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

Ivey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

As a photographer i am approached by many clients, each with their own array of needs. I have worked with so many great people from destination weddings to fabricators needing images of their finished projects. However, it is the clients that come to me with animals in mind that always bring me the greatest source of joy. I have worked with a local farm for going on two years now. I help out with events, tend the animals and take photos when needed. I consider the farmers my friends after many cold mornings and warm meals shared together. The famers recently reached out to me because livestock show season was ending. There son completed his first year showing a prized pig. The duo had a very successful season, winning ribbons and trophies. It came time for the pig to be sent off, so the farmers wanted to honor the pig and their sons first show season with a photoshoot. I was honored to be able to help the next generation of farmers share the pride they feel from the work they do. While this was a farewell to the sweet pig, it was also the first of many successful showing years for the farmers son. The work the farmers do when showing livestock allows publicity and commerce for the hardworking folks in agriculture and livestock.

Ivey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I studied photography and graphic design in high school. I have always been an artist, preferring pen and paper to create images that want to jump off the page. I took to graphic design fairly easily as i understood most design components, the transition to the computer was not a challenge. I began pursuing photography as a business almost a year ago. I found that working with clients and providing them with images they felt confident and beautiful in was so rewarding. However, i have always been drawn to nature and the outdoors. My favorite subjects of all time are animals. I always tell clients that pets are more than welcome at photoshoots. To capture an animal in their natural state is the greatest thing for me to observe and capture. I have spent years with animals and working with trained hunting dogs. This has allowed me to anticipate the actions of a happy dog, knowing where i will need to be to catch the money shot. This experience has lended itself well to shooting horses and mules and even deer in the wild. However, my skills in customer service has lent a hand to my abilities to manage projects. For instance, i was tasked with setting up a wedding ceremony. I used my knowledge and understanding of lighting and leading lines to create a setting that would not only be aesthetically beautiful in photos but also functional for the attendants of the wedding. The most vital part about being a photographer , for me at least, is to be flexible, adaptable and willing to achieve a clients vision. I find there is a true value in being able to say, “No i have not done this before but i am up for the task.” The willingness to succeed is the fuel that feeds me so i can make my clients as happy as possible.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

While i would love to be a full time, free lance photographer the bills most be paid. I am currently in my first “big girl job” working locally in sales. This job does nothing more than pay my bills while i can garner the support i need to be a full photographer. I took the job as a temporary fix but the out come is more than i could have expected. My company noticed how much dedication i put into photography and how much i enjoy taking photos. My company now sends me to job sites where take images of finished projects. This has helped me stay postive as i am working towards my goal of being a photographer. While i am not photographing the subjects i would prefer, it is far better than giving up my childhood dream. For the time being i will work on becoming my companies full time In-House Photographer.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me is referrals. I will have friends of a friend reach out in a spur of the moment inquiry. These new clients end up becoming repeat clients as they can trust me. I do my best to keep photoshoots fun and relaxed as most people are not too comfortable in front a camera. I think finding a photographer who will help deter the anxiety of doing something out their comfort zone is so important. Thus, having a client give a friend a first hand account of what it is like to work with me is so helpful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @4leavesphotography
• Linkedin: Ivey Johnson

Image Credits
Four Leaves Photography