Meet Justin Boyd | Jboydvisuals: Photographer & creative director

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

Hi Justin, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Lets go back to 2015. I was still in high school and one of my good friends at the time had bought a camera. I was always interested in photography; so I asked if I could join him on one of his shoots. We spent the whole day after school skating around downtown Long Beach taking pictures of anything that we felt like. At sunset, we snuck into a building and got on the rooftop. It was one of the most euphoric feelings I had ever experienced. It was then, I knew that this was what I wanted to pursue. My first camera was a Nikon D5200. I spent the next 2 years taking the blue line from the del amo station to downtown LA. By 18 I had upgraded my camera setup to a Canon 6D and started to take it more serious. It wasn’t until I landed my first photoshoot for Hypland Worldwide that I realized I could really do what I love and make a living from it. I owe that eye opening experience to Jordan Bentley (owner of hypland).

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am still not content with where I am now in this business, but I wake up everyday trying to better myself and my craft. I’ve spent the last 6 years dedicating my life to this. Countless late nights of research, shooting/editing, multiple shoots a week draining myself, I feel that it will all be worth it in the end. This is what I want the world to remember me as. This path that I chose has not been easy. Everything I know is self-taught, not to say that going to school for it is a bad thing, but I feel that a degree doesn’t make you a photographer. A good one, to say the least. My worth ethic is what separates me from others. One lesson that I’ve learned is that an idea means nothing if you don’t execute it properly. Also, don’t burn bridges unless you can swim.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop would be Foo-chow in Chinatown, the restaurant from rush hour. Definitely get there for the lunch specials, they have the best orange chicken in LA. Next we’d go to Elysian Park. Not to many people even know about this spot. You can see the skyline of LA and even Dodger stadium, I use this place as my getaway whenever I needed somewhere to think. A newer attraction that I like in LA is The Broad museum. They have so much art peices, including some of my favorite artist’s work, Andy Warhol. The last spot I’ll share is Topanga Canyon in Malibu. Great hikes and amazing views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jordan Bentley (Owner of @Hypland Worldwide) Khaleel Knight (Owner of @Wckdthghts)
My parents for supporting my passion, although there were hard times. Anyone who comes from a Filipino family understands that art, or anything creative is not considered a “real job” in our culture.
I would also like to thank all of my clients who have helped me get to where I am today, you are appreciated.
Last but not least, my girlfriend for giving me the motivation to keep going.

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