Meet Johnny Talay | Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Johnny, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in the Philippines and moved to Los Angeles with my family when I was 4 years old. Coming from a Filipino background, there wasn’t much encouragement to pursue creative fields. Traditionally, many parents steered their children towards stable and straightforward careers like nursing, postal work, or accounting, based on what had worked for family or friends in the past. But those paths never appealed to me—they just didn’t seem fun. I wanted to break away from that cycle and do something different. I wanted to prove to for myself and for temt you can make a living doing what you love and enjoy the process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career in photography has been a journey of dedication, perseverance, and continual growth. I believe what defines my work is my commitment to capturing not just images, but moments that resonate with authenticity and emotion. I take pride in creating visuals that tell compelling stories and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I started with a deep interest in photography but had to navigate the complexities of turning that interest into a sustainable career. I faced challenges such as learning the business side of photography, building a client base, and staying relevant in a competitive industry. Overcoming these obstacles required determination, resilience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks.

Through it all, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining authenticity in my work. Each challenge has been a stepping stone towards refining my skills and expanding my creative vision.

What I want the world to know about me and my craft is that I’m dedicated to creating meaningful visual experiences with people. Whether it’s through lifestyle shoots or advertising campaigns, my goal is to evoke emotion and inspire through every image captured. My journey is a testament to the belief that with hard work, commitment, and a supportive community, you can turn your dreams into a rewarding reality.

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?
We’d start at San Onofre and surf up and down the coast. We’d decide whether to grab tacos, burgers, or beers, whatever we’re in the mood for at the time. In the evening, we might opt for a relaxed dinner out or keep it chill with a backyard BBQ. Beach days with our kids for sure. If we’re feeling up for it, we could check out a nearby gallery or see if there’s any live music playing around. It’s all about enjoying the moment, good food, and easy vibes—no detailed plans, just taking each day as it comes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would definitely shout out all my mentors in the photo world who have generously shared their time, guidance, and nuggets of knowledge and advice. They’ve been like my informal board of directors, with my good friend Lon at the helm. And, of course, I can’t forget to mention my wife. She’s been my rock and biggest cheerleader, especially during the tough times. Her support has been invaluable in keeping me motivated and focused.

Website: https://www.johnnytalay.com

Instagram: @johnnytalay

Linkedin: Johnny talay