Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dondi Jones Jr.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Dondi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you manage your own social media?

As an automotive photographer/videographer, I’ve taken personal responsibility for managing my social media presence since I launched my business in August 2020. What sets my approach apart is that I’ve pursued entirely organic growth on Instagram, aiming to provide my audience with premium content from someone who shares their passion for cars and motorcycles.

Surpassing even my own expectations, I’ve achieved remarkable results in under two years. Despite dedicating my time after my regular 40-hour work week, I’ve amassed a follower count exceeding 1,000. Notably, my interactions with over 10,000 users on the platform each month reflect the solid engagement I’ve established. The dedication to maintaining content consistency, even during days when I faced challenges, has played a pivotal role in nurturing an open line of communication with my audience.

My journey has underscored the importance of ongoing content experimentation, complemented by vigilant analysis of performance metrics. Instagram’s rich array of insights has enabled me to tailor strategies based on real-time feedback.

For individuals contemplating the management of their business’s social media, I offer this perspective: while the endeavor presents its share of difficulties, the rewards are equally noteworthy. If circumstances allow, outsourcing content creation could be a strategic move. In fact, I’m personally considering such an approach to enhance my social media efforts in the future.

Ultimately, my experience not only emphasizes authenticity, experimentation, and analytical insight but also highlights the significance of balancing this endeavor with a full-time 40-hour work week.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Absolutely, let me introduce myself and shed light on my journey in the automotive photography and videography realm. My passion for cars and motorcycles has been a driving force since I can remember. It’s this fervor that led me to venture into the world of automotive photography and videography. What began as a personal love quickly transformed into a thriving business that I’ve nurtured alongside a full-time 40-hour work week.

My focus has been on cultivating genuine connections through organic growth on Instagram. I’m proud to say that, despite the challenge of managing everything after my regular work hours, I’ve grown my following to over 1,000 dedicated enthusiasts in less than two years. This allows me to engage with over 10,000 fellow aficionados on the platform each month.

In terms of offerings, I specialize in capturing the essence of cars and motorcycles through striking photography and compelling videos. By doing so, I not only provide quality content but also offer a means for fellow enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the automotive world. I aim to solve the problem of finding relatable and authentic content that speaks directly to enthusiasts’ hearts.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and personal connection. I don’t just capture vehicles; I capture the stories, the emotions, and the thrill that cars and motorcycles evoke. My work resonates because it’s created by someone who shares the same passion and excitement as my audience. Every shot, every frame, carries that personal touch.

I take immense pride in the growth I’ve achieved and the bonds I’ve forged within the community. Being able to create a platform where fellow enthusiasts can find content that speaks to them is incredibly gratifying. As I continue on this journey, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work isn’t just about vehicles; it’s about celebrating the spirit of automotive passion. Each image and video is a testament to the shared love for the open road and the thrill of the ride.”

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Certainly, let’s strike that balance:

During last year’s off-season, when the temperatures dropped and community events were in short supply, I had to think creatively to keep things moving. So, I decided to switch gears and take a unique approach. I got my hands on some 1/24 scale die-cast cars and set up a dedicated studio space for them. It was like creating a mini car show right in my workspace. This way, even when the regular scene was a bit quiet, I could still offer fresh content every weekday. The die-cast setup injected a dose of variety and allowed me to stay connected with my audience in an engaging way. It’s a testament to my commitment to delivering consistent, quality content, even when faced with challenges.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission revolves around offering a unique window into the automotive world, filtered through my own perspective. With every piece of content I create, my goal is to stir up emotions. I want individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity that car owners and manufacturers pour into their machines. It’s about sharing that awe-inspiring journey and allowing others to experience it as vividly as I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: dojofotomedia.com
• Instagram: @dojo_foto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dojofoto?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: dojofotomedia7910
• Threads: dojo_foto

Image Credits
Sonia Falcon Photos for the headshots that I included