Spotlight On: Donte Maurice
- bkingangelica
- Jun 23, 2016
- 4 min read
Meet Donte Maurice the 21 year old Atlanta based photographer and college student. At 21 years old Donte has accomplished so much such as having their work featured with Complex, Urban Outfitters, USA Today, Sprite, Moschino and so much more. Donte humbly shares how they perfected their craft, what influences their creative style and what they hope to achieve in the future.
All images courtesy of Donte Maurice
Angelica: I can honestly say that your work is full of so much creativity and is very powerful. What and or who influenced your unique & creative style?
Donte Maurice: WOW! Thank you so much. I really appreciate the kind words. I can honestly say I get my influences from successful photographers. I’ve literally studied print magazines, online magazines, EVERYTHING. However, my main inspirations are Alasdair Mclellan, Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, and Patrick & Victor Demarchelier. They are currently where I would love to be in my life artistically and financially.
Angelica: Do you think it’s necessary for the model and the photographer to have a connection to produce the “perfect shot”?
Donte: The connection is important! When the model and the photographer has a connection, it causes everyone to relax and be more comfortable to do anything. That’s why a lot of times after you will see photographers hanging and being friends with their muses because the better the connection, the greater the shot in my opinion.
Angelica: I am amazed that you are a very successful photographer and a college student. Many people often have trouble balancing their career and other aspects of their life. Do you ever feel like you have to compromise things so your photography career can continue to excel?
Donte: It’s actually the other way around, I’ve had to sacrifice photography opportunities to finish out my college education. Yes! It totally sucks at the moment, but I’ve came to terms with the fact that I’m paying for school and that ultimately has to be my number 1 priority until I graduate. However, one thing I keep in mind is that if it’s meant to be the opportunity will happen regardless… it’s inevitable.
Angelica: You have photography featured on Complex, Urban Outfitters, USA Today, Moshino and more. You have also photographed some exceptional people including Zonnique, and the Clermont Twins. Who else is on your bucket list to one day shoot or where else do you envision having your work featured?
Donte: Every time I think about it, I always think about how crazy that is. I see myself as a just college kid out here trying to make it out here in these “streets”, but the fact that I’ve had the chance to get my work out there and people liked my work enough to place it on those platforms without me having to push it, is incredible. It’s all God. BUT To answer your question LOL my bucketlist is miles long, I would love to shoot for W magazine, V magazine, Interview, Teen Vogue & Nylon. Those are my short term goals. So we’ll see what happens!
Angelica: The camera also plays a vital role in producing a picture with a certain color tone, and image quality. Do you have multiple cameras that you shoot with and if so which one do you prefer more?
Donte: For now, I only have one and that is my canon 6D aka Sasha. She’s my baby, until I get another one.
Angelica: You have some very outstanding photos in color as well as black in white. When you choose to make a photo b&w what are your reasons for doing so?
Donte: I just love black and white. A lot of times having no color draws you in more and makes the photo much deeper. However, %95.67 of the time I couldn’t get the color tone I wanted right so I just convert it to black and white! lol
Angelica: What do you enjoy doing in your down time when the camera is not in your hands?
Donte: I love sleeping… with a passion. I also love hanging out with friends going to different wrestling shows and church events. Lately, I’ve found this new passion for acting that I’ve been trying to pursue and train for as well.
Angelica: For the average person it takes much time to perfect their craft. How long did it take for you to become as great a photographer you are today?
Donte: Oh no! I wouldn’t say I’m great yet. Hopefully I’m on the path to that and I can’t wait until I reach that point. But I’ve been doing photography for almost 3 years, it will be 3 years at the end of June.
Angelica: Do you have any additional comments or advice to give to others?
Donte: Please! Whatever you do. Don’t give up on your dreams. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and careers with longevity wasn’t either. Just keep practicing and pushing yourself further and your reward will come. Stay humble.
Follow Donte Maurice on
Twitter @dontemaurice
Instagram @dontemaurice
Visit Donte Maurice's website : http://www.dontemaurice.com