Take a Shot Out of Life

With humble beginnings and hard work, success is limitless! This statement is a testament to Drexina Nelson’s life, a successful CEO and celebrity photographer, who takes a minute out of her busy day to give us a behind-the-scenes look into her life and journey.

What’s a Normal day in the Drexina Nelson enterprise?

DN: There is no such thing as a normal day. Everyday it’s anything from shooting, to projects we’re working on for clients, to events. I mean there’s no typical day. I guess the bottom line to all of it is getting everything done and accomplishing our task.

What’s an area you’ve tapped in to that not most photographers have?

DN: Well I have my own production company, D.N.P. and though I am an artist, I have a business background as well.  One thing I see in a lot of photographers, or creators in general, is the lack of a business background. Even though there are have videographers and photographers, we put together at team for production. So not only am I a photographer, but with my experience, I can put together your whole team from concept to art direction, putting together your creative team, and to actual execution of the project. That’s basically what my production company offers and is able to do.

What upcoming projects can we expect?

DN: I’m working on a beauty book called Doux, which is means sleek or soft in French. And basically it’s going to be an editorial coffee table book that highlights the beauty of different women from different ethnicities. So it’s going to be everything from hair and makeup, and it’s going to go from really clean to really edgy beauty shots. The expected release is holiday season 2012, so be on the lookout, it’s going to be nice. I’m excited!

What’s your philosophy to business and success?

DN:  philosophy that I use is to always keep your word. For a client, of course, reputation is everything; and if you just do your job and do it well to the best of your abilities, on time, and professional, there’s no reason you can’t be successful. There’s no reason why you can’t be successful if you put your all into it, that’s my philosophy.

What is the most challenging obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

DN: I can say that one challenge is being a female photographer in a male dominated industry. It can be different, and it’s challenging, but all you have to do is rise to the occasion and get the job done professionally; regardless of what gender you are, you give the same quality work.

On the flip side, what is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

DN: Seeing people and how emotional they become when they see their images. The simple fact that you can make people happy and capture something in them, and they can have that image and feeling for life. That’s the most rewarding part.

Any future aspirations?

DN: Definitely! I plan on being the next Oprah but for ‘image making’.