We had the good fortune of connecting with J Chris Sears and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J Chris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was all over the place! I didn’t realize that photography at the time could be a real career! All my life I wanted to work for my self and be my own boss. So at 21 going on 22 I just did it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well I’ve been in my career now for 10 years! Film and photography has been a passion of mines since I was 6 years old! I think was sets me apart from others is the passion I have for it! It’s like I see everything different! I’m in love with impromptu captures! Im most proud of my growth overall! I had so many set backs starting out! From me getting my camera stolen twice and not given the chances I wanted, I wanted to give up so many times but I didn’t! So no it wasn’t easy. I had to rebuild three times! They say 3x the charm and maybe that’s true. The lessons I’ve learn is to never give up! No matter what! Keep pushing & keep doing whatever it takes to get you there! I was once told what comes easy you’ll lose even faster! My brand stems from my nick name Truth & paparazzi always catches off guards but always the bad off guards! TruPaparazzi catches all the good moments and all the good off guards!

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.
Wow it’s so many places here in Atlanta to have fun! Roof top on ponce is always a vibe! A stroll through the belt line! It’s always good food there! Hookah I like to go to Sivas or Harold’s Chicken, they have good food and drinks! Atlantic Station is always cool too! Can shop, eat and catch a vibe!

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?
Well firstly I would like to think Micah Sumbry Owner of Party Curlz definitely is the one to encourage me to start shooting. She bought my first camera and soon after that my mother bought me my first dslr & equipment to get started! After that it was pretty much up from there. My favorite photographers are Cam Kirk & Tyler Shields. They are two totally different type of photographers when it come to the work and that’s the thing about me I have different styles when it comes to my passion..My favorite screen writer is Nicolas Sparks.

Website: Www.TruPaparazzi.com

Instagram: Iamjchris_ and @TruPaparazzi

Twitter: TheRealJChris_

Facebook: Facebook.com/ItsTruPaparazzi

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCVEer5JHCXNA8Azuurvyctw

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.