Behind the camera with photographer Derrick Logan
*Article originally published June 2021. Photos and videos are the original works of Derrick Logan*
Welcome to The Coolest People in the World, where I feature the art, culture, and stories of some people I’ve met along life’s journey.
I’m Krystle J Bailey - author, blogger, poet, columnist, mom, and a bunch of other things. Today’s guest is a friend of mine from South Jersey - photographer and videographer Derrick Logan.
With this platform, it is my intention to highlight the lives and stories of people who inspire me by the way they live, the way they think, the way that they create, and the way that they love.
Derrick is one of those people.
Enjoy a glimpse into his story and his art. Click any of the images to be directed to Derrick’s Instagram, and be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for a 2025 voice clip from Derrick about when HE has recently felt like The Coolest Person in the World.
Visual artist Derrick Logan of South Jersey found healing in photography and videography over 15 years ago and hasn’t put down the camera since.
“Life slows down behind the camera,” notes the 41-year-old father of two.
Originally from Bridgeton, N.J., Logan discovered his passion for photography unintentionally in 2007. In an effort to combat a bout of anxiety, he picked up a camera as a means of art therapy and never looked back.
Logan, who has been in the casino industry for over 20 years, works his day job as an Atlantic City bartender. When he’s not busy behind the bar, you can find him out in nature with his camera or shooting video content for local talent.
“Out in nature, it’s just me and my camera. It became my therapy and played a big role in my mental health,” explains Logan.
Derrick’s evolution as an artist has been transformative. As a budding visual artist in the early 2000s, Logan found his creativity limited by the “rules” of photography. As he began to explore his own unique style and pushed the boundaries of traditional photography, Logan’s work sailed to new creative heights.
Now, as a highly sought-after visual artist, Logan delivers an incomparable photography experience for his clients.
“There used to be so much pressure, so I’d overthink,” shared Logan in regards to his artistic growth, “I’m more comfortable shooting now than ever before.”
Now, Logan spends his time shooting videos and photography with the intention of serving others. What was once a coping mechanism for anxiety has become a passion, a career, and a purpose. Creating visual art through music videos has also become a niche for Logan.
Since his life pivoted away from creating music himself, he has used videography to stay connected to the music world while simultaneously giving back to the people that he loves.
Derrick uses his gifts to give back to the community as well, donating his time and talents to organizations such as Gilda’s Club and The American Alzheimer’s Association.
When asked about his most memorable project, Derrick tells the story of his late friend Destination, a Christian rap artist who inspired Derrick to live to his fullest potential. Stories of Destination pausing video shoots to pray for strangers remind Derrick of the organic life experiences that he aims to capture through his art.
It is this organic art that Derrick brings forth every day in his work, whether he is alone in nature, capturing the minute details of a feather, or creating a full music video for a friend. Derrick’s candid work holds profound significance. His ability to capture deep, raw moments as they are unfolding tells an intricate story of human nature.
As Derrick continues to evolve, he looks forward to working with more independent artists while continuing to maintain an unapologetic level of authenticity in life and in his creative work. He is shifting through a rebranding phase as he moves towards becoming a hub for local artists, offering them the skills and abilities they need to step into their fullest potential.
Derrick is continuously growing, changing, and evolving as a man and artist. What we know for sure is that he will have a camera in hand, capturing the world around him until his last breath.
“I fell in love. Now, it’s a part of my identity. I still find calm in it, but I’ll be an old man with a camera in my hand. I’ll always be shooting.” - Derrick Logan.
Press Play to listen to Derrick’s 2025 response to the question: “When do YOU feel like The Coolest Person in the World?”
This is a video shot by Derrick Young DE$ - the son of his aforementioned friend, Destination.
Visit Derrick at
Derrick is an amazing artist! Keep it up D!