Today we’d like to introduce you to John Idoko.
Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started off my photography Journey Back In 2018. Randomly taking photos of my friends at their birthdays, after church, events, etc. At the time, they would always encourage me to start a photography business because I had a good eye for it, and I learned how to take photos professional by just playing around with my camera and watching YouTube videos. But coming from an African family, Nigerian to be exact, and pursuing an MBA in finance at the time, it just seemed like it wouldn’t be accepted by my dad, who was a businessman and was particular about his ROIs lol. The goal was to work for one of the big companies and earn the big $$ to live the American dream, as everyone talked about. Fast forward to Dec 2019, I graduated with an MBA in Finance from UST (university of ST. Thomas Houston), and in 2020 came the pandemic. I was done with school and looking for a job I didn’t find a job. It was frustrating that whole year. I didn’t have a particular focus on photography as I didn’t have much-paying clients, and how can I take photos and show my skills when we all were at home? I used that opportunity to learn different aspects of photography; I just wanted to have a thriving business to pay bills and support my family. Mid-year 2022, I reached out to a couple of top Houston photographers I found online who were in The Wedding industry. Most did not respond, or they wanted me to pay a certain amount before I could learn from them, which was understandable. Nothing is free. but I just didn’t have any money to invest, especially after buying cameras, lights, and other things, fortunately, one person responded and accepted to be my mentor and I started shooting weddings by November 2020 and gradually expanded to other types of Photography. In October 2020, I decided to start charging for the photography services I would offer; my camera at the time was a CanonT6 Rebel. I then had to get a new camera to capture higher quality images which cost close to $3000, and the same time I decided to pursue a career in IT so I can get a good paying job. Then I went back to school for another master’s in Management Information Systems at TSU; while in the program, I got some awards and scholarships and was still having a hard time getting a job, and that was how I decided to go into photography fully as a business and not just a hobby/side gig, Today my Photography and Videography services range from weddings and Engagements to Real estate, lifestyle, Graduation, and other events and recently transitioned into video production as an add on service I provide to my clients. In general, getting to where I am today is all God and him working on me and getting me ready for the greater things he has installed for me regardless of everything going on. I will continue to give Thanks and Praise To God.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business from scratch is no easy feat; I admit the road wasn’t paved with rose petals. Houston’s creative scene is a bustling one, filled with talented photographers and videographers. Standing out in this saturated market proved to be a significant challenge.
“Competing on price points with clients who prioritize affordability over quality was tough; I wrestled with mastering the art of marketing, a crucial skill for any entrepreneur, but especially challenging for someone starting their first business.
The hurdles I faced went beyond competition and marketing. The initial investment in equipment was a significant barrier. Balancing the demands of building a client base with the need to constantly improve my craft required dedication and discipline.
There were also moments of self-doubt. Coming from a non-creative background, there were times I questioned my ability to succeed in this field,
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m John C. Idoko. JC Visualz, a photographer and videographer based in Houston, Texas. I specialize in capturing a variety of life’s moments, from weddings and Engagements to Family, graduations, real estate, and lifestyle photography.
Recently, I’ve even begun offering video production services, allowing me to tell stories through a more comprehensive visual medium.
What I’m Known For:
My clients appreciate my ability to capture genuine emotions and create a unique visual narrative for their special occasions or projects. I strive to go beyond the typical snapshot, aiming to tell a story through each image and video I create.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I take immense pride in the positive feedback from my clients. When they tell me I’ve captured the essence of their event or helped them showcase their property in the best light, it’s incredibly rewarding.
But most of all, I’m proud of taking a leap of faith and turning my passion into a successful business. It wasn’t easy, but the journey has been filled with learning and growth.
What Sets Me Apart:
My background may not be traditionally creative, but it allows me to approach projects with a fresh perspective.
I combine my passion for storytelling with a commitment to exceptional service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for my clients.
I’m constantly learning and evolving, keeping up with the latest trends and techniques in photography and videography. This allows me to offer my clients the most innovative and high-quality visual solutions.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Mentor: AdrianneMichellephoto, agreed to mentor me without charging me, in fact, she paid me to assist her on most shoots.
S/o to my friends and family who supported me and referred me to clients continuously.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jcvisualz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jc_visualz/
