Meet Deaune Boyd | Photographer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deaune Boyd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deaune, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
In the world of photography, there is something captivating about freezing a moment in time and immortalizing it through the lens of a camera. But beyond the technicalities, settings, and lighting, what truly inspires me goes far deeper. It is the ability to recognize the beauty that people possess, even when they don’t see it in themselves. Every individual carries a unique radiance, an iridescent glow that glimmers beneath the surface. Often obscured by self-doubt, societal expectations, or life’s burdens, this innate beauty remains untapped and overlooked. And it is precisely this hidden splendor that draws me in, compels me to bring it to light.

As a photographer, my passion lies in discovering and capturing the essence of each person, revealing the depth and complexity of their spirits. Whether it’s a shy smile, a contemplative gaze, or a moment of vulnerability, there is undeniable magic in unveiling the extraordinary amidst the perceived ordinary. With every click of the shutter, I aim to bridge the gap between the visible and the hidden, peeling back the layers of self-perception and exposing the genuine brilliance that lies within. Each photograph becomes a testament to the unseen beauty that exists in every corner of the human experience.

This mission grants me the privilege to connect with people on a profound level. It is during those moments behind the lens that I am granted access to their vulnerabilities, their strengths, and their stories. It is a sacred trust, one that requires empathy, understanding, and respect. Photography is not just a means of capturing an image; it is a medium through which I can facilitate self-discovery and self-acceptance. By showing individuals the sidelights they have never noticed, I hope to inspire them to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their own reflection.

It is the unique combination of their strengths, flaws, and experiences that form the exquisite masterpiece of their being. To witness this beauty, often hidden beneath layers of self-doubt and insecurities, is both humbling and empowering. It reminds me of the incredible potential that lies dormant within each individual, urging me to encourage, uplift, and inspire them to see the remarkable beauty that resides within them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from other photographers is my dedication to helping my clients recognize and embrace the unique beauty they possess. I firmly believe that beauty radiates differently for each individual, whether through their personalities, appearances, or spirits. It is my mission to remind every client that they are beautiful inside and out, but I also emphasize the importance of them embracing their own confidence and living in their beauty to the fullest.

Everything I have accomplished has been learned through self-teaching and personal experiences. From managing my own clients to developing effective marketing strategies, I have faced challenges such as being scammed by clients and not charging the right amount for my services, which resulted in little profit for my business. Nevertheless, these setbacks have been valuable lessons, enabling me to improve and do better each time. One of my recent achievements, being selected for the County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce’s 40 under 40 Black Entrepreneurs, is a testament to my hard work and determination. I have come a long way since starting my photography business three years ago, and my passion for capturing moments and making people feel beautiful remains as strong as ever.

At Elysian Visions, my brand’s slogan “You are perfectly, Imperfect!” encompasses a powerful message that I want the world to know. I believe that every individual is born the way they are supposed to be, flaws and all. It’s a reminder that perfection does not mean flawlessness, but rather embracing our unique imperfections and understanding that they make us who we are. It is up to each of us to recognize and appreciate our individuality, seeing our imperfections as part of our beauty and strength. Elysian Visions encourages self-acceptance and celebrates the beauty in our flaws.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Breakfast: Cafe 21
Daily Activity: San Diego Zoo
Lunch: Sayulitas Mexican Food
Leisure: Mission Beach Boardwalk & The Space Pad
Dinner: Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dessert: Crumbl Cookie

Day 2:
Breakfast: Breakfast Bitch
Daily Activity: Del Mar Fair
Lunch: Chicken Charlie’s
Leisure: Cigar Cave & The Wndr Museum
Dinner: STK Steakhouse

Day 3:
Breakfast: House of Pancakes
Daily Activity: Beach Day at La Jolla Shores
Lunch: Blue Ocean Sushi Bar
Leisure: The Mothership
Dinner: Vegan & Fries
Dessert: Donut Bar

Day 3:
Breakfast: Everbowl Craft Super Food
Daily Activity: Movement Matters Collective: Yoga & Paint Me San Diego
Lunch: Louisiana Purchase San Diego
Leisure: Hiking at Guy Fleming Trail
Dinner: Surf & Soul Spot
Dessert: Salt & Straw

Day 4:
Breakfast: Crushed
Daily Activity: San Diego Flagship
Lunch: Flavors of East Africa
Leisure: Museum of Photographic Arts & SIP Wine & Beer
Dinner: Streetcar Merchants Chicken Bar
Dessert: Mochinut

Day 5:
Breakfast: Hash House Go Go
Daily Activity: San Diego Flagship
Lunch: Kin Saep
Leisure: San Diego Botanic Garden & Solana Beach
Dinner: Lucy Mae’s Kitchen
Dessert: Churro Addict

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to give a big shoutout to my long-time best friend, who has been the ultimate source of motivation and encouragement for me. It was this incredible person who first recognized my talents and pushed me to explore them further, leading me to create Elysian Visions. Their unwavering support and belief in me opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on my creative abilities and gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith and follow my passion. I can’t express enough gratitude to my friend for being there every step of the way.

Additionally, I must give a special shoutout to my father, who believed in my dreams from the very beginning. When I expressed my desire to pursue photography as a full-time career, he, without hesitation, purchased my first camera. Once I told my dad that I wanted to pursue photography as a career, he responded with a challenge, “Show me that you are serious about this and that this is not just a hobby.” Little did I know, those words would mark the beginning of a journey where history would be made.

Determined to prove myself, I immersed myself in the world of photography. I devoured online videos, learned from established photographers, and practiced tirelessly to improve my skills. Every click of the camera became an opportunity to capture a moment, to freeze time and share my unique perspective with the world. As I delved deeper into this art form, the world around me started to transform. The way I saw things shifted; mundane scenes became extraordinary when viewed through the lens. I began to notice the play of light, the interplay of colors, and the emotions that could be translated through a single photograph.

With each passing day, my photographs became a mirror reflecting my passion and dedication. I spent endless hours exploring new techniques, experimenting with different equipment, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. As I grew, so did my portfolio – a collection of memories, stories, and fleeting moments captured forever. Word of my dedication and talent began to spread, and soon, opportunities started knocking at my door. My dad, once skeptical, now became my biggest supporter and guide. He witnessed the dedication, perseverance, and unwavering passion that fueled my journey.

Together, we explored new possibilities, sought out fresh perspectives, and celebrated every milestone achieved. In the realm of photography, I found my purpose—a way to connect with people, to inspire, and to leave a lasting impact. Each photograph became a testament to the power of visual storytelling and a reminder of the incredible journey that all started with my dad’s challenge. I am incredibly fortunate to have such incredible people in my life who have propelled me forward in pursuing my goals and dreams.

Website: elysianvisions.co

Instagram: elysianvisions.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elysianvisions.co

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_elysianvisionsco

Image Credits
@X_O.DM @DESSTINYY_JOYY @_JOY.MIANNE @CIERRA.BUSH @THECIERRAREIGN @_BIANCASHAW @MAYAH_HATCHER @RUSIAIBARRA @__LOYALTYANDLOOT @_keijcb @lagatitamala @fwyagirl.mari__