Johanna Brinckman: I Am Living Proof Of The American Dream

Work hard and be humble.

Yes, many people want to make it in your field. But if you know that you are good, the only vital step to getting closer to your personal “American Dream” is working for it. Give 100% every single time you do your job. I always like to be well-prepared. Let your work ethic speak for itself. Give your best, and then move on to the next project.

Is the American Dream still alive? If you speak to many of the immigrants we spoke to, who came to this country with nothing but grit, resilience, and a dream, they will tell you that it certainly is still alive.

As a part of our series about immigrant success stories, I had the pleasure of interviewing Johanna Brinckman, a 31 year old portrait photographer born and raised in Germany, and living & working in Los Angeles.

Growing up in a very artistic and creative family, Johanna was fascinated with the concept of beauty and art. She got her first camera when she was 13 years old and had been shooting visuals ever since. Encouraged by both her parents to pursue a creative career, she decided that she wanted to become a photographer or filmmaker at an early age.

After graduating, Johanna started working as a freelance photographer and was discovered by Tank Management, her first photo representation in Hamburg, Germany.

She worked as a portrait photographer throughout Europe for ten years, traveling the world to capture people and moments for magazines and commercial clients. In 2018 Johanna was voted on the list of “10 creatives to watch” by the lifestyle magazine MAX.

For Johanna, the fascination of her work in portraits is about someone’s story. For her, faces tell a story. Eyes are captivating. Connecting her great taste for visuals with her subjects’ essence allows her audience to glimpse into her creative mind.

In 2019 Johanna moved to Los Angeles for work. While she thrives in editorial and commercial shoots, she also loves to walk through LA’s neighborhoods with only her camera- shooting random people she does not know.

When retouching her images, reducing the editing is crucial to her. Her pictures show genuine, vibrant, authentic images of humans that we live with and look up to. Her photos remind us of how important connection is and how we can have a more beautiful life if we appreciate the details that surround us.

While the artistic result is crucial, it is also about the process of creation for Johanna. The artists she is working with value her compassionate, passionate, and hard-working persona.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

Thank you for having me. I grew up in Hamburg, a city in Northern Germany. I grew up with several siblings who took part in the little art projects and photoshoots I was coming up with when we were kids. I loved to paint, draw, and create. I always had an idea that I needed to execute in any kind of artistic way, to express myself. My parents were supportive. They were both working in creative jobs. They did not push me to get any kind of education considered “solid”. Instead, they got me my first camera when I was about 13 and encouraged my creative path, which I am very grateful for.

I never stopped taking pictures from that moment on. I was curious about how a professional photographer works, so I reached out to some inspiring photographers and started assisting them when I was 16.

After I graduated, I worked in a photo gallery and a photo studio. At the same time, I still assisted several photographers working in different fields (commercial, fashion, portrait, etc.). I learned to retouch my own pictures and built my portfolio by shooting personal projects.

In 2011 a photo agent discovered me; I signed with my first representation in Germany. I traveled throughout Europe and internationally to shoot editorials and commercial work for magazines and clients. I had the best time! Every new job was a challenge. Every new country was so exciting and inspiring. Traveling is one of many things I love about my job.

Was there a particular trigger point that made you emigrate to the US? Can you tell us the story?

I visited New York in 2017 and Los Angeles in 2018. I fell in love with the spirit in the US.

I was asked by other creatives I met to consider working for them in the US. Los Angeles had definitely won me over with the climate, the art scene, the palm trees, and the positive attitude people had.

I asked myself: Why not?

The decision to move to the US also meant to start over. To build something new. The idea scared me but fascinated me at the same time. My father died in 2012. I learned that I needed to go out and go for it through grieving this loss. Fortunately, my passion for photography was bigger than my fear.

Can you tell us the story of how you came to the USA? What was that experience like?

I remember living in an apartment very close to Hollywood Boulevard. On my days off, I grabbed my camera and walked on the Boulevard.

What I love most about being and working here is people’s openness to creative collaboration. I ran into strangers I found interesting on Hollywood Boulevard and asked, “Hey, do you want me to take your portrait, now?” I barely heard a no.

