Today we’d like to introduce you to Daylon Johnson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was introduced to photography in 2009 while I was in college at Alcorn State University as a journalism major. I used photos to supplement my news stories, but that was it. It wasn’t until years later that I started to use my photography for anything other than keeping personal memories. In 2015, I bought a Nikon d3300 when my wife was pregnant with my youngest daughter Sara. I decided that I wanted to take better family photos and the phones we had at the time (or even now) weren’t up to my standards. After about a year, I got really good with the camera and editing process so I thought it would be a good idea to turn it all into a business. It has worked out great so far!
Through my photography, I’ve been able to meet so many people from different backgrounds and ambitions and I’ve created a network I don’t think I would have been able to build on the path I was on before. Recently, I’ve started an interview series in which I talk to individuals about their path to success and happiness. The intent is to reach youth who aren’t sure of their next steps in life and need some insight into the possibilities and opportunities they may not get in other places.
Has it been a smooth road?
Anything worth having is going to take some hard work. And the road won’t be smooth. I feel like the work I am doing is important, but I have a family that I have to put above everything. I also have a full-time job as a firefighter. It can be difficult trying to balance all three and keep them in their proper place. When I was a senior in high school, I tried to get an early release because I had filled my course credit requirements. My counselor, Kaniesha Hodges, denied my request and told me that I needed to maintain that course load because my college load would be just as heavy and life wouldn’t slow down when I wanted it to either. I didn’t understand that then, and I was not happy about it. But she was so right. In college, I had to keep up with classes, social life, community service, working, editing the newspaper, and maintaining relationships. It was never easy and took some fine-tuning and I figured it out. Even if it was just long enough to secure a degree. But now, I find myself in a similar place… with children. It’s not easy and things have gotten pretty rocky at times, but between my wife and I, we’re holding it together and it gets better by the month.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from others?
Daylon Johnson Photography in many ways is like any photography service. I take really nice and creative photos, and you’re going to love the product. I specialize in portrait photography but I made sure to not limit myself when it came to genres and skillsets. 100% of my photography is done on location, as I have a portable studio, and I have mastered natural and studio light so there’s no limit to what we can do.
I think I’ve become known for making positive black photography. I shot a black menswear event in February 2019 that went mainstream and after that, I got a lot of requests to take photos in that same style; black men in nice suits, displaying what success is thought to look like.
The major thing that sets DJP apart from other photographers is that I haven’t stopped at photography. Every true photographer wants to tell a story, and that’s as true for me as anyone of us. I’ve ventured out a little more to tell my story, I want to be able to help young people find their way in life and not everyone is going to receive photography in the same way. I’ve started to create videos that are not only instructional, but they also let the youth know that there are almost no limits on what they can do to be successful. I know that I don’t have all the answers, but I know a bunch of people who do. I give the world access to those people.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is the land of opportunity. There is literally something here for everyone. And if it’s not here, create it! People here are open-minded enough for you to try brand new things and they’ll give it a chance. Dallas is great for photographers because EVERYONE HERE NEEDS A PHOTOGRAPHER. You set your own price so use that to your advantage. Not everyone can afford the top photographer in Dallas, but they still need one. Those people could be your first clients. Learn your craft and find your place out here, it’s great!
Contact Info:
- Website: Daylonsphotos.com
- Phone: 2146097077
- Email: daylonsphotos@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daylon.johnson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaylonsPhotos/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/daylonjphotos
- Other: https://daylonjohnsonphotography.myportfolio.com/
Image Credit:
Daylon Johnson
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