We were lucky to catch up with Brittney Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brittney, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

As I’ve grown this business over the years, my target clients are people of color and those who are not commonly shown in the media as beautiful. Make no mistake, I welcome all people from every race and background, but as a black woman, I want to create work that speaks to women like me, like my sister and my mother.

This desire is not just for minorities, I want people of all shapes and sizes to see themselves in my work and recognize their beauty. I want authenticity and rawness – including the “heart happy” smiles and vulnerability hidden in the silence. I want to bring out the side, that too often goes unnoticed in most people. I have photographed countless women (and men) who on inquiry ask me if I can photoshop their bodies to be thinner or lighter in complexion. They are extremely hesitant to get in front of the camera. I stop them in their tracks and we have an honest conversation about self-love. After they get their images back, their attitude has changed. They love what they see, and better yet they tell me they loved how they felt during the session. They felt beautiful, strong, confident and truly empowered.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a wedding and portrait photographer serving San Antonio, Texas, surrounding Hill Country areas and beyond. I focus on capturing life’s pause worthy moments in a candid way for the unique and authentic hearts. I photograph of course the “I dos” to graduating seniors, or the just because family.

The JFSM Experience was created to come along side you in your journey to beautiful and memorable photographs with a focus on empowering you to be your most genuine self.

Every client and every session is curated with a mixture of fun + (sometimes food/music) + touch of the unexpected to get you out of your comfort zone. Be it an impromptu dance party, a mini trip for snacks, a quick change of environment.

I am most proud of my attention to detail and desire to know clients on a personal level.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my biggest mission is to create work that empowers and share the stories of others. I want people to feel included and “seen” when they see my photographs. I want people to feel celebrated not only in big life moments, but the small ones as well.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Everyone has a different definition of what success looks like. Most will say a monetary value or followers on social media. To me success comes in the clients who love the work of themselves or their families I’ve captured. They purchase prints, make photos their lock screen or profile picture. True success to me comes from the lives touched by something I’ve created.

As a creative entrepreneur it’s tough to not constantly be in a mindset of imposter syndrome. Other people essentially have to give value and validation to what you do. You are surrounded by other incredible artists and storytellers, you can’t help but pin your work against theirs. Building a people first business you feel both the good and bad ends of the spectrum deeply. One hand someone can hate everything about your work and make it very known to you. The other hand, people will be elated that you captured a beautiful moment with a relative they otherwise wouldn’t have had. True success is having confidence in your skills and knowing that you won’t be everyone’s choice and that’s ok, you still are making a difference.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jfsmproductions.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jfsmproductions
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jfsmproductions

Image Credits
Purple Panda Productions, Carlos R. Photography, and JFSM Productions