Deandre Mitchell

Tell me about the first time you felt the want to take a photograph.

Im not sure really, but I think what sparks most photographers at first is the need to document what goes on around them. The first photos I wanted to take were of my friends and all the crazy stuff we were doing. 

What’s the point of taking photos? Why do you feel compelled to do so?

Funny because I ask myself this all the time. My purpose in taking photos is extremely superficial haha. To be honest, I literally try to skew people’s views on the world and try to show them different ways of looking at things. Specifically from my point of view which can be very destructive at times especially when that mindset bleeds into reality. I try to be very mindful of that. But cliche enough I do feel like there’s some innate driving force within me. Using photographs to relay whatever messages and experiences I’m trying to get across.  

What was the last time you saw something you wanted to take a picture of, but you didn’t have your camera on you?

Oh, all the damn time. I literally just started chalking it up to the game. But it got to a point where it got annoying so now I just take pictures of every random thing I see on my iPhone. It also takes the seriousness away especially because I shoot film. So I get to take pictures of all the dumb things I want to on my phone. I just got this really nice crossbody bag though so I can take my camera with me everywhere now. 

Is there a certain type of person that makes you want to shoot their portrait? Or certain characteristics?

Hmm I wouldn’t say I ever was drawn to a type of person or characteristic. It’s all about the idea at the end of the day. The model is of no real importance to the idea. Personally, I feel the model is disposable and interchangeable. None of my shoots focus on the model solely. The idea will still remain as long as the subject fits the demographic.

What photograph (ever taken in history) do you wish you had taken yourself?

There might not be one specific photo, just because there’s so much out there. But I do make It a thing to study all the great photographers and their techniques that precede me. So basically I’ll maybe incorporate their styles into some of my work if it fits. But yea there have definitely been a few photos where I go “Damn I really wish I took this.” Hasn’t happened a lot though. 

What do you think you could currently work on or learn more about with your photos? Why?

Photo-wise, I don’t think there’s much left to learn other than extremely complex lighting setups. Even so, I’ve been learning a lot about printmaking; so like darkroom techniques, printing on different paper, and even odd printing techniques like risograph and gel plate printing. Even like learning how to frame and hang art is a skill in itself you know. Working with my new employer, I’ve watched him work with huge set builds for his photos and I’m thinking of ways to incorporate stuff like that into my workflow as well. That’s where I want to put most of my focus now. In all, I do feel like any medium should be inspired by other mediums so just exploring all artistic avenues now.

What is one idea you have in your head that you need to shoot but haven’t yet?

I have this book idea that I need to shoot. The concept is really cool but I’m broke haha. Books need funding in order to get published so in due time.

Do you care about anything as much as you do photography?

Life in general. And research. Another cliche but life imitates art and vice versa. If you’re not living or at least have experiences to reference, it will show in your work. So yes life itself.