Today we’d like to introduce you to Johari Davis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I did not start with a master plan. I started with curiosity and a camera.
Photography became my way of slowing the world down and truly seeing people. What began as casual shoots for friends and family quickly turned into a deeper passion for storytelling and connection. I realized I was not just taking pictures. I was preserving moments, confidence, milestones, and legacy.
As demand grew, I made the decision to treat photography as a business, not just a hobby. That shift changed everything. I invested in education, refined my craft, studied lighting and composition, and learned the operational side of running a company. That process led to the creation of Real Life Images LLC. A brand built around authenticity, quality, and experience.
Over time, I expanded beyond traditional portraits into events, branding, alter ego concepts, and high end creative projects. I also developed leadership experience managing multi location photography teams, which strengthened my understanding of systems, scalability, and client experience.
Today, Real Life Images LLC operates with a simple mission. Create powerful imagery that makes people feel seen, confident, and unforgettable. I am still evolving, still learning, and still pushing boundaries. Every step has been fueled by the same foundation I started with. Curiosity, consistency, and a genuine love for the art.
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?
No, it has not been a smooth road, and I would not change that.
Like most entrepreneurs, I had to learn through trial and error. In the early days, I struggled with consistency, pricing, and confidence. I knew how to create strong images, but I did not yet understand how to run a strong business. There were moments of undercharging, overworking, and trying to be everything for everyone.
Another challenge was balancing creativity with structure. I had to learn that great art alone does not build a sustainable company. Systems, contracts, workflows, marketing, and financial discipline matter just as much as talent.
There were also seasons where momentum slowed, where bookings were inconsistent, and where I had to decide whether to push forward or pivot. Those moments forced me to get honest with myself, sharpen my skills, and elevate my standards.
Every struggle became a lesson. Every setback became a course correction. Today, I move with more clarity, confidence, and intention because of what I went through, not in spite of it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the core of my work is people. Everything I create is designed to tell a story, elevate confidence, and capture real presence.
Through Real Life Images LLC, I provide professional portrait photography, branding imagery, events, creative concept sessions, and high end editorial style projects. I specialize in creating images that feel cinematic, intentional, and authentic rather than overly posed or generic.
I am known for helping clients feel comfortable in front of the camera, even if they normally hate taking photos. That experience matters to me just as much as the final image. When someone leaves a session feeling seen, confident, and empowered, I know I did my job.
What I am most proud of is building a brand that people trust. Clients come back. They refer their friends. They grow with me. Watching someone start with a simple headshot and later return for branding, family portraits, or major milestones is incredibly meaningful.
What sets me apart is the blend of creativity and structure. I approach photography as both an artist and a business professional. I pay attention to lighting, composition, and storytelling, but I also prioritize communication, consistency, and experience. I do not chase trends. I focus on creating timeless imagery and delivering a process that feels seamless from start to finish.
My goal is simple. Create images that people are proud to put their name on.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is impact.
I care about creating work that means something. Not just images that look good, but images that change how people see themselves and how they show up in the world.
I also care deeply about integrity. Doing what I say I will do. Showing up prepared. Treating people with respect. Running my business in a way that honors both the client and the craft.
Family ang legacy matters to me. I want my work to be something my children and grandchildren can look back on and feel proud of. I want them to see that I built something real through consistency, discipline, and belief.
At the end of the day, photography is my tool, but purpose is the engine. If I can use my gift to serve people, inspire confidence, and leave things better than I found them, then I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
Pricing:
- Portrait Sessions Starting at $250 Includes professional session, guided posing, and a curated digital image collection
- Branding and Headshots Starting at $300 Ideal for entrepreneurs, creatives, and corporate professionals
- Creative Concept and Alter Ego Sessions Starting at $450 Custom themed sessions with styling guidance and creative direction
- Event Photography Starting at $175 per hour Corporate events, private celebrations, and special occasions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rlillc.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlillc_pics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RLIllcstudio
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/mrrliceo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rlipics
