"John’s process takes visual storytelling to a whole new level."
“Before the visual storytelling strategy call, I felt like my photos weren’t good enough and thought they had to be perfect to be useful. I also struggled to see beyond their role as headshots—I wasn’t considering how they could be part of a larger storytelling process. I didn’t fully understand how to use them to connect with my audience or illustrate the stories I wanted to tell.
The call completely shifted my perspective. Instead of thinking I needed to create a story and then find a photo to match, John encouraged me to start with the photos and explore the emotions or connections they evoke. He helped me see photos as the beginning of the story, not the end, and introduced a fresh, more organic way to approach visual storytelling.
The most valuable takeaway was John’s exercise: start with one photo and do a stream-of-consciousness dump about the feelings, memories, or connections it brings up. This approach allows me to uncover stories that may not be obvious at first glance but can deeply resonate with my audience. It’s an intentional and creative way to make my visuals more personal and impactful.
The session was a great starting point, and it taught me the importance of making this process a regular practice. I now aim to revisit my photos (ideally) weekly, intentionally reflecting on what stories they can tell and how they position me. It’s become less about “fitting” photos into my content and more about letting them guide the narrative naturally.
John has an incredible ability to shift how you think about your photos. He helps you see the stories behind even the most candid or random images—stories about your work, your approach, your personality, and your intentions. It’s not just about saying, “This is me at an event or giving a talk.” It’s about understanding what the photo reveals about you—how you strategize, how you connect, how you feel—and building a meaningful story around it. John’s process takes visual storytelling to a whole new level, making it authentic, engaging, and intentional.”
Ready to unlock the hidden stories in your photos and create a deeper connection with your audience just like Ruth Rathblott did?