Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Samuel.
Jonathan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a visual storyteller and content creator in the Atlanta area. I bought my first camera in 2012 in preparation for the birth of my oldest son. I honestly had no idea that this was something that I would grow a passion for. I was born in Brooklyn, NY but raised in Asheville, NC in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I grow up in a time where culture and self-expression was a driver for change and was one of the key ingredients that stirred the melting pot in that part of Western North Carolina. Artist and entrepreneurs have been in my family for at least 3 generations. My late grandfather who was born in 1901 was an (painter) artist who painted the most beautiful pieces and had best stories to describe what was going on in his artwork. My mother is also an artist and was able to show me the business side of her craft, this gave me a first-hand glimpse at what entrepreneurship looks like, and what being in the space of intentionality feels like when your passion meets your purpose. Not to mention that she also represented the black experience in Asheville during this time.
So I got a first row seat to most of the plans and decisions around black culture and business development in Asheville in the early 1990’s. So I have always been around business owners and creatives in the art scene. Today, I see my photography still developing. I started taking pictures for family members and friends which evolved into shooting portraits and weddings. Currently, I have had the opportunity work with some amazingly talented people in the Atlanta area. The art community in the city is like a family, and it’s truly an honor to be recognized as a creative amongst so many talented individuals.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has not been a smooth one. I still have so much to learn, I still find myself striving to get better daily, and I am still always uncomfortable trying to stretch myself beyond my current mental state. I honestly, got where I am today by surrounding myself around people who don’t mind staring fear in the face and moving forward anyway. In a strategic way of course. Failing forward has been the best opportunity for me. Learning to go back to the round table to reflect on what didn’t go well, or what I could have done differently is where I learn to be better. I have learned to find a positive outcome in any given situation. For me, it’s been extremely important to manage my perspective and how I approach the challenges I have be given. There is true beauty within the struggle. I do not lean on my own understanding. I am learning to have faith in my process, and keep moving forward even when I make mistakes.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jonathan Samuel Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
For me, I look for what my clients are trying to say beyond the words. I look for facial expressions or candid expressions that make them who they are. I currently shoot people, places, cityscapes, landscapes, and long exposure photography. I’m known for my long exposure photography and my portrait photography. One of the things that makes me most proud as an artist is the fact that I have been able to travel to the world doing what I love. Photography has allowed me to touch parts of the world that I wouldn’t normally have access to. For that, I am grateful. Personally, what I think sets me apart from others is the long exposure piece of my photography. Sometimes when I travel to locations for a shoot, I will spend days even weeks planning for that perfect shot.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure if I believe in luck per say, but I do know when preparedness meets opportunity one can feel like the luckiest person ever. I don’t think anyone just stumbles into success without being in the space of intentionality and knowing what your purpose is. Success and intentionality is synonymous when you really think about it. Even when things don’t go the way I imagined it, I continue to work my plan until I’m able to generate the results I’m looking for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jonathansamuelphotography.com
- Email: Jsamuel@jonathansamuelphotography.com
- Instagram: @jsamsphoto
Image Credit:
Milanes Photography @milanesphotography
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