We had the good fortune of connecting with Andre Dawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andre, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
While working in the event space, I realized the passion I had for capturing moments & people just being their true selves. I would usually be the one at the event snapping photos & video of people just having fun & being themselves, or taking the group photo with my smartphone. I decided to elevate this passion I had & turn it into what is now 876Creative.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I first got started, I knew I loved all aspects of photography. I enjoyed landscape photography and taking pictures of people, but I struggled to find my niche and style. Over the years, (and through a LOT of trial and error), I have cultivated a style that melds my love for events (both cultural and international) and capturing joyful moments. I realized that I have a gift for zoning in on those moments when an individual or group is being their true selves, unrestricted and free. While the technical aspect of photography will always be a learning experience (even veterans decades in the game will tell you this), I am getting a better grasp of my style. I will continue to refine it, so I can create powerful visual stories that evoke emotion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow. South Florida & the Miami area holds a treasure trove of exciting places to both let loose & unwind. First off, it depends on the type of person I’m hosting, and the time of year (Miami is always hosting something).

We can start off by stopping to check out any one of the many art museums & interactive creative installations dotted around South Florida. ARTECHOUSE is amazing . For outdoor activities we can hit up Oleta River State Park for some Kayaking, or The Fairchild Botanical Gardens in The Gables.

Then we can then switch it up to a more upscale dining experience where you can see & be seen, & start with happy hour at Area 31 at the Epic Hotel for some amazing views, & then head to Komodo. If they are just hungry for the best burger in the city, with an amazing selection of beers to wash it down we can grab the Frita Burger at KUSH, & then walk it off with some people watching in Wynwood.

For a Friday night vibe with some good music, we can head to Overtown to The Urban or Red Rooster. If they are looking something even more subdued, we can hit up Lagniappe for some live Jazz. And, if all else fails, the beach is ALWAYS a good idea. Historic Virginia Key Park is a personal favorite.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my alma mater Florida International Univeristy for the opportunity to be involved in various organizations, (including Alpha Phi Alpha) which ignited my passion to plan & create events & memories for people. Also, BIG shoutout to Alexis Brown & SocialXchange Miami for allowing me to assist with events & the curation of content. She definitely provided an opportunity for networking, & developing the technical side of my creative process. And last, but certainly not least, I would like to give a huge shout to my home country of Jamaica. For such a tiny island we have some of the most creative & influential people on the planet, & I owe a huge part of my creative drive from my cultural upbringing back home.

Website: https://andredawson.smugmug.com/

Instagram: 876Creative

Image Credits
All images by 876Creative/Andre Dawson

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