By Brian J.M. Joseph
Behind every successful man, there’s a woman. But it’s not always be his spouse. Sometimes it’s his mother.
I was engaged in a face-to-face one-on-one interview with Entrepreneur / Photographer Samuel Brian John, the brainchild behind Samuel John Photography (SJP).
He’s an extraordinary young man with a passion for photography. A true Grenadian son of the soil hailing from the village of Coast Guard in St. Mark’s.
It was remarkably amazing just listening to Samuel telling his story and speaking about his journey that leads him to where he is today. He expounded on his many challenges growing up in his community and how he overcome it all from being bullied by others and being called names.
Today, he’s a role model to many young people, both in his community and on the job.
Not many young people in today’s society are that vocal or open about their journey.
Samuel strikes me to be a levelheaded, realistic individual who knows exactly what he wants to obtain out of life and I really do admire his businesslike approach.
When asked how the passion for photography started, he wasn’t hesitant at all to answer.
“Since I was a little boy growing up,” he said.
I could’ve sensed the passion in his voice.
What started out as a passionate hobby from a young age, has now turned into a profession.
He fell in love with photography because of his fascination with nature and people, and he wanted to express himself through the lens of the camera.
He vividly remembers being around his older cousin using her camera to take photos of her baby.
Photography was his passion, maybe you can call it an obsession of his but it works out well in the end for him.
Today he can boast of having his business registered which allows him to pay taxes and he’s entitled to concessions like any other corporation in Grenada.
Becoming his own entrepreneur was a life-long dream that finally manifested itself into reality.
With hard work and determination he has persevered thus far and all that he is today he attributes to his mother and step dad.
While at his alma mater, the St Mark’s Secondary School (SMSS); and while doing his academic studies at T.A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), where he completed studies and obtained an Associate Degree in Office Administration, Samuel was known as the “editor” on social media, in particular Facebook.
He became very famous among his peers for editing photos and got numerous calls and messages from others seeking his services and this was also a contributing factor that led to his passion for photography.
He spoke passionately about his first professional assignment for his cousin’s weeding, his big debut, which took place in March 2017.
He didn’t own a camera but his cousin’s came in handy. In April of that year he was gifted with his first camera courtesy his mom and stepdad.
Looking to the future, Samuel is thinking about branching off into graphic design and logos.
He is also interested in music and could one day open his own recording studio.
“I will play a significant role in the country by generating employment,” he said.
Samuel is thankful for his family who bought his cameras. He also spoke highly about his dear friend Recia Telesford who has been very supportive of him throughout the years.
He’s also urging people to follow him on Facebook @ Samuel John Photography and Instagram: Sjphotographygd473
He can be reached via email: [email protected].
