Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Zondo.
Justin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started getting interested in pictures right after high school. I worked a job at Kroger cause I didn’t wanna go to college and I had no real concept of how the world worked outside of high school. My best friend had started a company about video production and he needed somebody to help him out and I was strapped for cash so I decided “why not?” Over time, I started to realize how much I had always loved putting things together to making things fit my vision. Nobody can really tell you how you see things except your brain, so making a vision become a reality is just a way of showing people a piece of your mind – and that’s what I love doing. So I quit my job in January and haven’t looked back since.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Hell nah. I’ve had business failures more than I’ve had successes. Bad clients. Insufficient payments. Last minute cancellations while I’m already en route to the locations. General unprofessionalism. Doubting your own talent. Balancing the personal with the professional. Etc. A lot of shit that gets you down would be happening at the same time as my personal life deteriorating. It becomes overwhelming at some points. But the thing is, it’s all something I love. So I’m gonna wanna get up and do it regardless. And with that faith and belief in the process, I keep pushing forward.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Zondonshots – what should we know?
So I take pictures. I generally take an idea or concept that the client has in their head and we form some type of middle ground on what we want it to look like and we get to work. I’d say I’m most known for my attitude. I’m super energetic and I have a very hands on approach to figuring things out. If it doesn’t work, I’m gonna make it work. And I haven’t failed yet.
As a company, I’d say I’m most proud of my aesthetic. I’m everywhere. I’ve seen local photographers jack my steez a lil bit and instead of bother me, I take pride in that. Means I’m doing something right.
Everyone I’ve worked with has nothing but positive things to say about my work. I think that’s what sets me apart. Most people see it as a job. This is pretty much my life.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Growing up, I was an introvert. I wanted to stay inside and play video games every day. I wanted to read books and eat sweets all day. But I also liked to play outside if I was with people I genuinely enjoyed and not just people I knew of. I moved from place to place at least once, sometimes twice a year so I didn’t really have a chance to make friends. I liked creating always, whether it was music or drawing or writing. Surrounding myself with creative energy has always been a focal point of my existence. I was also super violent. But as a super violent short kid with a high pitched voice, nobody took me serious so I had to learn how to express myself in a way people would take me seriously. That manner was usually my writing and drawing and music and stuff. That’s probably the only thing that’s been consistent as far as personality, expressing myself through my art. People get a glimpse into my soul and who I really am like that.
Pricing:
- Photoshoots – $50/hr
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4704290421
- Email: zondonshots@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_zondon?igshid=1cpmia14hjj8c
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_zondon
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
