Today we’d like to introduce you to Ajoni Moore.
Hi Ajoni, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My father and uncle, for years, practiced and honed their knowledge and skills respectively in photography. Although at the time, I hadn’t known anything about camera’s let alone photography, I managed to pick up some bare basics from being my father’s guinea pig for photoshoots when he’d practice lighting haha.
But even before that, in my younger years, I’d always had a passion for fictional literature, script writing, and more specifically epic poems. For a time, that passion had been put on hold as my career as a professional gamer took off and required more of my attention and focus; however, with that arrival of covid, it was cut down abruptly. For a while, I started re-directing my motivation, energy, and work ethic into a few skills, but nothing that seemed to stick or call to me, at least until my father was diagnose with cancer and unfortunately succumbed to his illness a month later in February of 2021.
After taking care of his funeral arrangements, things settled down in a way, and I was left with a mountain of belongings and had no clue what to do with it. Before long, while rummaging through his things, I naturally came across his most treasured items, photography gear, namely a 5D mk3. In that moment, I thought to myself, “What was it that he saw through this lens that created the brightest light of passion & excitement in his eyes.” Overwhelmed with curiosity, I called my uncle, Kelvin Henderson, a veteran wedding photographer, and with a simple request, he showed me the basics of Photography.
From there, I’d became obsessed with the craft, studying, practicing, and applying what I learned for what seemed to be inhumane amounts of hours and time. For months I practically shut myself off from the world until I emerged as a professional photographer having already obtained several photoshoots, weddings, and more on my resume. Not long after my curiosity peaked for Videography and filmmaking and from there the growth just continued. After a year plus of non-stop work, studying, and shooting, I was flown out to Los Angeles for a project, and more opportunities kept arriving in my lap until I decided to create a West Coast Base.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road, I would say, has been pretty smooth, but I think it’s only been smooth because I have a work ethic that many would definitely say isn’t normal, and in a lot of cases, I have to agree. The only struggle I could honestly say I’ve faced had been the lack of unity within the local community of my hometown; however, with effort and willpower, I managed to alleviate that struggle or issue altogether.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I don’t particularly consider myself specialized in anything per se, as I often times say, “I just like to create art with my cameras”. I will say I definitely enjoy doing things like filming Music Video’s or any short films and short video content that’s “Cinematic” and very reminiscent of movies that I love.
As far as what I’m most proud of, I would have to say everything, every project, and every step of this journey I’ve taken this far.
What sets me apart from other? The biggest thing that comes to mind goes back to my Work Ethic and willingness to put in the work whilst trusting the process. There’s a whole spectrum of things that go into that, but I notice the most common thing is most creatives or people in general just don’t want to or have no desire to put in actual work towards their craft until their dream or goal is realized.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Purpose. Whatever that may mean because obviously, it differs from person to person. For me, it’s having a grand goal that I’m willing to pursue and chase by any means necessary and, along the way, forge an create healthy relationships with those around you. In my opinion, all of the accomplishments and accolades are cool, but without people close to you to share it with, it’s almost pointless a little.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joni_spielberg/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvJcoWf4RPni7RMD7bzheFg
- Other: https://staffmeup.com/profile/Ajoni%20Moore
