An Inspired Chat with Dejuan Davis Criner of Phoenix

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dejuan Davis Criner. Check out our conversation below.

Dejuan , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I feel that a lot of people struggle with finding confidence and motivation. Sometimes you lose sight of yourself and lose all of your confidence by acknowledging all of your flaws rather than the unique traits and qualities that make us all different and one of a kind. I try to be as outgoing as friendly as possible because you never know what a person may be going through and a simple compliment could go a long way for somebody. Finding motivation is always hard as well because we allow our laziness to get the best of us and instead of acting on an opportunity we deprive ourselves of trying to advance in life due to having zero motivation. The best way to overcome it is starting with something like preparing to do something ahead of time. For example when I have a busy morning of editing I’ll immediately get up and open my laptop and leave it open before I do anything else so I know that I have to edit. It helps because I don’t like when my laptop screen is open so I’m forced to go over there and choose between closing it or logging in and completing my task.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dejuan also known as DJ or SSJ. I’ve been doing photography for close to 10 years but I’d say seriously for maybe around 5. I’ve been under the name Shootsumnjuan for a few years now because when I had my camera I was always shooting something. Now that I’ve branched into more professional shoots with sports for all ages I reshaped it into PhotosBySSJ to take a more professional approach. A brief timeline on how this path began was borrowing my history teacher’s camera (who was also in charge of yearbook) and going around the school snapping pictures of friends and the scenery. I later on ended up collaborating with friends on clothing friends, doing events like bar mitzvahs, backyard weddings, being a second shooter at a big wedding, car meets, and currently crossing between high school sports and professional car shoots for businesses I work with.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I was and had to be I was just some kid trying to find his way. I used to play soccer and had the ambition of being one of the best in the world. I used to make DJ remixes on the edjiing app because my older brother had introduced me to house music and I fell in love with it. I even tried rapping and producing beats at one point. If you asked me growing up if I ever saw myself being a photographer I would’ve laughed and told you no. But everything happens for a reason. Sometimes you chase things but the best things will just randomly find you. That’s how photography has been for me, it found me.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
If you haven’t given up on your passion at least once then I applaud you. I’ve given up my dream multiple times just to find my way back into doing better than ever and finding my rhythm. I lose hope in it a lot because I begin psyche myself out and tell myself that I’m not good enough and not doing enough. But after I take a step back I realize that I’m always making a productive step forward whether it’s learning something new or putting out my “best work” to date. After that I regain all confidence and I feel that lately I’ve been on a roll.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
This project called life. I don’t care how long it takes I am dedicated to continuing to serve my purpose. I’m not exactly sure what that purpose fully is but it photography is it I will continue to do that. If it’s to bring joy to other people I will continue to do that. I just know I never want to fall short again. I wasn’t supposed to make it this far so all I can do is continue to try and take it further.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
How much of an impact I’ve made in their life whether it’s a small impact or a life changing impact. It’s a strange thought I think about a lot. Like people pass and we all sit there at the funerals and hear what everybody says about said person it always crosses my mind if I pass before my loved ones what are they going to say about me? I feel that I bring a lot people joy, comfort, and just have a lot to bring to the table being a personable person.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @photosbyssj