Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Pratt.
Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been a photographer for as long as I can remember. Coming from a family who has multiple professionals, cameras have always been around me. A few years ago, I decided to turn my hobby into a passion when I became an exclusive contributor for iStock by Getty Images. Additionally, I love to share my photos on my Instagram account @jprvtt. Through the help and guidance of my cousins, who are both fantastic photographers, I have developed a love for photography.
Today, I mainly focus on Instagram where I have recently transitioned to a black and white style. I like to switch up my style of photography every once in a while to stay fresh and continue to learn and master my craft!
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?
Photography, especially when your main creative outlet is Instagram, is not easy. The ever-changing algorithms and up and down engagement can make it frustrating. I have learned to worry less about the numbers and more about the posts themselves – providing the best quality regardless of analytics.
It has also been hard to find time to shoot. Being a full-time student-athlete in college takes up a lot of time and it is hard to fit in ‘free time’.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer that posts on Instagram ( @jprvtt ) as well as an Exclusive Contributor for iStock by Getty Images. I shoot mostly landscapes/cityscapes with minimal focus on portraits. I specialize in sunset photography and am known for my sunset work based in San Diego. Recently, I have shifted my style to a more black and white approach while also featuring color images.
I am proud to call myself a professional photographer. It is extremely difficult to get people to pay for your images and photos, and I have found a way to do so. I am proud to say that I have turned a hobby and passion of mine into something that I can make money from.
What sets me apart is that I am always evolving – I never want to be set in my ways. Hence, I am always changing my editing style and the types of posts that I post to Instagram. With Instagram, there is a strong crowd that believes sticking to a style is the only way to grow and produce content, but in my opinion, that is extremely limiting to my creativity. If I think a photo is good, I am going to post it – no matter if it fits my ‘niche’ or ‘style’.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Your best network is your family – they know you the best! Aside from that, I have found other photographers that are both similar to my style and totally different than I can gain inspiration from.
Social Media is a GREAT way to meet people and network – there are so many location-based communities and groups of people that love to share their passion and work with other creatives.
Contact Info:
- Email: photographypratt@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jprvtt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jprvtt
- Other: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/Justin_Pratt?mediatype=photography
Image Credits
Justin Pratt
