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

Hi Dylan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town of Eastern France. Everything I’ve lived throughout my childhood impacts how am I am today as an artist. First of, I always draw part of my inspiration from something I’ve lived or knew as a child, this has become a part of my creative process. I also reflect a lot on the past, how I’ve changed and how I’ve learnt to differ myself from what I didn’t agree with for instance. In other words, the good moments and struggles I’ve been through shaped the person I am today.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I believe my photography style is my own and it sets me apart from others. As much as I try to know a lot of the technical parts, I’m more of a creative photographer, so my styles tends to be very visual. I like to play with the opposites, therefore my work can be: sharp and soft, dark and bright. To get where I am today, it honestly took patience and dedication. You have to find yourself as an artist, find what makes your heart be so fast you can’t wait to shoot, it really takes passion. My biggest lesson is to never give up, always believing in myself and to keep practicing my craft.
I’d want people to know that to get where I am today, it took a lot sacrifices, risks, dedication and passion.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love LA for its diversity in places, you can find everything within a short distance: beach, city, nature, snow (in the winter), it’s simply amazing (especially for shoots!). If my best friend would come visit, I would definitely go on a good hike in the morning (Runyon because it’s cliché & famous) and then hit a good brunch place in the morning (love The Waffle by my house on Sunset) or a good diner experience if they’re not American (love Mel’s at the Sunset Plaza). I love LA for all the good thrift store places (many on Melrose, and a few hidden gems throughout the city too) — if it’s a Sunday: Melrose Trading Post is def the spot! I unfortunately don’t go to the beach often, but I love Malibu beaches, so if they need ocean, I would go there. My favorite amusement park is Universal Studios, so if we’re in the mood I would go for a few hours (never a full day *haha*). Then, I love LA for its beautiful sunsets, you can find a good one while hiking the Hollywood sign or Griffith Park, in Malibu or driving through the iconic Mulholland Drive — I would find a spot, get out the car and admire the city with the sun setting and the lights from the city at night coming alive. Then as the evening starts, nothing better than a good margarita at a good Mexican spot (I really love the famous El Coyote) or a cute cozy restaurant in Silver Lake. When the city reopens its night life, there are tons of places / bars in Silver Lake or Weho that I would explore and take them to. LA is amazing for its diversity in people, culture and places, tons of things to do and check out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think working with other creative to uplift your work and visions is what helps me the most to become a better artist. I am mainly thinking of one of my best friend / wardrobe stylist / creative director, Dina Vibes. She always pushes me to go outside the box and to not think about what other would say and I love that. That’s what I need to become a better artist shoot after shoot.

Website: www.dylanperlot.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dylanperlot

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.