Check Out Callie Johnson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Callie Johnson

Hi Callie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi! I’m Callie Johnson. A 23 year, born in North Carolina with a huge love of all things cameras and film <3 I've had a camera in my hand since I could walk, truly. My grandfather, grandmother, and even my aunt were always recording me and taking photos as I was growing up, and I was fascinated by the way a photo or video could preserve a moment in time forever.

I got my first camera when I was around 7. It was one of those Crayola ones that took around 10 seconds to even capture a photo, and I brought that thing everywhere. Then, as I got older, I began to upgrade my cameras. One of my favorite pastimes is looking at myself growing up through my lens. I have a hard drive that is my pride and joy, and it has all of my dumb home videos with my sister and dad, and makeup tutorials, get ready with mes, and even tutorials of me brushing my teeth and hair, so you can imagine the laughter it brings me watching me grow up.

Now, here I am with my very own photography business! I cannot believe it, truly. I spend my days now documenting other people’s stories. I love asking my clients how they met if it is a couple, or if it’s a maternity shoot, if they’re excited for their new addition. Being able to know my clients and then photograph them allows me to capture the raw and candid moments. I love when it’s a huge family photoshoot and I can just follow the kiddos around and capture them just as they are.

I did a family shoot not too long ago where the couple had 5 children, and 3 were being fostered. It was so precious to see them interact with each other just as naturally as they are. That is when I find the true moment to be captured. Being able to document lives just as they are means the world to me. I love the belly laughs, side glances and precious moments that do not need to be posed.

Micro weddings are some of my favorite things to document as I just love feeling the intimacy of everyone around me. It brings me so much joy to see other human beings live and love!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As of now, it has been smooth. Since I love what I do, it helps haha! But there are always things that come into play which make it harder. Marketing has been my main expense currently. Just getting my name out there is what I am trying to do right now, which can be costly ,but it has been paying off!!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think what sets me apart from other photographers is I know how to get my clients into a good groove. Being an outgoing and lively person, I bring something different than what most people are use to when being photographed. I just want the raw memories!! I play music and ask different questions. I read people well, in my opinion, so knowing if they feel uncomfy I can help bring them out of their shell 🙂

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Patience!! I am still learning this skill, but wanting all shoots right there and then, and wanting my books filled to the brim is hard lol. Since my business is still new, I have a hard time just breathing. I am always trying to do different marketing techniques to bring in customers. I graduated from Campbell University in 2022 with a Bachelors in Marketing, so I am always tweaking my audience, redoing my website, and trying to find new ways to get creative with it.

Pricing:

• My shoots are affordable starting at only $200, and go up with what is needed. I tailor my pricing to fit the need of the client, Do they want a film add on? Videos? These all go into my pricing depending on what is wanted. And that is the same thing for weddings!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calliejohnsonphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calliejfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Callie-Johnson-Photography-North-Carolina-Photography/100090989184695/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@calliepearl7193/featured