We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Rhymes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.

Justin, appreciate you joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

For years and even to this day, people always operated under the pretense that every model had to have a certain look, a certain facial structure, a certain body type. There was a point where people were getting plastic surgery or buying the app called “Face Tune” or etc to fix who they were. Me personally though, I never subscribed to that. I think anyone can model, I think everyone can be photogenic. I think it just takes the right photographer, the right person with a certain energy, the right concept. Nobody should be denied the opportunity to be captured in photos because some person said “you are not the standard” or because someone said “you don’t have a models build” it’s ridiculous. As a photographer I actually started shooting with a body positive organization (Queens of Contour at Virginia State University) and then I joined a modeling organization (Urban Couture) both organizations embodied that if you had the right attitude and the energy, we can build your confidence and your love of yourself. After that I never denied anyone from being a model for me.

Justin, 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 started photography when my photography teacher (now my mentor) noticed I was taking a liking to photography more than my classmates. I would be the last one there or I would come to other photography classes he taught. He even at times let me borrow his camera for shoots and events on campus until I saved the money for my own.

Now I do photography services for graduations, weddings, fashion, maternity and have even looked into real estate photography. What sets me apart from other is my love of the art, the love of being creative and the energy I bring to the shoot. I don’t want you to feel awkward in front of the camera if this is your first time here, I want you to feel like you’re hanging out with your favorite cousin and I want you to come back and shoot with me again.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’m almost at 100 magazine publications across the world. Although none of them have the biggest magazines such as vogue, it’s been very gratifying and motivating. Thank you to Kavyar.com for helping artists like myself build confidence.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My real goal with photography is to turn this business into other things, I want to shoot Louis Vuitton and etc fashion shows, I want to attend Roc Nation brunch as a guest and I also want to become a director of photography in movies.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients by trying to remember special days such as birthdays and anniversaries and that way I can send them messages to remind them that I’m still here cheering them on. You never know what kind of boost an email or a thoughtful text message can have.

Contact Info:

• Website: rhymesjustin.wixsite.com/mysite-2
• Instagram: instagram.com/Rhymeskeme.__
• Other: rhymeskemebooking.as.me

Image Credits
1. Taleyah Floyd @x_slayyyy 2. Ajay said Vandy @keepinupwithajay_ 3. Joey Adams @joeyfaith_ 4. Jordayn @thejordieeeb 5. Tamir @tamirquree 6. Kéne @noirceur.de_kene 7. Brianna Maryland @busybeebrii 8. Kim Edwards & Basia Howard