New Year, New Vibes!

Checking in with Dawson! (@Pholyuhm)

Aye Fam! First and foremost, how have you been Fam? How was your overall 2023 and what do you look forward to this year?

“I've been good, definitely been better, but overall i cannot complain. I feel like life has a way of making you realize that there are really high highs and really low lows.”

“There's honestly so much to look forward to for this year, I still love taking photos and all the opportunity and fun it brings. Lately I've been working alongside a good friend of mine to bring a car show to the Dallas area, we recently just unveiled the new name Lowered Lust and the reception has been fantastic. We're aiming to be hosting a new show this year so stay tuned. Beyond that I'm really looking forward to stepping into more creative director roles and learning all I can about that world.”

Well damn, I feel that! And more than humbled to have you as part of the UG Fam! Watching you grow over the years with us is truly the underlying meaning of our community and what it means to support one another. Compounding Exposure!

With everything going on in the world, what have you found to be the best way to cope or escape reality for a bit?

“I wish there was some magical answer to this, like "meditate for 30 minutes a day everyday" or "eat chickfila twice a week" but honestly I think we as people are all unique and there isn't a right or wrong way to escape reality or cope. For me I listen to a lot of music so I typically pair that with something to escape. Lately since being back in Dallas I've found love in wandering to the city to whatever playlist I deem fits the vibe and just exploring. Sometimes I find cool spots to come back later and shoot at, other times it's just a nice walk.”

Damn you’re back in Dallas! haha! Could have sworn you were just in Raleigh? But I know the 919 means a lot to you as well being from there. Dallas and just Texas in general is a whole different vibe and scene! I can definitely relate to cruising through the city to some dope playlist!

What’s your biggest goal or dream? And what and/or who keeps up the most motivated in life?

“Ooooh, that's a really good question. Honestly I have no idea, it changes so much and depends on what i'm doing at the moment. A dream will always be to shoot photos of a Mclaren P1, but there are times when its to work with an artist and create a whole set for an ep/album/mixtape. Really there is no overarching dream, I've been so lucky to achieve a lot of what I dreamed about when i first picked up a camera so I'm beyond thankful for that. At this point now, the dream is for myself and all my friends to be happy, wealthy and doing whatever it is they love to do. As for motivation, I'm so motivated by seeing all my friends go out and chase their dreams.”

That's amazing and inspiring fam! I think dreams should remain fluid because to me, i feel like most of us even with our wildest and biggest dreams, could still be selling ourselves short of even greater things! So keep the main focus and foundation but always allow for the unexpected in a good way! And yes! Forever wishing Happiness and Wealth to all. Even my enemies! haha! Sometimes they end up your best friends.

Well damn Fam! It's been a super pleasure getting chance to chat and get to know you better! What’s a quote you can leave us with that always gives you a quick boost of inspiration?

“When I think of quotes I almost always am thinking of lyrics, so I'd probably have to go with "a life aint a life til you live it", RIP Mac. “

“This isn't really a quote I say to others or out loud but more one of those that floats through my head. Whether I leave this earth next week or 40 years from now, I just want to know that I lived life without any regrets.... or at least as few as possible.”

“I'm not sure when this will be posted but a couple weeks ago from writing this, my uncle Mark passed away after a 6 year battle with cancer. I'm not really good at expressing how I loved someone but I loved that man!”

“My uncle Mark taught me to be authentically yourself and just have fun with life. I'm going to forever carry that with me but I wanted to share it with the world too in some capacity.”

Follow Dawson and his journey on Instagram @Pholyum

…As always Fam, Much Love!