Meet Eshama John

We recently connected with Eshama John and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eshama, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I’ve always felt like there’s more out there for me—more to accomplish, more to give, and more to achieve. I’ve admired people who walk into a room and instantly have the respect of others. People who are looked to for guidance, wisdom, and leadership. They don’t just stand out because of their title—they stand out because of the way they carry themselves, the integrity they bring to every conversation, and the way they inspire those around them. I believe that kind of leadership doesn’t come by chance. It’s built over time through a relentless commitment to personal growth and an unshakeable work ethic. It’s about consistently showing up, focusing on the things that will make you better every single day, and never losing sight of the bigger picture.

For me, that strong work ethic came from watching my mom. She was the epitome of hard work and resilience. No matter how tough things got, she found a way to keep pushing forward. She didn’t just survive—she thrived. And I’ve always been in awe of how she could build something meaningful, even when the odds were stacked against her. I saw firsthand how she would break through barriers and rise above challenges, all while proving that she didn’t need anyone’s approval or help to make her dreams a reality.

Her determination and drive became my inspiration. I wanted to be like her—someone who could take nothing and turn it into something remarkable. But what she taught me above all else is that, while independence is powerful, it’s okay to seek help along the way. There’s strength in collaboration, in surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and push you further than you could go on your own.

So, when I think about leadership, it’s not just about standing alone or being the one who knows it all—it’s about continuously growing, being open to learning, and having the courage to build something meaningful from the ground up. With or without help, I want to show that I can create something real, something lasting, and most importantly, something that reflects the hard work and determination that’s been instilled in me from the very start.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hi, my name is Eshama, and I’m a photographer based in Brooklyn, NY. My journey into the world of production began with an instant spark of connection. From the moment I stepped into this field, I knew it was where I was meant to be. There’s something magical about the energy in creative spaces, whether it’s a live shoot or a production set. I’m constantly inspired by the incredible talent around me, and it’s not just the finished work that excites me—it’s the process, the behind-the-scenes magic that shapes the final product. I love being able to observe how different photographers and creatives approach a shoot, the little details they focus on, and how their vision comes to life.
Working in TV production has broadened my perspective and taught me to appreciate the intricate layers of the work that goes into creating something memorable. From the control room, where decisions are being made in real time, to the makeup chairs where every small detail is honed, I’ve learned to see the bigger picture in a way I never did before. It’s humbling to be a part of the puzzle that brings a vision to life, especially in such a fast-paced and high-stakes environment.

My role in this vast world of production is multifaceted, but at the core, I’m a camera operator. I’ve had the privilege of being behind the lens at some incredible events, from historic political moments like the RNC and DNC, to live concerts where the energy is palpable, and even major sporting events that capture the attention of millions. As a freelancer, I get to dip into all these different worlds, each one offering its own set of challenges and rewards. Every project, no matter how big or small, feels like an opportunity to be a part of something significant, and that’s something I never take for granted.

At one point, though, I found myself feeling a little too comfortable, a little too settled. I wasn’t enjoying the process as much as I once did. It’s easy to lose sight of the passion that initially drove you when you get caught up in the routine. But sometimes, stepping away and giving yourself space to breathe can reignite that spark. When I came back, it was like seeing everything through fresh eyes again. I was reminded of why I fell in love with this work in the first place—it’s the rush of capturing those perfect moments, the thrill of working with a team of passionate creatives, and the constant evolution of learning and growing in this field.

Aside from production, I also have a deep passion for portrait photography. There’s something incredibly intimate about working one-on-one with someone and capturing their essence in a single frame. It’s about more than just snapping a picture—it’s about building a connection, understanding the person in front of you, and finding that perfect shot that reflects who they are. The process of getting to know someone through the lens and making them feel comfortable enough to truly be themselves is what makes portrait photography so special to me.
Another layer of my creative process that I absolutely love is shooting with film. It’s a completely different world from digital photography. There’s something magical about knowing you’ve taken the shot, but you don’t get to see it right away. The anticipation, the surprise when the film is developed, it’s like a moment frozen in time. It’s humbling to not have that instant gratification and instead, let the image evolve over time. That process teaches me patience, something I think the digital age often overlooks.

