How Photographer Deon Hinton Is Staying Focused and Inspired
Mental-health maintenance, expressive style, and preparation are key.
The first time Deon Hinton flew on a plane was three years ago. He was moving to New York, a big step for the Arkansas native who left behind his family and a pre-med college major to pursue his dream of becoming a multi-hyphenate creator. Since then, the model, photographer, and writer has built a social media presence around making arresting imagery that features meticulous styling and stark environments and pairing it with poetic, affirmational captions. “My goal is to simply create a safe space for people to come and feel seen, heard, and loved,” he says. “I want to create these spaces in the most vulnerable [moments in life], because that’s where the most genuine part of me comes from.”
It’d be hard to know it from his dreamy Instagram feed with its powerful message of self-love, but Hinton grew up in poverty, was bullied for being Black, and was even homeless at one point during high school. Which is part of what fuels him to use his platform to promote positivity, joy, and confidence—all of which are reflected in his style, which subtly blends minimalism, utility, and a love of statement-making accessories. (A favorite outfit of his speaks directly to his pared-back but deeply personal fashion sense—beloved jeans that have stayed with him for years, a crisp white T-shirt, and a little flair with his must-have winter boot, the SOREL Kezar™ Moc Boot.)
“When I started on social media [three years ago], I never saw anyone doing what I’m doing,” he said, saying that allowing himself to show his softer side actually gave him more confidence. “I want it to feel like a fresh breath of air when you encounter me, whether it be in real life or on social media.”
For someone who’s made it their mission to be a light for others, staying inspired and grounded is essential to Hinton’s work. Here’s how he’s maintained his sense of self—and continued to find the inspiration he needs to create—even amidst the chaos of 2020.