The entertainment industry is so big almost everyone has been in front of a camera once in their lives. When you walk in the streets, the artworks you see remind you that details count — people have put them there, people appreciate them.

Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped make the move more manageable? Can you share a story?

I am very grateful for my partner, who I met in New York, and who moved to Los Angeles together with me. He is from Canada and has lived in the States for years, so he knew the challenges and did everything he could to comfort me and share his lessons.

So how are things going today?

Things are going great. After spending all this time here, even during the pandemic, I am very grateful for all this city has taught me and for all my amazing clients.

I work with many inspiring, pioneering personalities who appreciate my work, art, and nature. I can create visuals for companies that share my values and ideas. Working here brings an abundance of creativity and the joy of renewed hope.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I consider every job I do to be in service for something good. I want the person I am shooting to see what I see: their authentic, radiant, unique self. Sometimes, when I turn my camera to show someone a picture, and I notice the joy and amazement in their face, that’s how I know I did a good job.

What I consider good is to treat others how you want to be treated. No matter what. I want to uplift, to share emotions, to connect. If I can share the blessings I was given, it always brings me joy.

You have first hand experience with the US immigration system. If you had the power, which three things would you suggest to improve the system?

It would just be great if the process for visa applicants would be quicker. Our world moves fast, and artists need to be flexible with their business decisions.

Can you share “5 keys to achieving the American dream” that others can learn from you? Please share a story or example for each.

1. Be reliable and know your niche.

In a creative industry, things are not always happening the way they were planned. BUT you can do your best to be constant in how YOU communicate and act.

If I tell someone: “I will help you with that”, I am holding myself accountable for that. From experience, people highly appreciate that commitment.

Also, know what you are good at and perfect that. We all want to hire experts, so do not get lost in offering it all.

2. Work hard and be humble.

Yes, many people want to make it in your field. But if you know that you are good, the only vital step to getting closer to your personal “American Dream” is working for it. Give 100% every single time you do your job. I always like to be well-prepared. Let your work ethic speak for itself. Give your best, and then move on to the next project.

3. Never stop being curious.

After a while in a new city, we might think we have seen it all. But there are so many places, streets, gems that are waiting to be discovered. Get out of your neighborhood and explore, take pictures, make memories.

I know that the US is massive, and most cars make most routes. But I discovered the most exciting things and places by walking. If you solely consider your work and your house as destinations, you will miss the charm of any city.

4. Make connections.

Talk to co-workers about their life, talk with servers about their favorite places in the area, chat with strangers about their path. Exchange business cards or social media info with people you think could be a good match for what you do.

5. Do not give up.

There will be obstacles. There will be days where it all seems very hard and impossible. Do not lose hope. Keep going. If you do not know something, ask someone. If you can not find anyone to ask, do your online research. Knowledge is power, and it does not grow overnight. I am very impatient, but I learned that it needs many little steps to go places.

Will Smith once perfectly said:

“You don’t set out to build a wall. You don’t say ‘I’m going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that’s ever been built.’ You don’t start there. You say, ‘I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid.’ You do that every single day. And soon you have a wall.”

We know that the US needs improvement. But are there 3 things that make you optimistic about the US’s future?

People are very aware of the inclusion and expression of different life concepts. Things move fast here. Someone introduces something new, and people are very open to change for the better. I like that. The US is at the forefront when it comes to growth.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

I would love to have lunch with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez because she is a fierce, intelligent, empowering woman and probably has plenty of stories to tell. I would also love to work with Will Smith. Besides being a fascinating personality, I appreciate artists who respect the creatives they work with. He gives credit to the creatives involved, which is rare. He seems like a positive, reflected, highly spiritual person, and I am sure that creating with him would be a lot of fun.

What is the best way our readers can further follow your work online?

My Instagram: www.instagram.com/johannabrinckman

For bookings in the US, my email is info@johannabrinckman.com

To see my professional portfolio, head to www.johannabrinckman.com

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!