Meet Daja Johnson: Creative Portrait Photographer, Music Artist, Event Curator, Spoken Word Poet,

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daja Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daja, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Great Question! I remember growing up watching martial arts films and of course Bruce lee being one of my favorites, he once said “To hell with circumstances, I create opportunities”. I believe he was right, you know, I believe failure is an opportunity to grow. One thing about time is that it is going to pass, whether we want it to or not. If you keep going and stay consistent, you have a better shot at scheduling success in your future because you’ll have progress instead of stagnation once time has passed. Taking a break is okay, I believe we all at some point need a break or a vacation, but never give up. If you’re going to give up anything, let it be your ego, let it be your pride.

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.
I’m A Multipotentialite Artist with a key specialization in portrait photography. I believe what sets me apart from others is my ability to capture a persons true essence, and the use of rich and vibrant colors through out my work. A main thing that I hear is the experience that other’s get from working with me. They feel like their most beautiful selves and experience a great freedom during a session. I wish I could explain it but I believe that those that work with me are drawn to the expression of God that lies within my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let’s see, If my best friend was in town in ATL we would go have brunch at the Milk & Honey, go to the Trap Museum and of course participate in their escape room, which is A LOT of fun! And then hit the Oak Atlanta for drinks. I also would take them through downtown. If we were back home in Kalamazoo, MI, I would say we would definitely experience Twine Urban Winery, an amazing black owned winery, for great food I would suggest Cookie’s Creole & Soul and/or Ty’s Joint. I have a great love for Soul Food. but I also enjoy fine dining like Webster’s. Im definitely always down for food and drinks! And I can have fun anywhere! Im in to music, art, movies, arcades, etc. Even just going on nature trails and sitting by the lakes. I truly enjoy the simple pleasures in life as much as affordable luxuries.

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?
This is such a loaded question for me! I believe everyone I have met on my path, on this journey of mine, has impacted me. Some people have been a blessing and some people have brought about life lessons. Im thankful for it all. Shoutout to The Most High for gifting me beyond measure, and for the destiny he has given me, for salvation, and grace. Shout out to my parents, despite any imperfections, God saw fit that there was something in their DNA that I needed for my destiny and I’m thankful for them both, and the love from my step father. Thank you to Jaivyn, Joi, Jordyn, Ryiana, Ariyah, and Ry for being so brave and allowing me to capture them to send a message that went global across the world “Black Girl You Are Beautiful, No Matter What Shade” which was shared by LeBron James, Snoop Dogg, Viola Davis, and many more! I dedicate this to my true friends, you know who you are! Thank you for supporting me in my life, and personal growth, investing time, energy, finances, resources, listening to me cry in the middle of the night on the phone when it’s hard to sleep, being a shoulder to lean on in adversity, believing in my dreams and goals sometimes when I’m on the verge of doubting myself. I am not easy to deal with but my soul tribe embraces me for who I am and I don’t have to perform, they love me for me, and I am so thankful. I dedicate this to every model I’ve worked with, anyone that has inspired me, anyone that has ever booked a photoshoot, listened to a poem, or a song, or viewed a music video, or told me how much I inspire them, to anyone who has helped me to travel, helped me to eat, encouraged me, loved on me, shared a post. I’m thankful for every like, comment, and share. It’s really about you guys. It’s not about me, I’m only a vessel, and I believe I’m here to capture and remind everyone of the beauty in the way we are created in God’s image. I love all of my family, friends, peers, and mentors, and leaders that have embraced me, pushed me, encouraged me, and also held me accountable. I wish I could name EVERYONE personally, but it would take all day! Lol

Instagram: instagram.com/she_excels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAvo5W9vuGc

Image Credits
Image Credits: Daja L Johnson/Excel Media & Entertainment, LLC