We had the good fortune of connecting with Derick Beach and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Derick, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It all started by accident honestly. I was in the beginning stages of producing a clothing line back in 2015 and was looking for a photographer. As I was getting quotes I realized most of these guys were getting like $75+ per hour. I figured if I would be paying that much for a photoshoot I might as well buy my own camera and learn how to use it. After hours of YouTube tutorials it started to peak my interest and then I brought my camera to Art Basel to take photo’s of my friends art work and then found myself taking pictures of the whole event. Since everyone loved them I figured I could get better and take it more serious. So weeks later I was getting booking requests and decided to make a separate Instagram from my personal: Johnny_shotMe. And did all the business paperwork behind it. The rest is history.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Some of the things that sets me apart is my diversity in art. I do not discriminate on the bag. I shoot club events, baby showers, editorials, music videos, advertisements. Some photographers/ videographers only stick to one art form. Getting into photography professionally was a lot easier than expected. A lot of people showed me love, from major artists to underground artists. I have a very quick turn around time and also my work ethic proved me worthy of obtaining business from most of my clients. Some of the things I’ve learned along this journey was to always sometimes opportunity is the best currency. An amazing opportunity can lead you somewhere a few dollars wouldn’t. There’s people that would argue they not working for free and turn down an opportunity for someone that can get you hundreds of more clients, and take a small $200 job. Not realizing you just fumbled thousands of dollars. One thing you can take away from my story is that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it and have the will to learn. We live in a digital world now, there isn’t anything you can’t learn in this day and age. Multiple streams of income is at our finger tips.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I don’t eat meat so some of my favorite places to go to eat that has both vegan and regular options would be “Kush” in Wynwood. Also I love “Glam Vegan” in midtown and “Vegan on the go” in Fort Lauderdale. So those would definitely be on the list of places to eat and then hang out at “The wharf” in Fort Lauderdale for a chill vibe to get drinks or the rooftop in las Olas. It’s a nice classy vibe and the atmosphere is different from the regular places downtown Fort Lauderdale
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All of my friends & family supported me throughout this journey. One of the books that forced my motivation was “No excuses” by Brian Tracey, anytime I started to feel discouraged I would read it. Also most recently my biggest supporter is my girlfriend, hair stylist Quintazia Ellison (@ladylavish_). Some of my other supporters my dawg and rapper Young Kipp (@YoungKipp) & Mark Young of several Entrepreneurial brands
Instagram: Johnny_ShotMe
Facebook: JohnnyShotMe Productions
Youtube: Derick Beach (johnnyshotme@gmail.com)
Image Credits
@Johnny_ShotMe / Derick Beach
