We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alonzo Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alonzo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?

For me, in 2020, COVID gave me opportunities and downfalls, especially business-wise for photography. When COVID happened, it left me figuring things out for myself. I was unemployed, due to layoffs, and began sending out job applications and reaching out to my networks, whether it was the contacts on my phone or the hundreds on my LinkedIn, I was aggressively searching for employment. While I was applying, I had time on my hands so I felt the need to express myself so photography came into play. It started with fun experimental ideas involving myself, leading to family members having their pictures taken. After creating an Instagram page and Facebook page to showcase my work, it gained attention from creatives, artists, business owners, etc. I, then, joined Facebook groups of inspiring photographers and models and started collaborating. Before I knew it, people were asking me prices for my services, which I was stunned by. Next thing I knew, I created an LLC and started creating a name for myself. In 2020, people started booking for my services throughout the year and it made me happy that people wanted to work with me. This gave me the confidence to keep going, after spending years contemplating if I should consider freelance photography seriously. I doubted myself at times because I felt my work didn’t measure up with others. I was hard on myself a lot because I wanted to strive for perfection all the time. I didn’t want to fail, because I knew if I failed then the little voice in my head would tell me “I told you so !” and it left me disheartened. Eventually, the little voice started creeping towards me. The next two years were rough, rising high in my job search for a new job but collapsing in my LLC. While struggling in finding new customers and dealing with personal issues, my business became non-existent. The little voice in my head left me overwhelmed, emotionally and spiritually. In 2022, the decline in profit along with the lack of passion for photography led me to close my business. After spending this year reflecting on my choices, it taught me lessons about myself and how to handle business. It gave me a clear answer that people love my work and the work I create shouldn’t be compared to others; it should inspire others to do what they love and stick to it. I also learned that your passion comes first because if you aren’t having fun, then you should quit now. However, if you find yourself lost and unsure on what your next move is, don’t panic. Take the time to realign yourself and focus on what matters the most. Failing my business gave me the direction to focus on my craft and improve on myself; to become an expert. For me, failure became the best teacher for me. I will say, COVID made me step outside of myself and do something I never expect to do and I’m grateful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Alonzo Johnson and I’m a self-taught photographer from Illinois. Photography came to me in high school when I was 16 years old. During my summer vacation, I would take the CTA and go downtown, taking images of Chicago which started off as a hobby for me. It was enjoyable to roam around snapping photos of people, architecture, events, even landmarks and tell a story. A quote I love that reads “A picture is worth a thousand words” – because I constantly find a way to tell a story through my photos. For my craft, my approach is capturing attraction, emotion and meaning in the images I snap and edit. My favorite styles to capture are portraits, self-portraits, events, products and street photography. What caught my attention in photography first is street photography; I love the challenge of creating something out of completely nothing and bringing significance to the images. Self-portraits gave me the ability to express my creativity by manipulating myself with graphic design and creating beautiful concepts that come off relatable in my life and hope others relate as well too. Portraits started slow as I tried opening myself up to shooting others, which required time for me to be comfortable with my introverted ways. Being an introvert has its perks and difficulties; it’s never easy but I find a routine to stay sane and calm, when I work with someone new. Personally, working with clients is rewarding because I’m focused on accomplishing their vision and making their photos timeless and authentic. Though, the challenges that lay in front are always keeping me awake; from finding a location for the shoot, picking a reasonable time, being transparent and honest with the client and having great patience as well too. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and know that I’m only scratching the surface for myself. I want to learn from others that love photography and become inspired from the people I interact with.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Spreading love and patience made an impact for building the audience I have. Networking and promoting myself wasn’t my greatest strength, since I disliked speaking for myself all the time. I’ll set Facebook/Instagram advertisements for my photographs and it failed miserably, only bringing Instagram bots and headaches. Realizing none of the methods I used worked, I honestly gave up. It wasn’t until I started following photographers around the world and showing them love, through comments, likes and sharing their work on my Instagram story, the love reciprocate back to me. Browsing portfolios from others and being amazed by their work inspired my craft, which improved my skills with projects I created over time. In that time, I developed great patience, letting my portfolio speak for itself and people began keeping up with me. For anybody looking to build their audience, don’t stress about the numbers. Focus on your craft, find a niche that you want to tap into and develop your skills. Be in competition of yourself.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

For me, I’m still figuring out ways to bring new clients in. Involving myself in the photography community, whether being on Facebook groups or Instagram pages. Collaborating with creators (models, photographers, make-up artists, etc.) that are interested in TFP opportunities, coming together to create and brainstorm ideas that we feel passionate about. Also, exploring your city, attending photography networking events to meet, work and share information for others to see. End of the day, I remain humble and be true to myself. I love to work with people that are students of their passion. Also, becoming open minded made me embrace new opportunities, such as networking with others, and working with possible new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alonzoj.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alonzoj___/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alonzoj8
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonzoj15/

Image Credits
Photos by Alonzo Johnson