B. Summers

Dana Pinkston, Florida native, started dabbling in photography in middle school.  Now she is snapping vibrant shots in New Orleans.  Her photos have great quality a composition that tells a story that draws you in for more.  Pinkston’s work may be better known under the clever name of DEElusion.  We found time to talk to Pinkston about her endeavors.

The Wall Magazine (TWM): How old are you?
Dana Pinkston (DEElusion): I’m 22, going on 23.

TWM: Where are you from?
DEElusion: I was born in Orlando but raised in Miami, FL since the age of 2.

TWM: Where do/did you go to School?
DEElusion: I am currently finishing up my last semester at Dillard University in New Orleans.

TWM: When did you get into photography/ Why?
DEElusion: As I recall, I first became interested in photography in middle school. However, my freshman year of college I use to photograph and film programs on campus and my advisor convinced me to change my major from biology to mass communications. From there, I realized that photography was more than a hobby. I wanted to make a career out of it.

TWM: What are you shooting with? What did you start on?
DEElusion: I currently have a Nikon D80. I started with a video camera that allowed me to take snap shots, afterwards I bought a Canon that was a film camera. From there my mother felt my skills were good enough to upgrade to a professional camera.

TWM: Do you have any favorite photographers?
DEElusion: Yes, a poet/photographer known as SADDI KHALI. He actually taught me everything I know about photography. I use to mimic his work in order to learn how to operate my camera. He also taught me to use Photoshop as less as possible. So the majority of my works are originally crisp images. I only use Photoshop for airbrushing.

TWM: What are your goals in photography?
DEElusion: I would like to expand my networking, to try and get my name and work out there more. There is still a lot about photography that I do not know as far as the business aspect of it.

TWM: Win any awards lately?
DEElusion: Honestly, no. Maybe I should first start submitting work. I’m sure I could win one.

TWM: What has been the best experience for you in your art?
DEElusion: Discovering that my work is very appealing to others. It makes me feel good to know that people actually enjoy viewing my work. I’ve also discovered that if people don’t know me as a person, they know my work. It’s a good feeling.

TWM: What is you favorite object(s) to shoot? Why?
DEElusion: I love to shoot urban/hip-hop photos. People wearing the latest trends and graffiti are always a favorite when creating a nice piece. I love for my photos to have flavor. However, not all of my photos consist of that particular content.

TWM: What advice can you give to young photographers?
DEElusion: Shoot as much as possible and network. And always remember, sometimes you have to give a little to get a little for some opportunities do not always consist of dollar signs.

TWM: Is there is any message you are trying to get across in your work?
DEElusion: Specifically, no. Some of my photos carry messages, not all of them do.

Any website? www.myspace.com/deelusion3
Contact info? Dana_Pinkston08@yahoo.com
Any nickname you would like for the interview? DEElusion

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