Community Highlights: Meet Brittney Johnson of JFSM Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Johnson.

Hi Brittney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story starts in an unexpected way – in elementary school. I have always had a passion for all things in the arts. My first loves didn’t involve photography, but were video production, theater, and dance!

I remember as early as 4th grade helping with the morning newscast behind the camera and taking dance lessons at the local dance studio. I was definitely a kid who was always on the go -participating in as many extra-circulars as my parents would allow.

I remember on weekends I would sneak in and use my mom’s Polaroid camera. The classic 1980s one- it was gray and pink!

In my 6th grade year, my family moved from Charleston, South Carolina to San Antonio. (both of my parents were military) I jumped, head first, into the tech side of the theater. I continued through middle school and into high school. It was during this time my interest in photography began to blossom. I was taking pictures of my shoes, trains, flowers, and pretty much any inanimate object.

I must have gone through 3 or 4 of those point-and-shoot cameras. If you ask my mom, she’ll tell you, I absolutely wrecked them, but my side of the story . . . I was a wanderlust spirit- haha. I began entering my photography into the 4-H competitions at the youth center and even won a few awards. I had a photography interest, but still wasn’t taking it seriously.

Skipping to sophomore year-a close friend of mine realized that we attended the same church. One Sunday, after service, they told me they wanted to introduce me to some people. I was definitely reluctant. So much so, that they pushed me up the stairs, into the media room and said “Hey guys, this is Britt and she’s joining the ministry.”

I was given a training DVD and told to come back Wednesday for equipment training. Being “voluntold” to the Media Ministry was one of the best things that could have happened; I just didn’t know it then. Live event production was the best combination of everything I loved since a kid – a theater element, lighting design, camera, and all things tech.

I attended Abilene Christian University where I continued to pursue media as my major, diving into Broadcast Journalism, specifically focusing on sports. I was the editor of the sports broadcast my department produced in partnership with athletics.

To be honest, my deeper love for photography was born from video production burnout in 2016. I needed a way to still stay creative in the midst of all we were doing. (sportscast editor and producer, short films, school work, multiple jobs on campus)

I started doing senior pictures of students on campus for trade. One of my favorites is a senior session for chocolate chip cookies made from scratch. My first paying client was my older sister’s best friend at the time. He was an actor studying at Texas State. He needed headshots.

He asked me if I would do them. I wasn’t confidently shooting portraits yet, but I said yes, hoping for the best. From that moment, I decided that photographing people is what I wanted to do.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not been a smooth road. Because I fell in love with photography out of a video burnout, I struggled to find a creative balance with everything I was juggling. Although, I didn’t start the business officially until 2017. I didn’t think twice about starting one.

Soon-to-be grads were asking me to take their senior pictures, and I ran with it. I didn’t think about everything that went into running a business. I had absolutely no idea and honestly didn’t call myself a photographer either. It wasn’t until 2018 that I began to take both photography and business seriously. I kept it part-time as I worked video production jobs.

I struggled with finding my “style”, my voice in this creative space, how to approach business, and what I wanted my brand to be. When Covid hit, like so many others, I had to pivot. I was on staff at my church and went full throttle into getting them online. My business had to be on the back burner.

I did take the time to think about who it was I truly wanted to serve and how I could do that. I appreciate the forced focus time. I discovered that I wanted to capture moments with people who were wildly passionate, unique, and had authentic hearts.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about JFSM Productions?
The name JFSM Productions is definitely special to me – it’s an acronym meaning Journey of a Few Short Miles. It’s a double metaphor. First, no matter what point/chapter of life I’m in, I can always learn more. The second meaning is a short joke- because I’m 5’1”, all of my steps are small!

I specialize in portraits and weddings. (solo, couples, grads, military events, families) I am known for capturing detailed-oriented, authentic, and pause-worthy life moments of people who want to live life to the fullest. What sets me apart is my love of great humans and telling their stories honestly and candidly.

I express to my clients on session day that I only accept “heart-happy”, genuine emotions… the thoughts and things that set their soul on fire with passion when it comes to mind.

As a photographer, I value the ideas my clients have, and I work with them to make them a reality. I let them know that professional photography should feel fun and be a mirror of who they truly are. This has led to some of my favorite location ideas and images, including but not limited to places like an interactive museum, a Hobby Lobby, a parking garage, or an airplane hanger.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of the work I have done since Covid. I have managed to craft a brand that is down-to-earth, emotional, and full of life – that’s now reflected in every bit of my work. My brand, JFSM accepts people as they are, who they are. All are welcome here.

Any big plans?
Actually, YES! Some big changes are ahead! While still keeping my business part-time, I recently accepted a position at the University of Texas, San Antonio as a Multimedia Specialist. I’m excited about this new chapter!

Business-wise, a more intentional brand and client experience are coming this last half of 2022.

I also have a few plans to travel abroad toward the end of this year!

Pricing:

• Weddings start at $3400
• Portraits start at $460
• Military Events starting at $250

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jfsmproductions.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jfsmproductions
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jfsmproductions.com

Image Credits
Bianca Flanagan Photography and JFSM Productions