Meet Johanna Brinckman | Photographer

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

Hi Johanna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I started my career, every job felt like a gamble. I was not sure if I would be capable of meeting and exceeding expectations. But I knew that if I wanted to move forward, I had to jump into cold water and prove my skills in uncertain territory.

I learned over time that I can trust my instincts in personal and work matters.

If I am hesitant to make a decision because I am afraid to fail, I push myself to overcome the fear and take a risk.

If I am hesitant because I am afraid I cannot add value to a project or it feels untrue to my nature, I am more inclined to NOT take a risk.

Talking to people who have your best interest at heart, family, friends, or mentors, can help bring you to the point where you can figure out which side you stand on.

For me, taking risks is about creating your life by making confident choices in everyday life, no matter how big or small you might consider them. The number of small decisions has led me to where I am now.

I decided to take a leap of faith and move out of my comfort zone in Germany out to the US to pursue dreams that mattered to me.

It has brought challenges into my life that I had not faced before – like
English not being my first language, starting my career from scratch and moving to one of the most competitive cities where I knew no one.

I am aware and grateful for the many blessing that enabled me to make these decisions.

I am afraid to fail in both my life and my career, but I am terrified of feeling like I haven’t tried.

Taking a risk is also an affirmation of the deep belief in yourself.
It does not always mean jumping out of a plane or founding a business.
It can also be: changing ways that did not work, being vulnerable, showcasing your talent even though nobody is waiting for it, or showing up with unapologetic courage for yourself and others.

I look up to risk-takers of all kinds and always feel very inspired by people who took risks and won as well as people who share their lessons of failure.

Risk is always worth it if it’s taken purposefully and from a place of love for something or someone you care deeply about.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am very proud that I can capture the essence of what I see in this world when it comes to my work. Every picture has a story, and every encounter means something to me. I am aspiring to meet and capture people that I find inspirational. We have one life, and I am so grateful that I can fill it with experiences AND stand in my purpose of creating visuals. A lesson that I am still learning is to keep going. Even though I sometimes feel like I am not moving fast enough, photography has been my daily bread and passion for over 10 years. It’s not easy to always believe in yourself. When you lose track of time while doing something, and you find yourself in a place of focus and bliss, there really is a necessity to keep going.

If you feel like you’re losing the fun in your art – go back to what got you started. Travel, speak to strangers, create something just for the sake of creating. For me, that truly brings me the joy of renewed hope.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friends to the LA arts district, have delicious tacos at Guerilla Tacos, walk around the Arts and fashion district, and show them the flower district. It’s super vibrant and lively, also great for photoshoots!

I would rent some bikes and cycle along Venice beach to Santa Monica on the weekend. If we have more time, I absolutely love Laguna Beach. It’s a very chill vibe and has beautiful beaches!

My favorite thing to do is go to flea markets. I love the idea of someone passing on something they don’t need and bringing joy to someone else. It’s also a sustainable way of shopping, good for the wallet, and so much fun! So my friends would have to come on the second Sunday of the month so we can go to the Rosebowl flea in Pasadena!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Liz’s platform WORDAFUL is all about the power of words and how we can use them to create the life we want. She has built this beautiful and influential platform that is eye-opening and inspiring. I feel very fortunate to add value to the journey of WORDAFUL and create memories with such a kind, passionate, and dedicated female powerhouse like Liz.
She has been nothing but supportive, giving, and appreciative of the work I do. I am so grateful that the universe sent her my way.

Website: www.johannabrinckman.com

Instagram: @johannabrinckman

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/johanna-brinckman-042917127