Meet Parker Johnson of Johnson County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Parker Johnson.

Hi Parker, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Back in elementary school, I started doing our school’s broadcast, helping in any way I could. Taking pictures and videos was the main thing I wanted to do. I found photography and videography exciting and started doing it for fun; filming my friend’s birthday parties, family events, and other things I went to with friends or family. I started taking it more seriously when I discovered I could make a decent living. I could have started with better gear, but I made do and made some pretty good photos and videos. I started making videos primarily and then drifted more toward photos. In middle school, I made videos and took photos for clubs, sports teams, and classes. I enjoyed making videos and taking photos for my middle school and took my passion to high school.

So far, I’ve taken photos for multiple schools’ Football teams including, Freshman, JV and Varsity. I thought I needed more than high school football, so I took my 4+ years of prior experience to College Football. I went to 5 Kansas University home games to take pictures for my enjoyment in photography. In the first 2 games, I was in the stands taking pictures and walking around a sold-out crowd. For the other 3 games, I had the opportunity, through my media company IONYOU Media, to obtain media credentials to take pictures from the field! My first game was the best time I have ever had taking pictures. Even though Kansas lost, I still had a super fun time. I went on to take pictures of the last 2 home games of the season. As Kansas was bowl eligible for the first time in 14 years, I knew I couldn’t miss this game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. I applied for credentials on the last day they were open for application, but unfortunately they were not approved. I went anyway with some of my family members and had a great time. I ended up getting on the field after halftime! I took over 1,600 photos on game day! I’m on a mission to improve my craft and, hopefully, someday work at Let It Fly Media and take pictures at NFL games.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I’ve struggled along my photography and videography journey, whether it was people stealing my pictures and not giving me credit after I asked, not being able to attend certain events, or having further access to events because of my age.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer and videographer specializing in sports photos and videos and known for making emotion-driven media.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am only 15, using a $400 camera.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://parkerjohnson.myportfolio.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parker.the.creative/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parkerjohnsonvideo

Image Credits
Parker Johnson