Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Dash.
Hi Darren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography journey started in during the heat of the 2020 pandemic. I had recently dropped out of the University of Michigan’s school of business because my future with the career I was pursuing was uncertain. Pursuing the notion of the ‘American Dream (getting a good education, followed by obtaining a good job) came with so much resistance and uncertainty.
Times were strange and things were stagnant. I’ve always had an interest in being a Youtuber but never set aside time to create videos on the platform. Since I had so much time on my hands, I spent an absurd amount of hours researching what type of equipment I needed, what kind of content should I post, and what type of nuance can I bring to my audience. In doing so, there was a shift in me wanting to make YouTube videos to a greater interest in ‘how content was created. I narrowed down my searches to cameras and how they worked. The creators who presented information about cameras were photographers, videographers, film makers. Thus, narrowing down my decision to purchase my tool of destruction; a Sony a7iii. Once I bought my camera, I continued to only do research and barely touched the camera. A state I like to refer to as ‘analysis paralysis; an overthinking of alternatives, preventing one from making decisions or simply starting a task.
The thing that got me out of my funk was running. For years I’ve always made it a priority to take care of my body and remain a healthy individual. Since the gyms were closed during this time, I decided to go for a run one day, completing only one mile (walking more than half of it). I’ve never been much of a runner but something about the resistance felt new and fresh. With progress and persistence, I continued to get better. That’s when the magic happened; the “runner’s high.” A euphoric state of mind that occurs when the pain of exercise transitions to a higher state of mind. For the first time, I understood I understood my relationship with the things around me. The natural scenery (the sun, sky, grass, plants, animals, architecture, people) around me became art itself. Thus, translating to my photography. I wanted to capture it all, and so I did.
From nature photography, street photography, and landing my first gig capturing doing candid photography, I never looked back. Within the last two years, I’ve managed to capture so much and meet so many great people along the way
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?
The road has been a mix of struggles, victories, doubt, accomplishments, and fears; all things that are necessary to build tough skin and establish character. I haven’t had much guidance since pursuing this path, so I’ve had to learn from my mistakes. Building a freelancing business from the ground up is no simple task. I still have a long way to go, and I know there will be more obstacles ahead. But I have no regrets. I am thankful for it all. There is no certainty; only opportunity.
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?
On the surface level, I am a photographer. But I believe that the heart of my work derives from storytelling. I want to bring more light on the people of Detroit. Not just other artists and entrepreneurs but people of all walks of life.
I think what sets me apart is my curiosity. My work has helped establish a different relationship with the city, as opposed to scarce relationship I had in the past. Growing up, my idea of Detroit was preconceived based on my exposure to negative outlets and media. In the early 2000s, the city went through foreclosure, higher crime rates, a drop in population, etc.
Last year during the winter of 2021, I embarked on a project which exposed different areas around Detroit that previously had some sort of significance; pictures of old (and abandoned) buildings, schools, and factories/structures directly affected by the city’s downfall. These places that have been left behind still hold memories, gems, and history. My photography has done a suitable job depicting what ‘was and what has yet to come for the city’s resurgence.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The city of Detroit is rich with culture and history. There’s an unprecedented resurgence that’s happening unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and I’d like to be a part of it. This new youth is aware of what the city has been through and collectively would like to see the city thrive and bounce back. There’s a reason why the city’s influence is present all around the world. It’s infamous and no matter what setbacks and obstacles arise, it manages to endure. The seeds have been planted and those who have tended to its needs will see it grow. I love Detroit!
Contact Info:
- Website: ovdash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ovdash/
Image Credits
OVDash
