Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Barfield.
Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a native New Yorker- born, raised, and thrived. The city’s rich diversity, fast-paced dynamic, and hustle/bustle culture taught me early about fortitude and passion as one of the cities many people come to chase their dreams. As a child, my family moved many times throughout the city, into and out of different neighborhoods, exposing me to various communities, ethnicities, and ways of life. I developed an eye for sceneries and people, an observation that blossomed into a passion for photography.
Studying at NYC’s College of Technology with a future career in tech ahead, I was STEM bound, but the arts remained in my heart. Choosing a pragmatic path, I worked in the Information Technology space for 12 years at some of the most reputable companies in Education, Fashion, and Law. The pandemic found me working at my last IT position at an NYC law firm, financially stable but feeling woefully unfulfilled. I got married during that time, and the new season of my life inspired me to make drastic changes, starting with my career.
In mid-2022, my wife and I relocated to Stockbridge, Georgia and I retired from IT, needing a fresh start and something new to do. I had burgeoning interests but photography remained essential, having honed my skills over the years, doing side projects and enjoying captures in different styles- from street and portrait to fine art. My sister and brother-in-law had a Georgia-based Real Estate business and through interactions with them and my networking, I was quickly immersed in the world of property management, renovations, and home selling. That eye for scenery came back to me and with a God-planted seed in mind, J. Jerone Photography was born, a Real Estate Photography company designed to satisfy Real Estate agents, home sellers, and relevant clients with high-quality multimedia of their properties.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all, but it’s for sure been purposeful. I experienced a gamut of emotions doing something different for the first time in years. Without the security of a 9 to 5, I had to hustle to create opportunities for myself and build clientele, and I initially struggled with getting the wheels of the business to run. Running a business is hard work, and being a first-time entrepreneur comes with a massive learning curve full of trial and error, discipline, and self-governance.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a jack of many trades and a holder of many hobbies, but right now I’m laser-focused on J. Jerone Photography. We specialize in meeting all of the visual promotion needs of our Real Estate based clients, building lasting relationships, and serving Atlanta and the surrounding communities. We’re not a run-of-the-mill photography company- we put the utmost care and consideration into showcasing the essence of our client’s homes and spaces, increasing their visibility and marketability on listing websites and social media.
Outside of J. Jerone, I love to cook and am an experimentalist of sorts, always on the hunt for new recipes to try or old ones to tweak (I dream of owning a home with multiple kitchens). I have an appetite for travel and exploration and see my life through the lens of my faith. I am known for being a mixer.
What sets me apart is my confidence in the belief that I don’t have to be or do one thing, that I can successfully be all of the things I want to be, do all of the things I love to do. I incorporate my passion, skills, and interests into every area of my existence and that’s unlocked a level of fulfillment that makes me proud.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’ve been visiting the city since I was a child, and I’ve always admired Atlanta’s charm. It’s a magnet city, full of people from all over the world drawn to it because there are so many opportunities here (and great weather).
As a black man, I love the strong Afrocentric culture and vibe that’s prevalent here. I feel so much pride being surrounded by my people, many of whom are doing inspiring things.
I’m a clichéd New Yorker who grew up with the convenience of walking to the corner store Bodega and ordering a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich – at 2 am. Coming from “the city that never sleeps”, I have to get used to the reality that the city of Atlanta has a bedtime.
Pricing:
- 25 PHOTOS | $160 Photography
- 60 SECONDS | $125 Social Media Video
- 5 PHOTOS | $195 Twilight Photos
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jjeronephotography.com
- Instagram: @jjeronephotography
