Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Johnson.
Anthony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into photography began after I lost my job at Dell. During that uncertain time, someone close to me believed I had the talent to turn photography into more than a hobby. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to take my new passion seriously.
A few months later, she gave me an ultimatum: choose the relationship and the life we were building with her children, or choose photography. It was—and still is—one of the hardest decisions I have ever faced.
I chose photography.
There was no guarantee I would succeed, and that decision became one of my greatest driving forces. I never wanted to look back and wonder whether I had made the wrong choice, so I committed myself fully to learning the craft and building a real business.
I enrolled in Austin Community College’s Professional Photography 2 year program, studied the theory of photography, lighting, and posing. I took all of their advanced classes in photography to get me where I am today. But that wasn’t enough, I needed to learn the business side too. And if we’re being honest, I think running a photography business is 80% business and 20% photography skill.
Today, I own Anthony Johnson Photography, a veteran-owned business specializing in corporate headshots, executive portraits, and event photography. What began with someone else believing in me became a journey of learning to believe in myself—and making sure that difficult decision became one worth making.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road.
I started with almost nothing—just a camera, a laptop, and a couch a friend let me sleep on while I tried to figure out how to turn photography into income. In the beginning, every job mattered because I was not only building a business; I was trying to rebuild my life.
One of my biggest struggles was learning how to manage the financial side of the business. Being talented behind the camera did not automatically mean I knew how to price my work, manage cash flow, plan for slow seasons, or make smart business decisions. I had to learn many of those lessons through trial and error.
There were times when the uncertainty was overwhelming, but quitting never felt like an option. Every setback forced me to become more disciplined, resourceful, and intentional.
Looking back, the struggle was part of what shaped me. I did not begin with investors, a studio, or a safety net. I began with a camera, a borrowed couch, and the determination to make it work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Photography has become more than a career for me—it has also become a way to help other creatives grow. I remember what it felt like to start with limited resources, unanswered questions, and no clear roadmap. Because of that, I try to share what I have learned with newer photographers whenever I can.
Whether it is advice about lighting, posing, retouching, pricing, client communication, or building a sustainable business, I believe knowledge should be shared. Photography can feel competitive, but I have learned that helping someone else improve does not take anything away from my own success.
One of the most rewarding parts of my career is seeing another photographer gain confidence, avoid mistakes I had to learn the hard way, and begin creating opportunities for themselves.
In fact, there is one guy who I had randomly met on 6th street one night. He asked me “ How do you do what you do?” Referring to being hired as a photographer.
We chatted for a few mins and a few years later he reached out to me to thank me. For giving him the courage to start photography.
Today he has a very successful real estate photography company. Him and his wife run it together and they’ve just recently added more team members. He did all that, he just needed someone to believe in him in the beginning.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people who know me through my work are surprised to learn that I am a PC gamer. As a veteran, I have found that gaming gives me a way to decompress, manage stress, and mentally reset.
That becomes especially valuable after photographing a four-day conference or producing hundreds—even more than a thousand—headshots during a large event. Photography requires constant focus, energy, and interaction, so gaming gives me quiet space to relax, explore, and recharge.
In a way, photography is how I create professionally, while gaming is how I recover and reconnect with myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anthonyjohnsonphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajphoto_headshots
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajphotoheadshots
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajphoto-headshots/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AnthonyJ_Photo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajphotos
