Meet Denise Crew: LA Mama and Queer Eye's Favorite Photographer
Denise Crew
“Remain true to your voice and find your own way.”
What do you do and what led you to this career?
I'm a photographer. I left a successful career in marketing communications to become a photographer. It was one of the hardest -- but best -- things I've ever done. I shoot advertising campaigns, editorial fashion and celebrity portraiture, and content for brands. Very recently I started a new adventure selling my artwork. After the election I was overwhelmed with how many charities and causes I wanted to support but that eventually inspired me to make my printshop charitable. Each print I sell supports a charity I love. It's exhilarating to be in the home decor marketplace and making it up as I go along.
What is the name and age of your little one?
Axel, who is four years old.
What has been your biggest career achievement thus far?
I shot a book for Netflix's Queer Eye! That was a dream job - but I think finding my own artistic point of view in my photography and honing that craft has been my biggest achievement. I love it when people see a photo and know I shot it before looking at the photo credit; or when people, who know me really well, tell me that they see so much of me in the images I make.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a mother?
The adventure of seeing their personality develop.
And what is the most challenging?
Constantly negotiating.
What is your best advice for someone new to your industry?
Remain true to your voice and find your own way.
What is your best advice for a new mother?
Everyone -- and I mean EVERYONE -- will tell you what to do and insist you have a certain product or do a certain thing. Don't take what they say as gospel. Sure, you'll need ideas and resources and a sisterhood of fellow mamas, but don't let anyone tell you what to do. You know your baby better than anyone else and no two babies are alike. Your child is a unique human being, not a robot. Listen to your heart and your own intuition.
What's next for you? Do you have an exciting projects coming up?
My printshop! It's a work in progress and I'm loving the adventure. I'm also fine-tuning my commercial business model and starting to work in a different way so I can be more available to my family. That means I'm traveling less and not pursuing big advertising jobs as much. I'm finding more joy working with other creative and entrepreneurial moms, so I'm taking jobs that are smaller and take less time but feel more rewarding.
Follow Denise at @denisecrew and @printshopbydenisecrew