We were lucky to catch up with Timothy Lewis Jr. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Timothy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My most meaningful project has to be my self portrait called “Coming Out Of The Cocoon”.
During that time in my life I was dealing with the loss of my dad. In the process of reinventing myself, while also search for new career/job opportunities.
For a very long time I held myself in this bubble trying to please others with my art but I didn’t really cater to my needs as an artist and what I wanted to do and what I wanted people to see. So one day I was scrolling through Instagram and saw this studio account use plastic wrap as a way of giving this eerie and mysterious look. And once I saw it I bookmarked it and told myself I was going to create my own version of it.
So I filmed B-Roll of me setting it up in my house and took as well edited the pictures all by myself. I wanted to showcase the different layers of me and how overtime I became very angry, sad and just depressed. Feeling trap in this cocoon I put myself in and needed to get out of it if I wanted to move forward in life. It was my way of getting back in the game and not giving up on myself.
And I once I posted it and saw the reactions I realized that I was meant to do this. I was meant to create and execute and entertain people whether it’s with video or picture. That shoot is what started the new era for me.
Timothy , 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?
So at SnapsByTJ (my photography brand) I provide photo and framing services for my clients. At one point I did charge for graphics and video but I decided to take graphics out and make it its own business and I called it FlyersByTJ. But I’m slowly swaying away from FlyersByTJ and probably going to shut it down because I just haven’t been consistent with it. And with videos I made it more of a fun thing to do whenever I’m in the mood to do it.
I started this business venture with SnapsByTJ my sophomore year of college. I graduated from Montclair State University back in 2022 with my Bachelors in Communications and Digital Media with a concentration in Television Production and a minor in LGBTQ Studies. The business started off as a way to help promote other businesses and upcoming influencers but then I went into a more creative production route and wanted to incorporate more of the black, lgbt, and black lgbt community more into my photos.
With a business I had to learn to have back ups and a way to be able to assist clients while also building my brand. So I made a post and even have an highlight on my page answering questions and giving people information beforehand just so they know what’s in store for them. I even created a booking site for clients and on there they’re able to book at any time and can even see FAQs to help them out in terms of booking. But if they have any questions that might not be on the site or my Instagram page I’ll be happy to answer them myself.
Now I’m catering my art to do all types of photography that feels good to me in the moment and making something beautiful out of it. I have a theme of making film style photography just because I love the way it looks and the feeling it gives. Makes photos feel nostalgic as if it happened years ago but still has that modern feel to it because of the camera I use.
I think what sets me apart is that fact that I’m a wide range photographer. I do landscapes, portraits, outside, studio, videos, I do it all. And I try to not put myself in this box of doing one thing when I know I’m good at doing a lot of stuff. And it’s not to be cocky but I had to gain confidence in myself and my work over the years and now I’m in a stage where I have more control and knowledge of my work and being able to take risks and feeling ok with getting out of my shell and taking it a step further.
And that’s what I want people to see from my page and craft. That I’m capable of doing so much more and right now it’s only the beginning. Next year will be SnapsByTJ’s 5th anniversary as a business and the growth throughout the years shows for itself. I want people to know that I’m someone who likes to be in his own lane and is always ready to elevate to the next level.
My work really speaks for itself, and I hope people can see that.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
For building my audience I definitely took advantage of having few model castings for my page and working with different people who are pursuing a career in modeling or want to showcase themselves and or business.
Going to events and just bringing up your business can help it gain a lot of attention. I don’t do as much as I should which is something I’m learning to do but definitely putting yourself out there and meeting people will help you gain exposure. Also, even introduce yourself to someone and let them know if they ever need services for whatever you field you work in, you can tell them that you’re always here to help them in any way you can. People love stuff like that.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
One day I want to be a creative director or even own my own studio so I can create more professional style projects and really execute the visions I see in my head and having it be on a bigger budget.
As of right now I do have a job as a showroom assistant in NYC, so working and making money to fund my ideas and meeting/seeing new people helps me gain more motivation to create and think outside of the box. So hopefully with me doing that it’ll take me to my goal of being an owner and full time boss.
And one day I want my space to be used for big brands and companies for it to be commercialized and viewed by millions of people. That’s what driving me through my journey as an artist. And right now, I’m just taking it day by day and keeping faith.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFUAgNWJR4/rtb6pFwEiaxKrMUqkcxsyw/edit?utm_content=DAFUAgNWJR4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapsbytj?igsh=N2J5dHB6OG16MTE4
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-lewis-jr-381a77231?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: My main Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kvngtj_?igsh=OHZoOXVzdm5haDFz&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
All pictures were taken by me.