Meet J. Shon Holifield | Videographer and Photographer

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

Hi J. Shon, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
One of the most difficult decisions that I made as a creative was to leave behind an already established business and clientele in Birmingham, Al. I took the risk to relocate in 2019 to grow individually and professionally as a business owner. Being from a smaller city and market, I felt that I hit the ceiling with growth in my industry quickly, so relocating to Atlanta, Ga and essentially starting over, was both a risky and difficult decision. However, looking back, the decision was one of the best ones that I have made in my journey as a business owner thus far.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always seen myself as a story-teller, the uniqueness of my artistry is that my initial love in art has always been bringing the imagined to the screen. Writing, and producing short films and skits began as a hobby and a creative outlet for me as I dealt with the daily grind of work and responsibilities. The love of cinematography is actually what placed me behind the camera, and my eye and imagination is what helped me expand my business to include the other facets of digital media, such as photography and videography. Learning the craft was not easy, as it required long nights of studying camera operations, editing, marketing and business development. Determining my market, audience, and style was no easy feat, and I learned how much a willingness to evolve would keep me working. As a media professional, it is both tedious and expensive to remain relevant in this business, with new technology being introduced frequently, keeping your equipment up to date, having the latest software, lenses, camera equipment, licensing, and insurances, can make for a challenging experience. I have had to learn to balance all of the responsibilities of business ownership. I prioritize keeping my clients satisfied with high quality work, as well as keeping my costs well managed so that my services are still accessible to most clients. When the world thinks of the J. Shon Digital Media Brand, I want them to think of a full service experience, and a knowledgeable  staff dedicated to bringing your stories and your visions to life. If I would share anything with the community it would be to take the risks, in both your business and professional life, and do not be afraid to leverage your talents, hobbies and skills to create your own lane while growing and developing in a way that is meaningful for you and contributes positively in some way to the world around you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is a city where favorite spots evolve weekly. Since moving to the city in 2019, I have had the pleasure of experiencing many of the city’s best attractions. During a week-long visit with friends, I would start the week by taking them out for wings, there is always a debate about where the best wings are here, but I love American Deli, so we’ll start there. Depending on the season, we can catch a game at the Battery to see my favorite professional baseball team, the Atlanta Braves and have drinks afterwards at Sports and Social Atlanta. If my guests were in the mood for good music and chill vibes, I would take them to one of my favorite sports bars, 656. I also enjoy walking the Atlanta Beltline in the Fall and Summer and enjoying a burger at New Realm Brewery in  Old 4th ward. Finally, I would take them to either Monticello for live performances, or to the Uptown Comedy Corner to check out local and celebrity comics performing in the city to wrap up the visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When it comes to Shoutouts, I definitely would shout out Eric Johnson, Comedic Actor based in Birmingham, Al. He was one of the first actors and talents who believed in my creative abilities and saw me as a true contributor to the craft. In my early days of cinematography and videography Eric worked tirelessly on projects and skits and shared my name and talent with others who were in the industry, these acts of good faith helped me to grow as a professional, hone my skills, and to eventually expand my digital media footprint over the years.

Website: www.jshonmedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jshonmedia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jshon205/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJS38XujS2iSpFU9e30Oi4A

Image Credits
Personal- Goldie Love Photography