Today we’d like to introduce you to Juston Lok.
Juston, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was little, I would always be running around pretending to take pictures with my toy camera. I think I have always had an interest for photography. I have always grew up around photography, my parents loved taking pictures of me when I was a child and other random things just for memories. To some people, capturing a moment is everything to them, that’s why I’m in love with photography. I began taking pictures just for fun during my freshman year of high school whenever I traveled to California for my summer vacation. I continued to take pictures casually and grew more and more interested in photography, so I decided to ask my parents if we could buy a nicer camera and split the cost. After I got this new camera, I slowly began taking more serious pictures and people would ask me to take pictures for them as well. During this time, I would also make adventure videos with my GoPro. I never expected this hobby to become a business. I am where I’m at today by becoming more public and more active on social media. Meeting other creators and working with them also helped me get to where I am today too. I think what also helped me get to where I am today is throughout the years, I have taken pictures for a variety of people and these people continue to recommend me to others, so my circle continues to grow.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No one ever has a smooth road getting to their destination, so no I have had some obstacles along the way. There were many challenges that I had to fight through. It has been a struggle balancing both being a full time student at Dallas Baptist University and photography. Another thing I struggled with when I first started was that I wanted everyone to be pleased with the photos I took. I quickly realized that I would not be able to please everyone and there would be people who would not like the pictures I took, which is okay. There are so many photographers out there these days so it is also hard to get recommended. This puts me in a rough spot sometimes in order to keep my business going. I’ve learned to use these struggles as motivation to better myself and continue to grow my business.
Please tell us about Jlok Photography.
I am a photographer based out of Arlington, Texas. My business consists of me, myself and I, but I do collaborate with other creators. My work ranges from photographing people to photographing nature, but my focus tends to be on the outdoors. I also do some videography here and there. I specialize in natural landscape photography. Being able to imagine the image I want in my mind before I take a picture is what sets me apart from other photographers. I take note of every detail before I even take a photo. These details include making sure there isn’t a glare, shadows, or any other random things that may appear. Being able to visualize what I want before I even take a photo helps me a lot. From there, I can adjust whatever is needed to make that image come to life. I also love working with others and coming up with new ideas for an upcoming project. The thing that makes me feel most proud is simply when people admire my work and being able to capture special moments for other people.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood would probably be going to Disney World for the first time. It’s my favorite memory because I clearly remember a bird pooping on my funnel cake right after I purchased it. It was a sad day, but I got a new one after.
Pricing:
- Portraits – $80 an hour
- Weddings – negotiable
Contact Info:
- Phone: 817-996-6028
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @justonlok24
- Facebook: Juston Lok
- Twitter: @justonlok24
- Other: Photograpghy Instagram @jlok.photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
