Derrall Peach, Commercial Photographer – Interview Series

Similar to other large-scale industry events and trade publications, many cannabis award ceremonies and magazines have utilized the services of some very talented photographers. With their art form, these photographers not only make the cannabis look beautiful, but also capture the camaraderie and productivity behind many cannabis industry events. One such photographer, whose excellent work has been featured in cannabis-centered magazines such as Fat Nugs Magazine, is also an Air Force veteran with over a decade of military experience. Derrall Peach is an example of this.

So what inspired you to serve in the United States Air Force?

9/11 happened during my senior year of high school, and after I graduated, I wasn’t doing anything positive with my life. My dad saw more in me than I saw in myself and pushed me to join the Air Force. I ended up serving 16 years, including two combat deployments in Iraq, before retiring medically.

During your nearly 16 years with the Air Force, what were some of your regular duties? What lessons did you learn in teamwork, leadership, and communication?

My career in the Air Force was based in Logistics (transportation), where I coordinated and executed transportation for personnel, parts, and supplies. In 2009, I applied to become an Air Force enlisted recruiter and held that position for four years. It was, by far, the best job I had while in the Air Force.

While working at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, what everyday struggles did veterans face during their transition?

We focused on helping service members transition from active duty to civilian life. While the program is federally mandated, it often feels like a one-size-fits-all system, and I believe we need a more personalized, human approach to truly support vets.

What spurred your interest in photography? Did you explore it while serving?

My wife has been nudging me in this direction for years. What finally pushed me over the hump was wanting to photograph my plants. I started growing cannabis in 2020 and fell in love with the process and the plant. I wanted to learn how to photograph the plant to showcase its beauty and incredible qualities. So, I started school at the Academy of Art University.

How did attending the Academy of Art University strengthen your photography?

The Academy helped me learn the technical aspects of photography and encouraged me to define my creative voice. The instructors are tough but supportive, and I plan to continue my studies with my MFA there to further my growth.

What drew you to cannabis photography and media? Did you notice a gap in storytelling?

When I saw the trichomes under a microscope for the first time, I was hooked. I started paying attention to other cannabis photographers and realized there’s room to bring more depth and personality to how we tell stories about the plant. I’m still figuring out my lane, but I know there’s more to say than what’s usually shown.

Who are some of your biggest creative influences inside or outside photography?

My wife, hands down. She’s a tattoo artist and a natural creative who constantly pushes me to think bigger. In photography, Esteban Oriol was the first person whose work truly grabbed me and made me want to explore this path more seriously.

What have been some of your most memorable or fun photography events?

I’m a photographer for Fat Nugs Magazine, and Dustin(founder of Fat Nugs Magazine) and I created a series called Faces of Cannabis. It’s a celebration of the plant and the people whose lives have been changed by it. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had shooting, and when I’m working on the edits, I find myself smiling, reliving every moment. 

What are your upcoming plans as a cannabis photographer? What are some dream events you’d love to shoot?In October, I will be traveling to Iceland with the Fat Nugs team for a cannabis conference, and we’re also working on expanding the Faces of Cannabis series to more events across the country. We just shot the Dead & Co. show at Golden Gate Park and will be back at Outside Lands this year. Long term, I’d love to shoot events like Mary Jane Berlin, Spannabis, and honestly, anywhere cannabis culture is growing and evolving.

Thank you for joining us, Derrall! For more information on Derrall’s work, please visit his Instagram.