Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Black.
Hi Johnny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in photography started way before I even knew that I would grow to be a photographer. Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. I attended Savannah State University where I received a Bachelors in Homeland Security Emergency Management and a Master’s in Public Administration. Traveling to Monrovia Liberia in Summer 2014, I used my $70 digital camera from a pawnshop to capture moments of my experience. I was upset about the camera being labeled ” Digital”, but my images were distorted and blurry. Around campus, I shot with a Nikon D3300 that I would use to take pictures of my friends and family whenever we had events on or off campus… Because it started as a hobby for me, I was very inconsistent and would go months without learning anything about photography. I challenged myself and enroll into a photojournalism course. My final grade was a C, but my effort was a F. Fast forward, I shot graduation sessions for $20. Soon, I realize, one who wields the camera has the power. I wasn’t the best photographer, but I was definitely the worst. I use the slander from peers as motivation. While being labeled the worst photographer on campus, the best photographer on campus gave me hope. Litus Marshall provided tips that would change the way I look at photography. He offered me the opportunity to assist with graduation commencement. Observing how he hustled to cover many areas of commencement sparked a fire in me. I struggled at the headshot station while he excelled in every area. In order to be the best, I had to implement HUSTLE in my everyday life. Hurry and be the first person on scene.
Understand what client wants from the session.
Strategize how to get the best shots.
Task yourself with required items that need to be captured.
Execute at all cost. If you need to lay in mud to capture, get in the mud.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge was not believing in myself. I didn’t trust myself to create art. Anything I do in life, I wanted to be the best. Hearing peers degrade my work despite how much effort I put in discouraged me. In 2016, my car was vandalized and my camera was stolen. I felt so hopeless without my equipment. Everyone not realizing I lost my most prized possession questioned why I wasn’t producing art anymore. At the moment, I knew someone cared. People begged me to capture their graduation sessions. I used my phone until I saved enough to purchase my Nikon D750. I was back in business with a fanbase I didn’t knew existed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer. I don’t specialize in any area. I challenge myself to shoot every genre of photography while creating a memorable experience with all my clients. I am proud of my ability to connect with my different types of people… I set myself apart with my creative use of lighting and my ambition. I will stop at nothing to ensure clients are happy.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My greatest moment was my 18th birthday. Growing up in Savannah, Georgia. The stigma was most black men would be dead or incarcerated by 18. I received my college acceptance letter on my 18th birthday.
Pricing:
- Portrait Session: $180
- Studio Session: $180
- Couples& Engagement Sessions: $250
- Events: $200
- Weddings: $850
Contact Info:
- Email: johnnyblack35@gmail.com
- Website: https://viewfinderphotography.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heronlyfan/
