Daily Inspiration: Meet John Kornegay

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Kornegay. 

Hi John, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 

I’ve been a portrait and event photographer since 2015. My early inception to the art of photography was merely to take photos for my girlfriend (now wife) and her work as a makeup artist. From that moment, my skills and interest in the art of photography have grown which’s allowed me to work for various businesses in the RDU area, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Puma Basketball. 

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? 

Like most things, the journey is truly within the process. Starting out I was emulating everything that I saw on YouTube, Instagram, and what other photographers were doing, attempting to be in the trends. 

I found a community that allowed me to learn in a safe space which helped me “find my eye” to shape my own distinct style. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do? 

As a portrait photographer, my goal is to capture the subject in the most authentic way. I try to have my sessions structured in a way that the subject and I are conversing, which allows me to gain some rapport and a feel for them as a person. From there as the session progresses, I’m able to tap into the small time of rapport which will help me when providing feedback and direction for posing. 

For events, my goal is to capture the feeling and environment of the prospective event. From heartwarming speeches, toasts, and dance moves, my goal is to capture the moment that invokes the viewer to feel like they are reliving the moment upon them seeing the image. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about? 

I’m pretty straight forward but I can’t be a bit bashful about my photography work. It’s one part being humble and one part not “tooting” my horn enough. 

Contact Info:

• Email: info@johnkornegay.com
• Website: www.johnkornegay.com
• Instagram: JohnKornegay