When I think about the words passionate, dedicated, determined, loyal and purpose driven these are just a few that describes Deshawn “Las Visuals” Newby. I have had the honor and pleasure to not only work with him but to inherit a little brother in the process. This guy is cut from a rare cloth and I can only pray there is more fabric where his came from. I am a fan of his work to include but not limited to his videography and photography skills. Without further ado, let’s hear what he had to say after being Caught N’Da Web with me, Spyder!
Spyder: I know that you do both photography and videography but which one did you start off with?
Las Visuals: Great question! Actually, I didn’t start off with neither one. I actually started off as a graphic designer, then I went from graphic designing to photography. Once I got into photography it ended up leading to videography and so forth and so on.
Spyder: When did you start photography?
Las Visuals: I started graphic designing, to be honest back in like middle school. I didn’t start freelance photography till my freshman year in high school. So like in 2009-2010 I would say is when I started learning the basics of photography.
Spyder: What made you want to become a photographer and videographer?
Las Visuals: Videographer because you can tell the story much better and you can put yourself in the individual shoes to help tell the story that they are trying to put out. I really feel like it’s more in depth when it comes to shooting the video versus still photos.
Spyder: So you started off with graphic design and then from graphic designing into freelance photography or videography?
Las Visuals: Yes, I started freelance photography after graphic designing and to go more in depth with that and how I started I would have to credit my friend Stephon. I wouldn’t have known anything about photography if it wasn’t for him. He put a camera in my hand and said “don’t come back till you make some money”! {laughter} I haven’t look back since.
Spyder: That’s Dope! Do you remember what camera you started off with?
Las Visuals: Yes Sir! When I first started, I picked up a Nikon D3100, which is a camera I don’t prefer to use but that’s what I started off with a Nikon D3100 beginners camera.
Spyder: That’s what’s up! We all have to start from some where! So let me ask you this, have you ever lost your desire for your passion? If you did, what got you back on track?
Las Visuals: Yes, I lost my desire when my cousin died. My cousin died and it took a toll on me mentally and physically. What inspired me to get back into it was my little brother. He started playing sports and I used to go out and support him which led me to pick the camera back up. I would take photos of him and that slowly gave me back the confidence I needed. Now I’m on go mode!
Spyder: Describe your creative process or what catches your eye with filming?
Las Visuals: Well what I like to do is go into a shoot putting myself in the client shoes to embrace the vision that they are trying to obtain. Understanding what the outcome is that they are trying to accomplish and what visuals are they trying to showcase. I then go into the preparation of the pre-production phase by obtaining key information such as location, vision, message they want delivered and how many hours they require. Then I go into the production phase where I bring their vision to life followed by a roll out plan during post-production.
Spyder: What would you say is your favorite and least favorite part of photography?
Las Visuals: My favorite part of photography is capturing the moment. Whatever the eye see I catch it. The thing I would say I like the least is..wow..I really don’t have an answer to that. If I am referring to the client side of things, I would say me not satisfying the client. Them not approving of the work would be my least favorite thing but those things also come with the territory. So to be honest I really don’t have a least favorite thing because its always room for opportunity and room to get better. So my favorite moments out weigh my least favorite.
Spyder: What are some things you like to do outside photography/videography?
Las Visuals: I would say staying fit and working out. I love to travel and hang with the people I love, which are my family and friends. {Laughter} I know more will come to mind after this interview but that’s it for now. I definitely want to travel more because I haven’t went many places but I enjoy it so much when I do.
Spyder: {Laughter} This will not be the last interview, just an ice breaker for the world to get to know Las Visuals. Sticking with the traveling question though, outside of Virginia where would you like to move or at least film?
Las Visuals: I would love to go to go to Seattle, Washington. Opposite side of the country from Virginia and I am sure much different.
Spyder: What’s one thing about you that you would like your followers to know about you?
Las Visuals: I’m passionate! I am very passionate about what I do, I see nothing but good things in the future. That’s one thing I want my followers to know, they can do the same thing. They can be at the bottom of the pit but can always come out of it and be victorious at the end so keep going, don’t stop!
Spyder: Where do you see yourself in the next 2-5 years?
Las Visuals: In 2-5 years, I see myself owning my own studio, photography studio specifically. I also see myself writing and directing my first film and releasing to at least one major platform. My platform of choice right now is Amazon Prime. Furthermore, I see myself changing different people lives that I come in contact with by holding different webinars for the youth that want to learn about filming and photography and even graphic designing as well. I just see myself giving back in the best manner that I can.
Spyder: Did you have any videographers or photographers that you look up to or would like to work with in the future?
Las Visuals: Definitely a guy name Steven Philip: PhillyFlyBoy, he is the person who inspired me to do the style of videos I did earlier on in my journey. He is one of the biggest directors that I have always wanted to work with. Then there is another guy name Danny Roy: D Roy Films which is where I got into the model reels and had the models and the music in the background. That’s where that inspiration came from. So yeah, they are my favorite two that if I had an opportunity to work with them that be super dope!
Spyder: What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
Las Visuals: Strengths, umm are we talking life in general or photography/videography?
Spyder: I mean in general or either one, it’s up to you how you answer that.
Las Visuals: I would say in general one of my strengths in life is I am very confident, and my weakness which I’ve gotten better with over time is doubt. Being transparent there was times in the past when I would try to be perfect around people I looked up to. So I put unnecessary pressure on myself trying to be perfect until I was told it’s okay to be me. Nobody is perfect.
Spyder: I know you mentioned where you see yourself in 2-5 years, do you have any upcoming projects that you are working on that people should be on the look for?
Las Visuals: Degrees, it’s a film that I really want to come out but unfortunately it is on the back burner right now until I can find the proper funding. The vision is there but right now the money isn’t. My “Unfinished Business” sports platform used to showcase the youth is a way for me to give back to the community and something I am very excited about. So definitely stay tuned for that.
Spyder: I want to personally thank you for your time and I look forward to sitting down with you again in the near future. I pray you continue to have success in anything that you involve yourself with.
Las Visuals: My pleasure! Thank you for the interview!
Follow and check out work from Las Visuals: Website: www.Lasvisuals.co IG: lasvisuals & deshawnnewby
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