One of the most fulfilling moments for me, though, is when someone tells me they love my work. It’s a feeling of validation that goes beyond just “good job” or “nice photo.” It’s a reminder that the time and energy I put into each project—whether it’s a live broadcast or a personal portrait session—has made an impact. Knowing that someone sees my work and feels something from it, that’s what truly drives me to keep pushing forward.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to experience these moments, and I look forward to all the future ones that will come. Every day in this industry is a chance to learn, grow, and connect with new people and new stories. It’s a journey I’m excited to continue, one frame at a time.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are simple, but incredibly powerful. They’re the core principles that have helped me navigate this industry, especially when faced with challenges or moments where I didn’t have all the answers.

1. My ability to keep going, no matter what.
Resilience has been a huge factor in my growth. There have been times when I didn’t feel like I was fully prepared or when I faced obstacles that made me question myself. But through it all, I always found a way to push through. The drive to keep going has allowed me to learn, adapt, and grow, even when things felt tough. In this field, things don’t always go as planned, and there are a lot of moments where you can feel defeated, but if you can push through those low points, you’ll find that you come out stronger and more confident. The key is to never give up, even when the going gets rough.

2. A good attitude.
A positive attitude has opened doors for me in ways that talent alone never could. There have been times when I didn’t have all the technical skills or experience others had, but my attitude made a huge difference. I’m someone who believes in staying humble, staying open, and maintaining a mindset that is solution-oriented. When you show up with a good attitude—whether it’s staying calm under pressure or bringing energy to a project—it creates a ripple effect in the room. People are more likely to want to work with someone who’s approachable, easy to collaborate with, and solution-focused, rather than someone who might have all the skills but no positive energy to match. A good attitude is often the difference between being just another person on the set and being someone others want to work with again and again.

3. Willingness to learn.
Being open to learning has been crucial in my development. In the fast-paced world of production, there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a new piece of equipment, a new technique, or an entirely different creative approach. The ability to approach every job with a “beginner’s mind” has kept me evolving. I’ve never been afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from those with more experience. In fact, I’ve come to realize that the best way to grow in this industry is to stay curious and humble, always seeking ways to improve and expand your skill set. Being open to feedback, embracing mistakes, and viewing every experience as an opportunity to learn has made me more adaptable and more capable in all aspects of my work.

If you’re just starting out in this field with little or no experience, these qualities are the foundation for success. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have all the technical skills right away; as long as you show up with resilience, a good attitude, and a willingness to learn, you’ll be well on your way. You’ll earn the trust of your colleagues, create opportunities for yourself, and gain invaluable experience along the way.

Bonus Tip: “Be friendly.”
This one can’t be stressed enough. People want to work with others they can get along with. Whether you’re on a massive production set or doing a smaller, more intimate shoot, being friendly and approachable can make all the difference. It’s about being respectful, easy to talk to, and treating people with kindness. A lot of times, your talent might get you in the door, but it’s your attitude and the way you treat people that will keep you there. Creating positive relationships and fostering a supportive environment on set can help you build a strong network and open doors for future opportunities.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to make your next move, remember: keep going, stay positive, be open to learning, and always treat others with kindness. These qualities will take you further than you might think.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

One of the areas where I’ve seen the most growth is in how I communicate. In the past, I struggled with expressing my feelings and clearly telling others what needed to be done. It wasn’t easy for me to speak up or be direct, and often, I’d hold back because I didn’t want to create tension or conflict. But over time, I’ve learned to find my voice. I’ve grown more confident in communicating what I need and how I feel, both in professional settings and in my personal life.

I’m still working on striking the right balance—learning how to deliver messages in a way that’s clear but also respectful, so I don’t come across as harsh or unintentionally offend anyone. It’s a process, and I’m constantly adjusting, but I’ve come a long way. Another area of growth has been learning to tell myself “no.” I used to say yes to everything—whether it was taking on too much work or saying yes to things I didn’t truly want or need. Now, I’m working on setting boundaries and resisting the urge to always give in to what I think I should be doing. Learning how to prioritize and make space for what’s truly important has been a huge shift for me, and I’m still navigating it, but I feel more in control of my choices and my time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Eshamajp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eshamajp/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshama-john/