Darren Roberts shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Darren , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m learning quite a bit from my partner, Anthony Simmons, who oddly enough is also being featured for his stylistic talents on of these articles. We have been together for years, and it is really amazing to see him grind, market and work so hard at what he loves: hair. He works all the time and even when he doubts himself, he always powers through. He makes sure to continue his education by taking classes, and also going to the Behind The Chair conference. He is also an absolute treasure as a step parent. He treats my son just like his own, and my son thinks he’s just amazing (they go on little adventures weekly with or without me). Getting to see his passion, drive and determination up close, also rubs off. I see what it takes to make sure we make our dreams come true. I am beyond proud all that he has accomplished and I am thrilled to see what the future has in store. I wouldn’t want to do this adventure with anyone else, I love you Babe!
From working at Dry Bar in North Park, to having his own salon suite in Addison, he is beyond multifaceted. His talent is definitely goals, and I highly recommend anyone needing hair services, give him a call.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Well, I have changed things up a little in the last few years. I used to primarily be a wedding photographer. I loved the chaos and constant thrill/anxiety if that’s the right word? (ha) But, I also found myself working for weeks at a time and missing out on time with my kiddo, also due to having another line of work 40 hours weekly. I have been a veterinary technician at Metro Paws Animal Hospital- Skillman for the last 13 years, working up from kennel tech, to current Technician Supervisor. Working in this field has been extremely rewarding, while also giving me the freedom to pursue my artistic dreams. I am able to schedule shoots around work, and usually, it works out great. I am wanting to migrate over to photography full time, simply to have more time with my family and also to do what I love constantly.
My focus has been lately centered around Portraiture and family Lifestyle events, while still keeping to my photojournalist style. I have really leaned into the family aspect of my life and have found that capturing moments of children growing up, newborn arrivals, Quinceaneras, birthdays, family shoots make me happiest. I have had the pleasure of watching and documenting my friend’s children growing up. I have been able to document some lifelong memories for people and also made some friends along the way. My amazing tattoo artist actually made a deal with me. She had been itching to make some memories and have photos taken, and I just so happen to have the good old tattoo itch (sometimes timing is everything). She received amazing, lifelong photos of her gorgeous kiddos at a slight discount, and I was given a work of art permanently displayed on my arm. A barter that was not only amazing on both parts, but solidified a very great friendship. Being around other creatives, especially in their own element, always makes this job seem like a dream. They really did mean if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.
And please don’t misinterpret, I still love wedding with all of my heart, and will enthusiastically shoot them. But, if I have my way, a good family session or helping someone feel better about their headshots gives me just the same endorphin rush. Worth it completely.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Definitely my grandparents.
I went to live with my grandparents at around 18 months old. My mom had some issues she had to work through, and her parents willing stepped up. I was loved beyond words. My grandparents ensured I had the best education and always let me have the freedom to discover whatever I wanted. I was a very… eccentric child. I was in orchestra, I played the piano, I have sever ADHD, I was loud, I was/am all over the place. With every new fascination, they were always at my back with full, unwavering support. I was encouraged to be who I was and to take chances in life. I was encouraged through karate, acting, drama club, choir, two foreign languages at once (thanks private school), and gymnastics. Their support has truly been monumental in shaping who I am as a person. I lost my grandmother in 2002 and my grandfather in 2011. I was never able to fully tell them who I am, partly because I didn’t fully accept myself until I was 30.
I never got to show them how profound of an impact they had on my life. I hadn’t realized until writing this they have both been gone for longer than they were in my life, yet, they are still part of my every day. The way I make eggs for my son. The way coffee never seems to be strong enough. My ability to see past the walls and see what beauty lies behind the surface. My cooking skills (boyfriend always goes borderline insane when I make homemade enchiladas). My green thumb. My entire artistic side is thanks to them. I know they knew who I always was. I know they loved me no matter what. But I think there will always be some part of me who longs for them to fully know me and see how happy life truly turned out.
They never judged me. Never had negative things to say about how I acted or spoke (which is saying something for a sassy, southern gay man) and always made sure I was seen. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t give up. Life isn’t always fair, but things have a way of working out in the end. Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up over failure. Remember: We don’t lose, we learn. Things will go sideways at times, but it’s HOW you comeback from the heartache that makes the difference. It’s how you carry on. You will think you can’t make it sometimes, and I can promise you, you can and will. Be patient with yourself. You don’t have to worry about every single thing all the time, and enjoy the hell out of being a kid. It doesn’t last.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
You don’t always get to pick the family you are born into, but you can choose to surround yourself with people who love and appreciate you. The ‘family you make’ has become something very dear to me. I did have a loving support system growing up, but that was turned upside down at 10 years old. Moving from school to school throughout. 9th grade, making friends and then losing them just as quickly as they were made. When you’re able to cultivate the groups of around you with likeminded souls, it makes life just a little better.
We are also big on communication. We are very honest and open, sometimes to a fault. We don’t sugar coat things and while being truthful, also remembering to be kind. What’s the point of having friends if you can’t be your authentic, honest self. This is also something I implement into my relationship as well. We have days where I communicate that I can offer about 80% of myself, and my boyfriend will be the other 20% I need. Other days, he comes in and is at 70% and I carry the other 30%. Some days, we both look at each other and we are depleted, which allows us to have a conversation about what we need to successfully cohabitate with neither of us at 100%.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Pondering on the past. I have a lot of self doubt that stems from things that have happened in my life. And while I do wish that I could change some of those things, I don’t know If I actually would. Would it not change who I am now? Would it not change the values that I have and hold most dear? I think life would be dramatically different. As much as I would like to go back and make my family whole again, I’m not sure that I would have learned the lessons I was forced to learn. I don’t know if I would have the same urgency to protect my loved ones that I do now. I don’t want sound like I’m better for what has happened, but I feel like I have made the best outcome with the cards dealt. Embracing who I am because of what has happened, and not wondering why it happened. And I am the product of the hand that was played. Not only this, but it’s how I continue to shape my owner future. Making sure to keep going, to never give up. I’m learning to let go of the past, but understanding that I am human after all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.darrenlroberts.com
- Instagram: @photoshock_88
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrenlrobertsphotography
