today we’d like to introduce you to Deaune Boyd.
Hi Deaune, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As a kid, I had a disposable camera that I got from my mom. It was something I really wanted because of my family’s scrapbooks. It was dope even as a little girl experiencing that time travel-like feeling you get when you see a photo that you feel connected to; I did not know what a photographer was to be honest.
Somewhere between middle school and high school, I thought being a registered nurse was the career path for me. That was until I took photojournalism. That nostalgic feeling from using my disposable camera days came back fast.
Soon I graduated and was thinking, forget being something I do not truly want to be. I postpone going to college to pursue my photography passion even though I’ve always dreamed of attending UCLA. It was hard. And some days still are, but I am a Taurus. Others call it stubbornness. I rather call it dedication. I believe the blood, sweat, and tears that I experience in my entrepreneurship will most definitely pay off in my future.
I did not always think that way. I never seen any successful people in the photography industry. I had no real guidance to tell me where to start. My dad was telling me to create a solid foundation for my future. My best friend was telling me to take risks. My inner voice, I did not know what to say.
In 2019, I was working as a security guard at a dog park downtown in my hometown, San Diego. With this being my fifth job since I graduated, I got tired of working for million-dollar companies that did not even know who I was. I felt like why am I working so hard for a CEO who already put their hardworking in, when I would truly rather work for myself. I then started to believe I create something for me that will not only bring me joy but make the people who have to interact with me a world of happiness. While on break chewing a grilled pesto chicken sandwich and drinking eucalyptus tea, I solidified my decision in becoming a Photographer.
I spent 2 years building a clientele, gathering content for my portfolio, networking with other photographers, and bettering my craft. It is wild to think that the little girl with the disposable camera who did not even believe in herself grew up to building her photography company. Life can be crazy sometimes. I have worked with many amazing people who I want to thank for sharing their vision and energy. I have so many ideas. There is still PLENTY of work I have to do, but I am obviously dedicated. My name is Deaune Boyd; I am the founder and CEO of Elysian Visions.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a photographer in a city with a plethora of other awesome photographers’ calls for great marketing, which I am not the best at. I do great work, but with the industry being saturated with such amazing talent, getting eyes on my art is not easy. I have ideas that I am trying in the near future that will bring in more clientele. The obstacle of marketing is something I am sure I can overcome with hard work and a little creativity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, to start off, I am a self-taught Portrait Photographer, and I specialize in capturing those natural moments. I would say my work is becoming well known for seizing one’s excellence with an eye-catching and intimate intensity.
I am proud to be a photographer because I understand how it feels to be unsure of one’s self, and I want to use my talents as a photographer to help people radiate just how beautiful they really are by capturing moments of real emotions. I create timeless photos that celebrate all aspects of them as individuals. My work sets me apart. I wanted to use Elysian Visions by Deaune Boyd as an avenue to give back to my community while doing something I genuinely love to do.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
To be honest, in high school, I struggled to find my talent because I did not know exactly what I was good at, which made applying for colleges more challenging. I was stuck on which career path was the right for me. I never thought of considering photography as a career option. It took the people around me when I am not working, like my best friends, to motivate the little shutterbug I am now! It was helping me realize that I really have a talent that was being neglected and how much of an injustice I was doing to myself.
My talent was in my passion, which always has been photography. Once I revealed to my father I wanted to lay a foundation as a professional photographer instead of going to college. He said, “Deaune if you are serious, I will buy you a camera but don’t treat this like a hobby.” My family and friends were definitely giving positive energy, but that was the green light I needed to zero in and proving to myself this was never just a hobby but a huge piece of my purpose.
Pricing:
- Individual Portraits: $249.00 per hour
- Couple Portraits: $300.00 per hour
- Family Portraits,Content Creators,Branding and Products: $425.00 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elysianvisions.co
- Instagram: @elysianvisions.co
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/elysianvisions.co
Image Credits
@X_O.DM
@DESSTINYY_JOYY
@_JOY.MIANNE
@CIERRA.BUSH
@THECIERRAREIGN
@_BIANCASHAW
@NZUURII.XO
@MAYAH_HATCHER
@RUSIAIBARRA
@__LOYALTYANDLOOT
@_keijcbj
@OFFICIAL_DEE_
