Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Reed.
Hi Devin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started after I a month long hospitalization for pancreatitis. I originally was going to college to become a radiologist, but life had a different plan. I was told the pancreatitis was due to my drinking habits and after a year of trying to quit drinking/multiple hospital visits I got lost. I told my family everything and went to rehab for the next 3 months which kicked started my sobriety journey. I noticed however during that first year of sobriety I stopped hanging out with everyone and stopped enjoying life. I needed to get back out, but didn’t know how so I started researching cameras. I ended up buying a Nikon D3500 on Amazon for a Christmas special. When it got to my door I unboxed it threw on a lens put in full auto and found my new addiction. I was taking pictures of everything around my house, then in neighborhood parks, then in city streets, anything I could think of to get outside and get creative. Shortly after I moved from St. Louis to Kansas City for a new job opportunity with Kansa city and was my escape from all old memories. Once again life stepped in though because I wasn’t shooting as much trying to collect a pay check with this new opportunity and I slowly found my self broke in a city with no family and just a few friends I knew from my time at college. As I was trying to figure out what I was going to do next with my career I picked my camera up again and started to explore KC. The itch came back immediately and I was out every chance I got. Slowly started to get some notice and had people reach out for modeling shoots, while diving into portraits I started to dable with some product photography which landed me my first big brand client 3D energy, then a guy (now very good friend/mentor in video) reached out and invited me to shoot some cars. He told me it was same as products and ever since I was a kid I loved cars just never thought of photographing them. That night changed everything, I dove into automotive photography. I started getting invited to shoot rally’s across the US getting to stay in some of the most incredible hotels, eating at the best restaurants, and then I really started to gain some notice. However, along this path I got lost I wanted to make photography my life being able to travel the world telling peoples stories, helping brands, and shooting for some of the biggest automotive names in the game. So I thought of joining a marketing company to help pay the bills and keep a camera in my hands and man was I wrong on that one. After 2 here in KC and helping launch a media company in Texas I am now back in Kansas City starting over trying to take my failures and turn them into learning lessons. I am now in the works of creating 3D luxury art pieces with 1:18th scale models, starting a YouTube channel documenting all my creative activities like my photography, videography, my art canvas, and 3D print designs. I only have one life and plan on leaving a lot behind even if my name isn’t remembered. I am actively seeking new photo clients for full brand shoots with set design and art commissions!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Far from it from battleing addiction, living in new city, losing a job during covid, taking risk after risk, it is still difficult, but it’s the difficultly I choose and grateful for all of it. If it was smooth road I’d never learn and never see new things
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been known for my photography as a whole and mainly in the automotive space. However, I shoot nature landscapes, animals, planes, portraits, products, and realestate. Through photography I learned videography, graphic design, and now getting into 3D design. My 2nd passion are 3D luxury art canvas with 1:18th scale model cars on them. Basically any I can make something I’m all in!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating. Everything else stops and something that once was just a thought in my mind is now in front of my eyes. Getting told how a certain image reminded them of a childhood memory lights me up inside. Hearing someone say” omg I didn’t even recognize myself” (in a good way) gives me chills through out my body. I love provoking positive energy and helping people feel
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Dreedmedia.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/@dreedphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FBz3mNzwL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dreedphoto22?si=Z7yqZJy0gk1x8zJb
