We were lucky to catch up with Eshama John recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eshama, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is a personal journey and can look different for everyone, but there are some qualities and habits that tend to be universal in helping people reach their goals:

1. Clear Vision and Goals

• Knowing what you want and why is the foundation. A clear vision gives direction, while specific goals provide measurable milestones along the way.

2. Persistence and Resilience

• Failure and setbacks are inevitable. Successful people see these as learning opportunities and keep going, adapting as needed. Resilience helps them bounce back stronger each time.

3. Self-Discipline and Consistency

• Consistency compounds. Small, disciplined actions every day add up over time. Whether it’s practicing a skill, networking, or learning something new, steady effort can make a huge difference.

4. Curiosity and Willingness to Learn

• Staying open to new ideas and continuously learning keeps you adaptable and open-minded. Lifelong learners are better able to handle change and take advantage of new opportunities.

5. Strong Work Ethic

• Success often demands hard work. Many people put in hours behind the scenes to achieve their dreams. Having a solid work ethic and embracing the grind is essential.

6. Self-Belief and Confidence

• Believing in yourself, even when others may doubt you, is key. Self-confidence helps you take risks, stay motivated, and advocate for yourself.

7. Good Relationships and Support Systems

• Relationships matter, whether in career or personal life. Surrounding yourself with supportive people, mentors, and positive influences can make a huge difference.

8. Flexibility and Adaptability

• Things don’t always go as planned. Being able to pivot, adapt, and stay open to new paths can often lead to better results than expected.

9. Emotional Intelligence

• Understanding yourself and others helps you navigate relationships, communicate effectively, and stay balanced in challenging situations.

10. Balance and Self-Care

• Success is more sustainable when you prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Burnout can derail even the most driven individuals, so finding a balance that includes rest and self-care is essential.

Each of these factors can contribute to success, but ultimately, it comes down to finding your own definition of success and staying committed to what’s meaningful to you.

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?

Here’s a comprehensive introduction that covers each point:

I’m Eshama John, a photographer and creative who loves capturing the unique stories of people, places, and moments. My journey into photography began with a simple curiosity, but it quickly became a passion. From the first time I picked up a camera, I was drawn to the idea of telling stories through visuals, and I haven’t looked back since. Over the years, I’ve turned that passion into my profession, combining my skills with a commitment to bringing my clients’ visions to life.

Through my work, I provide a range of photography and videography services, from portraits and event coverage to lifestyle and branding sessions. I aim to capture authentic emotions and moments, allowing my clients to relive their memories and share their stories with the world. Beyond just taking photos, I offer guidance on posing, styling, and bringing out each client’s unique personality, ensuring that their final images feel genuine and meaningful.

What sets me apart is my dedication to creating a comfortable and collaborative environment for each shoot. I want my clients to feel relaxed and confident, so the images truly reflect who they are. I approach each project with fresh eyes and creativity, tailoring my style to fit each client’s vision while maintaining a high standard of quality.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust and relationships I’ve built with my clients. Seeing their reactions to the final product and knowing that I’ve helped capture a special moment or brought a brand’s story to life is incredibly rewarding.

For anyone new to my work, I want you to know that I am passionate about my craft and committed to capturing images that speak to you. My goal is to create something you’ll be proud to share and revisit, something that resonates and leaves a lasting impression. Thank you for being part of this journey, and I look forward to creating something memorable with you!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Early in my career, I was hired to photograph an outdoor wedding. The couple had chosen a picturesque location by the beach, hoping to capture golden-hour shots with the sun setting over the ocean. But on the big day, the weather had other plans. Dark clouds gathered, and halfway through the ceremony, a torrential downpour began. The perfect sunset shots we had envisioned were now out of the question.

At that moment, I had a choice: I could let the weather ruin the vision we had planned, or I could adapt and make the best of the situation. I decided to stay calm and get creative. I quickly adjusted my equipment to protect it from the rain and started looking for opportunities in the chaos. The reflections of the couple in puddles, the raindrops splashing around them, the laughter as guests huddled under umbrellas—it was a whole new scene I hadn’t anticipated, but one that was just as beautiful and genuine in its own way.

By the end of the night, I’d captured moments that turned out to be even more memorable than the original plan. The couple was thrilled with the photos, saying they perfectly captured the joy and spontaneity of their special day, rain and all.

That experience taught me a powerful lesson in resilience. In photography, as in life, things rarely go exactly as planned. But by staying flexible, embracing the unexpected, and trusting my skills, I was able to turn a challenging situation into a unique and beautiful memory. Resilience isn’t about controlling every aspect of a shoot; it’s about being prepared to make the most of whatever comes your way and finding beauty in the unexpected.

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

I think this is my biggest pivot. Me trying to leave a production company to do photography and run it successfully.

Contact Info:

• Website: Eshamajp.com
• Instagram: Eshamajp
• Linkedin: Eshama John

Image Credits
Eshama John