...not a yes, but a HELL YES!
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure to work with Viveka, a colleague that I’ve only known through screens up until this point.
No surprise here - the connection was much MUCH better in person.
After spending a couple hours together, we created some magical images. Here’s what Viveka had to say about the experience:
“I’ve had numerous photo shoots, and wanted something that stood out as different from the posed looks I had before. I had known of John - even had him on my live show, and loved his focus on authentic personal branding.
And of course, many of my friends have used John for their looks.
It seemed the fates aligned when a trip to New York, a post of a dear friend of mine (Ivonne Ribeiro) showed up on LinkedIn of their session together, and an unexpected opening in his schedule created a “hell yes” moment.
I was super stressed coming onto our prep session. I’d been traveling extensively - and was exhausted. I was not feeling the best about myself physically, and mentally was not quite prepared for this last minute yes. But I tell you what, John really came through. He made time for me (on a Sat morning, the only time I had available,) and his questions and clear dominion over his craft made me feel much better about the upcoming shoot.
I was still apprehensive getting in front of the camera (thanks a lot extra 15 lbs!) but John’s combination of no nonsense authority and genuine engagement put me at ease. We flew through the different looks and I became more and more comfortable as he showed me the stills along the way.
His artistry, demeanor and expertise created a shoot that was comfortable, fun (exhausting) and effective! And better yet - I didn’t even care about my perceived imperfections once I saw the beauty of his images. It’s rare a photographer can catch the true essence of an individual - so that is comes through in the unexpected moments he captured.
The actual price I paid was not the most and not the least for a 2-hour session. The value of the photos - it’s not hyperbole to say they are invaluable. For me this was not just a shoot - but a mindset shift - as I move into the next phase of my life and career. He brought my fierce out. He brought my expertise out. He brought my empathy out. He brought my spirituality out. Oh yeah - and he brought my shoes out! (You’ll see what I mean!)
I literally have already recommended him to 4 people in the 24 hours since the shoot. And I pity the fool that doesn’t use him (80’s reference - I just aged myself). Seriously though - he’s probably one of the most talented photographers I have worked with and I will 100% use him again. And again. The results he pulls out of you are stunning, and the results are immediate. His turn around to receiving the photos was less than 24 hours. Would I recommend working with John? Not only yes, but hell yes.”
Thank you for such kind words, Viveka - it was fun delivering magic with you :)
If you know it’s time for an image refresh, and you’d like to learn more to see if we’re a fit to work together, set up a time to chat with me and we’ll take it from there.