BTS Photographer Keenan Reed
Shoot Photographer Sami Drasin
Fashion Georgie Stuart
Groomer Chatwaka Jackson
Producer Tessa Swantek
Assistant Producer Sam Cohen
Location Special Thanks The Hoxton, Downtown LA
Sunlight pours through the curtains in abundance as Dewayne Perkins jumps up and down on a bed at The Hoxton in Downtown LA to the flash of a camera, with all the joy and playfulness of a young kid. He strikes silly poses and smiles widely, not just at the lens, but at the women behind the scenes, inspiring his good humour. Photographer Sami Drasin mirrors his joy and charm, reflecting it back at Dewayne in spades. “Working with Dewayne was so effortless in the best way,” she says. “He brought such a raw and playful energy to our shoot, which made every moment feel spontaneous and real. We had a really good flow, and he was up for anything.” They flowed together as she sat on table tops and he sat on the fridge, he went outside and danced as she captured him through the window. Sami says, “I wanted the photos to feel playful, a bit nostalgic and full of personality. Dewayne was so cool, confident and at ease, so I leaned into that, keeping the mood light and fun.”
Although Sami attributes Dewayne’s natural warmth and charisma to the success of the shoot, the atmosphere she creates inspires an ease and comfortability. She says, “For me, the feminine lens is about capturing someone in a way that feels real and honest. I approached this shoot by creating a comfortable space where Dewayne could be himself. It’s about the emotion, presence, and those little moments in between that say a lot.” The easy way in which Sami instilled such confidence and comfort in Dewayne to be his authentic self is the blueprint realised of the Boys by Girls concept. We strive to surround our talent with feminine energy, which reflects the authenticity of those they are working with.
Stylist, Georgie Stuart’s, passion and expertise were obvious as Dewayne strode through the streets of LA in a '70s-inspired suit, the colour as sunny as his personality. She explains, “I didn’t want to do this in a too obvious or overdone manner, so using bold solid colour, texture and a modern take on some vintage inspirations really helped capture Dewayne’s style and bring his personality across to the lens.” She dressed him in vibrant yellows, oranges, and blues, fulfilling the hope that she had for the shoot, to, “bring his life, confidence and personality through.”
Dewayne’s grooming was done by Chatwaka Jackson, who helped perfect his glow. She says,“The way Dewayne’s hair and makeup reflect his personality in this shoot feels truly authentic. He effortlessly expresses himself through each look, all while embracing the beauty of his natural hair. His striking facial silhouette is something that’s always captured in a timeless, warm way. Dewayne is unapologetically himself—authentic, bold, and always open to creativity. He constantly pushes the boundaries of fashion and beauty with grace and confidence.” Chatwaka highlighted Dewayne’s natural charm without overshadowing him in her own vision. Her goal was to, “capture his authentic self through a soft, nurturing visual language—telling a story that reflects personal truth and perspective. It’s about creating imagery that not only resonates deeply but also cultivates a sense of connection, vulnerability, and empowerment.”
The feminine lens is the extra warmth in Dewayne’s photos. It’s the softness of his eyes and his unguarded stance. It’s a safe environment where talent feel like they can be themselves and flow freely during a shoot.
View our full feature with Dewayne here.
