Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny James.
Hi Johnny , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up never really knowing what I wanted to do with my life. My home life was unstable, and I was constantly distracted, never taught to chase passions or explore what I was good at. After high school, I bounced from job to job — bagging groceries, construction, whatever paid the bills. I could never hold anything down because deep down, I didn’t want to be there. None of it felt like me.
Years later, I picked up a camera as a hobby, and for the first time in my life something came naturally. I didn’t have to force it or study it — it just made sense. But photography wasn’t my job, and I wasn’t making money from it. At the time, the company I worked for went through financial issues and laid everyone off. At 28, I had no job, no direction, and no plan.
That’s when I decided to take a chance on photography.
I started my business in 2018, and I thank God every day for how He guided me through that first year. The growth blew me away. I found myself working in NYC more than Philly, landed a gig in LA where they flew me out and covered all my expenses, worked on documentaries, and even shot for a show being pitched to Bravo.
I had no idea COVID was right around the corner — and just as my business was taking off, the pandemic wiped everything out.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t been easy. Pursuing a creative career comes with unique challenges, and at one point I found myself questioning everything. When the inquiries slowed down and my phone stopped ringing, I felt the weight of comparison. I watched established photographers stay consistently busy while I struggled to make ends meet, and it became difficult not to internalize it.
I began wondering whether I truly belonged in this industry. Imposter syndrome set in, and the isolation of working independently made it even harder. Without coworkers to talk to and with most of my friends working traditional jobs, I often felt like I was navigating this path alone. Those years were a genuine struggle, and there were moments when I doubted whether I could make this career work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Over the years, working as a commercial photographer with Fortune 500 companies in Philadelphia, I’ve learned that the difference between a good photographer and a great one has very little to do with how well you take pictures. It’s everything else.
Great photographers are reliable. They show up early, communicate clearly, and make the process easy for everyone involved. They know how to work with a crowd, keep clients comfortable, and maintain a positive, professional attitude on set.
I’ve met many photographers who produce incredible images but struggle because their attitude or behavior makes them difficult to work with. I say all the time: I don’t get hired simply because I take great photos — I get hired because clients know their investment is safe with me. They trust my professionalism just as much as my creative ability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnnyjmedia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyjmedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Johnny-J-Media-LLC/100090886958053/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-james-77a434232/
