Written by Kareem LaTouche
The Jamaican sun beat down on my skin as I watched Stacy-Ann Brown Johnson, a Trelawny native, navigate the bustling Artisan Village. Her infant son, Micah, nestled securely, in a carrier, against her chest, she effortlessly lifts props from her car to her studio.
What should have been a two-trip affair stretched into five, but Stacy-Ann remained unfazed. “I need the exercise,” she chuckled, patting her post-baby bump. This display of strength and dedication, coupled with the warmth in her eyes, instantly intrigued me. I knew I had to learn more about this remarkable woman. This wasn’t just a story about a professional photographer; it was a story about the resilience and creativity of a Jamaican mother.
From Heartache to Headlines: A Photographic Genesis
Curiosity piqued, I delved into Stacy-Ann’s journey. Her entry into the world of photography, she revealed, stemmed from a period of emotional turmoil. “I was going through a rough emotional time in my life and a friend invited me to go for a drive out,” she shared. Armed with nothing but a Samsung S9 phone, Stacy-Ann found solace in capturing the world around her. “I saw a WATA bottle and took a unique picture of it against a river and then I posted it on my social media pages.” This seemingly simple snapshot caught the eye of Wisynco Group Limited, the distributors of WATA, who promptly used it on their social media platforms.
This unexpected recognition ignited a spark. Given the popularity of the first image, she decided to take another one and achieved the same results. The positive feedback fueled her confidence, and soon, requests for her services began pouring in. “I got calls from all over, with many people wanting me to take photos of them.”
Embracing the Human Element
Initially drawn to the beauty of nature, Stacy-Ann’s path took an unexpected turn. While her love for landscape photography remains, she found herself drawn to the stories of people. She now expertly captures weddings, business portraits, birthdays, and other special occasions. Her studio, nestled within the Artisan Village, is the evidence of her versatility, filled with an eclectic mix of props and professional lighting equipment. Even an old television set has found new life in her creative vision. “This is the new craze for my clients,” she explained, gesturing towards the vintage prop. “They all want to use this TV in their portraits.”
Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: A Balancing Act
Balancing motherhood with the demands of running a thriving business is no easy feat, but Stacy-Ann tackles it with grace and determination. Her youngest, Micah, is a constant companion, strapped securely to her chest during photoshoots. “I jokingly tell everyone that he is my assistant, because I carry him on every job,” she laughed. But beneath the humor lies a deep commitment to both her children, Abrielle and Micah, and her craft. Stacy-Ann embodies the spirit of Jamaican entrepreneurship, juggling multiple roles with unwavering dedication. “Operating a small business means that you have to pump your money back into the company, so I am the sitter, secretary, photographer and everything.”
She’s not just a professional photographer; she’s a mother, a businesswoman, and an artist all rolled into one.
A Touch of Personalisation: The Stacy-Ann Touch
What sets Stacy-Ann apart is her genuine connection with her clients and her commitment to creating unique and personalised experiences. She goes above and beyond, even lending her sewing skills to maternity shoots. “I also do a little sewing, so when I get the maternity photo shoots I usually have to help out the mothers by altering their dresses,” she shared. This attention to detail, combined with her warm personality and the high quality of her work, has earned her a loyal following, primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. Stacy-Ann’s story is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and a touch of Jamaican ingenuity can transform a simple snapshot into a thriving career. Her lens captures not just images, but the heart and soul of Trelawny.
Contact: 876-470-2338, stacy@bystacyb.com, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bystacyb/
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