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

Korey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents did many things right. Now as an adult, I’m grateful to have adult conversations with my parents and I really get to see who they are as individuals and not only as my parents. That has been so fun because I now understand why I do some of the things I do. With that being said my parents have taught me lessons of dedication, sacrifice, hard work, responsibility, empathy and so much more. One lesson in particular that I’d like to share is one of commitment. I remember being twelve and playing youth league baseball. In the middle of the season I wanted to quit so bad. I don’t know why I wanted to quit, but I remember not enjoying playing at all anymore. My parents would not let me quit. They both said, “you started it, so you’re going to finish it.” My mom told me that if I no longer wanted to play baseball then I didn’t have to after the season was finished, but “we ain’t raising no quitter.” Needless to say that was the last time I played baseball, but that taught me a valuable lesson that I’m reminded of now. As I reflect back, that impacted me on so many levels. In life we have responsibilities and sometimes we can’t afford to “quit” at least not at a particular moment. Whether it’s work related, family and friends related, learning curve related or anything that is worth having, you don’t just quit. I’ll never forget that.

Korey, 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 got into photography/videography because of my uncle. He was a photographer and the first person I saw who had a camera. The camera always interest me, but I never thought it was something I could do because I didn’t go to school for it. My degrees have nothing to do with photography, so there was a time where I accepted that it wasn’t for me. Years ago, I ruptured my Achilles and I was at home dealing with depressed thoughts. I had an expensive surgery with no insurance and I didn’t have a job. My nephew Jae’Lon was in college at the time and said, “Uncle K, I’m getting me a camera, you should get you one!” I couldn’t drive, so I was at home often, but I managed to get an used Nikon d3300. That literally changed my life.

From that point, I felt there was purpose for me and by using the camera I really view life at a different “angle”. (laughs) To me, the camera is one of the most important and influential tools out here. We’re all impacted by it in some way, so I feel there is a responsibility on how it is used. It’s all about using the camera to tell a story. Currently I’m rebranding and focusing more on portrait and documentary style work for individuals and brands to assist with capturing their story. I think one thing that’s important is for clients and myself to feel comfortable working. Of course we have a job to do and there is work involved, but that doesn’t mean all parties involved can’t have an enjoyable experience. Something that I’m proud of is that some clients reach out to me at times where it has nothing to do with service work. I have been told that I’m family now from a few clients after projects and that means the world to me. That means I provided value, but more importantly it’s relationship building. I’ve met so many wonderful people because of the camera and for that, I’m truly grateful.

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

I remember growing up and all the adults used to say you need to go to school, get a good education, and get a good job! All the adults said that, but it wasn’t any direction or detail behind those words. I ended up going to school and getting two degrees. I’ve had different jobs in search for my “career.” There were two jobs that really caused me to pivot in regards to my thinking and overall belief system when it comes to a career.

One job I had I was making really good money, but I didn’t like it. I used to say to myself that if I liked this job I would be happy and I could stay there until retirement. The benefits were good, but mentally I had changed. I even remember my mother telling me that she didn’t recognize her baby anymore. She calls me the baby because I’m the youngest child. People at the job would say where else would you make this kind of money, so the felt trapped and never left. Even though they were depressed and unhappy. I left that job to take another job making less money where I utilized my degree. This was a job I thought I wanted because a family member worked in the industry. Needless to say that wasn’t my calling either.

I ended up going to therapy based on what I experienced and realized money nor a title can make you happy. I’d being lying to say I don’t want to make a lot of money, but when I made the most money I’d made in my life, I was the most unhappy in my life. When I got a title I had been wanting for years, I was miserable with a title. What I realized is that people can’t dictate what works for you. People will project their ideology, fears, and thoughts on you. You have to use what works for you and let go of the rest. Purpose is what I look to now.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’m actually in the midst of rebuilding an audience. I created all new social media and I’m starting from scratch. To most, this probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do because I really don’t have an audience on social media. I could’ve used my old social media stuff, but I wanted to build something that is a genuine and authentic representation of me. In the question above I spoke on looking to purpose because I had to make a pivot when it came to my career. There’s a similar sentiment in building a social media presence. How does it truly benefit me if I’ve built an audience, but the audience is following a person who isn’t being authentic. I still struggle with the exact direction I’m going in at times, but it’s the journey. I’m learning a lot about myself and I’m growing more in my craft because of purpose.

I have discussions about social media a lot because many people are negatively impacted by it including me at time. Social media is an amazing tool that allows people to connect and market themselves. Oftentimes, social media is mainly highlights that causes people to question themselves. I’ve mentioned I feel the camera is an important tool that impacts and influences people, so there is a responsibility for the content being shared to the world. My response may not have been what you were looking for with this particular question, but I wanted to respond to it. I think my advice would be to remain true to yourself because the world needs more genuine artistry. That may not be well received advice coming from someone with no real social media presence at the moment (laughs), but it’s something I look for and I know there’s an audience for authenticity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://koreytownsend.com
• Instagram: @thatsjustkorey
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KoreyTownsend

Image Credits

Korey Townsend