Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Escalante.
Hi Johnny, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first picked up a camera in 2016 on a trip to Zion National Park. By the start of 2017 I came across an Instagram account called @conquer_la where I was inspired by beautiful photos in Los Angeles. I began driving to downtown LA to recreate all of the photos I had seen on @conquer_la. By 2018, a stylist by the name of Lina Park had reached out to me and asked if I would collaborate with her on a portrait photoshoot. I had absolutely no experience shooting people, but she took a chance on me. Throughout the years, I began to study and learn how to photograph people by shooting streetwear. As I was trying to find my style, I decided to try fitness photography in 2020. Fitness photography seemed easier to me but at the same time was a lot of fun. Inspired by the active lifestyle I like to have, I would always see Nike ads and thought to myself “wow that looks so cool!” As I continued to improve my style and quality of work, professional models, personal trainers, and activewear brands began to book me. I enjoy the process of location scouting, planning a photoshoot, and creating commercial worthy photos. I sometimes look back at some of my work and think to myself “dang I took that shot” that’s what keeps me going.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. As I started to build my portfolio, it was hard to get people to work with me because I had nothing to show. I do want to thank Lina Park, Amanda Gramm, Jordan Martinez, Kalani Phillips, Evan Gomez, Brianna Bias, Erica Topete, Emily Newell for taking a chance on me and allowing me to build up my portfolio. I know I’m missing some people, but they were the ones I first shot within 2018. Also, my cousin Wilson Escalante because he has always shared his knowledge about photography with me. Other struggles have been learning how to value your skill set and set prices based on your experience and talent level. I look back at some of the prices I use to have, and I actually lost money, lol because I didn’t know how to value my skill set.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a fitness photographer, and I specialize in outdoor natural light photography. I would say I’m best known for having really epic locations to shoot at and capturing athletes doing what they do best. What sets me apart is my eye for location scouting and my ability to shoot stunning images in direct natural light. For the record, I do not use any artificial lighting or flash.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that not everything will be perfect, but to always keep a positive attitude regardless of the situation
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jactivex.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jactivex/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jactivex?si=5zgiurQS0lfXeIEZ
Image Credits
Brynne Erskine
Dey Tucker
Tessa Johnston
Evan Gomez
Jenna Grimes
Gentry Hopkins
Jordan Bourgeois
Ashlee Brown
