Meet Deseri Rice

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deseri Rice. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Deseri, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I’ve always been a bit of a hard worker and overachiever for as long as I can remember. What keeps me going is the joy I get from giving my all to things I’m passionate about. Back in grade school, I managed to score straight A’s, make it onto the honor roll, and even the principal’s list. Nowadays, life might not hand out trophies or medals, but it does reward me in all sorts of wonderful ways, and I’m just so blessed for that.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a studio portrait photographer based in Decatur Georgia focusing on providing an inclusive self care experience to those who find value in Vanity Fair or Vogue inspired portraits.

I started my journey shortly after college in 2014, photographing friends, show performances and events. I niched down to portraiture after falling in love with being able to have full control of creativity. I’ve always been inspired by fashion and contemporary African photographers like Malik Sidibe etc.

I opened my own studio/art gallery, Au Courag Studio .+ Gallery in Decatur, in 2020. There, I photograph my clients as well as work on passion projects to keep my artist mind fulfilled.

The self care aspect is so important to me because not only did I want my clients to look fresh out of a magazine, I want them to feel that way too. Once they receive celebrity treatment and feel empowered, they are ready to shine in front of the camera. And the photos truly reflect what they feel about themselves from within.

A lot of people from my background never been pampered or saw themselves all done up professionally and being able to provide that experience and encourage self care to those who don’t show up for themselves as much is so rewarding. I love seeing their reactions and calling themselves beautiful.

I’m looking forward to expanding this idea to McKinney-Vento students and also community art related events to keep art alive in the area.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think it’s very important as a young artist to develop their business and networking skills along with knowing their value and standing firmly on that. Also the narrative they push about being a struggling starving artist doesn’t have to be their story. I remember thinking when I had a really nice paying job that only struggling artists make it to the top and I wouldn’t get my shine until then. I regret that immediately when I actually went through the fire. Get that job! It’s ok to fund your own dreams. Especially in today’s economy.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Building community and networking is so important to me and my current journey. For years I’ve been at it alone. I would love to collaborate with any local, black owned, or women owned businesses who also values self care. Definitely interested in cross promotion or even creating events for the community using my space and photography talents. If you are reading this and are interested please feel free to reach out!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
1. Model: Christan Davis 2. Model: Jesmalu Gerome 3. Model: Morgan Magras 4. Model: Zan Freeman 5. Vibe: Self Care Retreat by VPA Designs 6. GMARO Magazine feature photographed by me. Model Koichi Komatsu 7. Model: Darnell Jordan 8. Bts of photoshoot with Celestina Aleobua

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