Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ Cannon.
CJ, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started about three years ago at my family’s back to school event when my Grandma pulled me to the side. She told me I should invest in a camera because she could see I am the happiest when I would use hers. I decided to save up $600 and bought a T5 Rebel off Amazon & from there I was really fascinated with photography. I would take pictures every chance I got whether it be shooting things like Music in the Club, Greek Life, or just my friends. My college photographer professor, Mr. V told me I should volunteer for the school’s newspaper, “The East Texan.” I started shooting the football games and after a couple of games, I knew that was the route I wanted to go so I knew I needed to keep shooting. One of my close friends, Dante, was starting up his clothing brand, Swelly around the same time I started taking photography seriously. I asked him if I could use the Swelly platform to really sharpen up my photography skills. After he gave me some shirts to use for photoshoots, my photography skills grew & from there I became the head photographer for the Swelly Brand. From there on I just keep working.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth journey. At first, one of my struggles was to learn how to just stay at home & work on my craft. It’s difficult to really know how to value the brand so I wouldn’t end up selling myself short. I also had to learn effective ways to promote my business in a way to reach out to multiple platforms as well as knowing which jobs to accept or not. Some job offers I learned didn’t value the brand which hurt my business in the long run.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am a sports/lifestyle photographer as well as a videographer. I got known for my work with Swelly clothing, Pylon Football & my time working with The University of Denver Men’s Basketball Team. I am most proud of the team that is behind me who supports my vision. (Lauren Meyers, Anthony Wallace, King-Jones, Von Jackson, and the swelly team.) They give me ideas on different photoshoots, how to better my business & they constantly bring me more business. I believe one thing that sets me apart from everyone else is that I tell a story with my photos and videos so people can get the sense that they were right there.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I define success by taking steps forward to be better every day. By accomplishing the goals I set for the month or year and knowing what my brand stands for & achieving that makes me feel successful. Even If I’m better than I was last year, last month or even last week, then I believe I am successful.”
Pricing:
- $250 (2 hour event )
- $100 (Grad specials)
- $200 (90 mins, 3 locations, and 15 plus edit photos )
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ccannon4.myportfolio.com/urban
- Instagram: xxiconicSnow
- Facebook: CJ Cannon
Image Credit:
IconicSnow
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