Meet JP Douvalakis of JohnyPrsm Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to JP Douvalakis.

Hi JP, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Once upon a time, there was a young kid with a GoPro. That kid was me and I loved filming my friends and I doing stupid magic tricks, bike stunts and hanging at the lake. I began my career of entrepreneurial photography in the early years of high school. It began with a GoPro, soon an iPhone and then my first DSLR camera the senior year before high school graduation. I couldn’t be more excited to start college and really dive deep into the world of cinematography. From Chicago to Denver, I went! I began my studies in photography at CU Boulder. I loved the classes I was in and all my peers loved the craft as much as I did. Not long into being a freshman at CU, learning all, there is to audio, motion graphics photo composition and more; I landed my first gig as a wedding videographer. Before I knew it, I was photographing portraits for solo shots, couples, engagements and even product and brand photos. Four years later, college was over and it’s on to the real world. I’m not successful and confident in my photography skills but am learning more every day. The field is incredibly huge and has many avenues to venture down. Every few years my focus changes from landscape to people and products to boudoir and even wildlife photography. As a creative, it is exciting to be able to explore new routes and work on my skills to better my craft. I spend my summers freelancing and getting as many brand deals and weddings as I can. I work closely with couples to ensure their dreams are fulfilled and it is very rewarding for me as well.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy to come this far. Being a photographer requires so much time and dedication. I’m required to maintain knowledge of current trends and fashion. I expect myself to go out and take photos at least four times a week aside from paid work to ensure my eye stays sharp. Being a photographer is a lot of fun but has so much behind the scenes work that many people have no idea happens. Aside from the obvious editing of the photos, photographers must prepare scenes and stage events. We have to learn how to market, sell and spreadsheet all our work. We must know not only photo but also video, social, blogging, website design and development, often knowing html or some coding is very helpful and most importantly we have to be outgoing and ready for anything, aka quick on our feet. Let’s not forget lighting, color grading, composition, equipment and experience!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about JohnyPrsm Productions?
If you’re wondering where the name comes from. JohnyPrsm Productions is a spin-off of my real name, JohnPeter. John or Johny is my name. Prsm is not, however a prsm aka prism is a component of light and colors within photography. Most people call me JP and JohnyPrsm seemed to fit well as an alternative identity for sharing my creative side. My business is only just beginning to take off. In the winter, I teach snowboarding lessons in Breckenridge, Colorado. In the time I am not playing in the snow, I am managing a freelance photography business specializing in brand and portrait work. I love photographing people and seeing what sets them apart from a crowd and getting it in a still shot. People are unique in their own ways and it is my job to capture what makes you special. My proudest moments in my work are when companies reach out to me, not me reaching out to them as it usually goes. Being recognized for my skill and being asked to photograph a product is by far the most rewarding. I also really enjoy capturing engagement and wedding photos because of the importance the day has. It is so special to be requested for a couple’s wedding or engagement day that will be remembered and looked at for a lifetime.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My love for looking through a camera lens and seeing a person smile on the other side is what sets me apart. You can either be a component of the photograph and direct your subject or you may watch as everything unfold in front of you and capture what is unknown. My passion for capturing the right shot with the right mood is what sets JohnyPrsm Productions apart. I’m not there to just get a couple of photos you can look back on. I am there to capture the events as they unfold, then being able to take those photographs and tell a meaningful story with them so you can remember it and have the experience all over again. I will do what is required to ensure your story, your personality and your vision is perfect.

Contact Info:

• Website: Prsmproducts.com
• Instagram: @johny.prsm
• Other: @johnyprsm tiktok