This member’s exclusive post highlights photographer Deonté Lee, whose work has become a familiar presence in Natural Pursuits. Since his first event with us, he has returned multiple times, bringing his signature mix of technical precision and ease behind the camera. His images capture more than just form—they reflect the comfort, personality, and energy of his subjects.

In a 2022 interview with Natural Pursuits, Lee described himself as an avid nudist, someone who seeks out spaces where casual nudity is natural and unforced. That perspective carries into his work. Whether shooting in a bright rooftop setting or an intimate indoor space, he prioritizes his subject’s presence over the background, creating images that feel personal and alive.

Since that first collaboration, Lee’s career has taken off, with his work appearing in Vogue, Paper, Gay Times, Elle, and beyond. Through all of it, he continues to bring a distinctive approach that blends technical skill with a strong sense of connection. This feature looks back on our conversation with him and the impact he’s had on Natural Pursuits.

Finding Comfort, Capturing Connection

For photographer Deonté Lee, nudity isn’t just a subject—it’s a part of his daily life. In a 2022 interview with Natural Pursuits, he described himself as an avid nudist who prioritizes creating environments where casual nudity feels natural and unforced. Whether at home with roommates or on solo adventures to nude beaches and hiking trails.

It’s no surprise, then, that his first Natural Pursuits event felt like an instant fit. “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and felt in my natural element,” Lee recalled. “Everyone was friendly, the space was gorgeous, and it was great to mix art with nudity and good vibes.”

Lee’s approach to photography

Lee’s approach to photography reflects his belief in comfort as a foundation for great imagery. His shoots with Natural Pursuits have spanned multiple indoor spaces, where his careful use of flash helps create depth and warmth.

His focus remains on his subjects—capturing them in ways that feel true to their personality rather than overly posed or performative. “I found simple backgrounds that allowed the focus to remain on the individual,” he explained of his rooftop shoot, one of his first with Natural Pursuits.

This emphasis on human presence over setting defines much of his work, making his images feel intimate, alive, and deeply personal.

That personal touch extends beyond his photography. Lee’s ability to connect with the people he shoots is fueled by an easygoing, playful energy. He described the people he works with as having an extra “layer of spice,” a vibrancy that makes them stand out in a crowd. That same vibrancy is apparent in his own life, from his eclectic artistic sensibility to his 37 houseplants—all named after Star Trek characters.

Through his lens, Lee brings together community, personality, and presence.

About the Artist

My name is Deontè Lee, I am a fashion and event photographer who focuses on creating work that is visually captivating and empowering. I view my muses as paintings whose different brush strokes coat their canvas to form their beauty.

Within my photography, I am able to capture the subjects energy while infusing my vibes and presence into the work. I currently reside in New York working with BFA. My work encompasses my eclectic personality and my joy in discovering intriguingly confident individuals radiating their essence around the world.

Website: www.deontelee.com

Instagram: @eclectic.nomad