Meet John Fletcher

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

John, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I didn’t always have the confidence and self-esteem that I have today. In fact, for a long time, I struggled with these aspects of myself. But over the years, I’ve come to understand that confidence isn’t necessarily something you’re born with; it’s something that’s built, layer by layer, and it’s an ongoing process. I’ve worked hard to develop it, and I continue to do so every day.

One of the key realizations that helped me begin this journey was that consistency was crucial. At first, I didn’t feel naturally confident or even competent, and that left me doubting myself. I was constantly questioning my ability to succeed, especially when I was venturing into new areas. But I learned something important: whenever I focused on building competence, my confidence naturally grew. It didn’t happen overnight, but it was the first step toward shifting my mindset.

Photography has been a perfect example of this. I’ve spent years refining my craft, and the more I focused on improving my skills, whether through shooting landscapes with my drone or capturing precious moments in pet photography, the more my confidence in my ability grew. I wasn’t born with the knowledge of how to adjust camera settings in an instant. I had to practice, learn from my mistakes, and get better over time. The more I immersed myself in my craft, the more I could see my own progress, and this helped me trust my own judgment.

But it’s not just about professional pursuits; it’s about life in general. I realized that consistency in my health and lifestyle had a huge impact on my self-esteem. When I make an effort to eat well, exercise, and take care of myself, I feel better about myself. There’s a certain confidence that comes from knowing that I’m taking care of my body, and that has a ripple effect on the rest of my life. When I’m feeling physically strong and healthy, I feel more capable of taking on whatever challenges come my way, and I’ve learned to take the leap anyway even if I’m not sure of my competence. Jumping into something new, whether it’s a project, a conversation, or a life change, can be terrifying. But I’ve learned that doing it anyway can lead to incredible growth. It’s often when I feel the least ready that I surprise myself the most. I think back to times when I was hesitant to take on something new, but once I did, I realized I had more than enough ability to handle it. There’s a certain magic in just doing it, even if I’m not entirely prepared or sure of myself. It’s in those moments that I’ve learned the most about my own potential.

Over the past year, I’ve also made a concerted effort to focus on the positive. I’ve found that listening to motivational speakers, reading uplifting content, and surrounding myself with people who genuinely want to help others has had a profound impact on my mindset. It’s so easy to slip into negativity, especially when things get tough or uncertain. But I’ve learned that the best way to counter those negative thoughts is to deliberately shift my focus to the positive. I turn to the words of people who encourage growth, compassion, and persistence. These words have given me the strength to keep going, even on days when I doubt myself.

By consuming positive content and reflecting on the wisdom of others, I’ve been able to reset my mindset whenever it starts to shift in a negative direction. It’s like training my brain to default to optimism, even when it feels hard. And this shift has been essential in maintaining my confidence and self-esteem over time. It’s a reminder that the work is never done…it’s a constant, ongoing process of growth.

When I look back on everything I’ve learned, it becomes clear that confidence is built on a foundation of small, consistent actions. It’s about trusting the process, taking risks, and embracing the unique qualities that make me who I am. It’s also about surrounding myself with the right kind of influences…people who uplift and motivate, as well as reminders to keep focusing on what’s positive. I may not have started with confidence, but through effort, patience, and the willingness to embrace discomfort, I’ve built it, and I continue to build it every day.

And perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that even when I don’t feel completely ready, I have the ability to take the next step. Because I’ve proven to myself time and time again that, while the leap might seem daunting, I have the strength and the skill to land on my feet. That is the power of consistent action, the belief in your own growth, and the understanding that self-esteem is a journey, not a destination.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I run three photography businesses: Get Pet Pics, J.R. Fletcher Photography, and FletchJr Photography. Each serves a unique purpose, but all are tied together by my passion for capturing moments and telling stories through my lens.

Get Pet Pics allows me to combine my love for animals with my photography. It’s incredibly rewarding to capture the special bond between pets and their owners. What makes this business truly meaningful is my partnership with the Nashville Humane Association, helping animals in need. I take candid photos at each of their major fundraising events throughout the year, and I also take photos of their adorable adoptables whenever I’m able. It’s fulfilling to know that my work is directly contributing to a cause I deeply care about.

J. R. Fletcher Photography is my online fine art gallery where I sell prints of my favorite images from my travels. This platform allows me to share my personal perspective on the world through breathtaking landscapes, nature shots, and intimate moments. The excitement comes from connecting with people who appreciate my vision and bringing a piece of my journey into their homes.

With FletchJr Photography, I offer a range of commercial photography services, from headshots to branding photography and drone shots. I love the variety of projects I work on, as it allows me to experiment with new techniques while helping clients achieve their goals. Whether it’s capturing a brand’s identity or delivering high-quality drone shots, FletchJr Photography keeps me creatively engaged.

What ties all my businesses together is the opportunity to create something meaningful, from a cherished pet portrait, a fine art print, or a commercial image. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about telling stories and creating connections.

What excites me most is that through these businesses, I can give back—whether through supporting the Nashville Humane Association with Get Pet Pics or helping clients grow with FletchJr Photography. Moving forward, I’m excited to expand my fine art print collection and explore more drone and videography projects. Each business allows me to push my creative boundaries while also making a positive impact.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The first and most significant quality I learned from my upbringing is a strong work ethic. I was fortunate to have parents who set an example of hard work and dedication. My father ran his own business and would wake up at 4 a.m., six days a week, to make sure our family had everything we needed. I watched him put in the hours, often doing physically demanding work, and I learned that commitment and perseverance are vital for success. My mom, on the other hand, worked tirelessly at home, raising my brother and me, making sure we had the support we needed to thrive. Their example taught me that hard work is a foundation that can lead to anything, whether it’s building a business or pursuing a passion.

The second quality that has been a huge influence on my life is curiosity, particularly a fascination with science and nature. From a young age, I was always curious about how things worked. While other kids were checking out fiction books at the library, I gravitated toward books about animals, technology, and the natural world. I didn’t just want to know about things; I wanted to understand how they operated. I would take extra classes outside of school to learn more and would often find myself tinkering with gadgets or building contraptions in the garage. Most of them didn’t work, but the process of experimenting, learning from failure, and thinking creatively helped shape my perspective. That curiosity laid the groundwork for my photography, where I now look at the world with an eye for detail and an appreciation for how all the elements fit together.

Finally, the third quality that has played a major role in my life is my love for the arts. Growing up, I was deeply involved in music, dance, acting, and photography. I made stop-motion films when I was around 10 or 11 years old, and later, I studied film and video production in school. Being involved in the arts helped me develop creativity, storytelling skills, and a sense of expression. Photography, in particular, has been my creative outlet, allowing me to capture and share my unique view of the world. My experiences in the arts have also introduced me to some of the best friends I’ve made throughout my life. These friendships were formed around a shared passion for creating and expressing ourselves, and they’ve been invaluable as I continue to pursue my work in photography.

If I could offer advice to someone early in their journey, it would be this: always be willing to try something new. You might be terrible at it at first, and that’s okay. The important thing is to develop your skills and your unique perspective. Don’t be afraid to fail or to look “bad” at something new because every time you try, you’re gaining knowledge and experience. And always be willing to take the next step. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a larger goal, but when you break it down into manageable steps, it’s easier to make progress. Focus on the immediate next step and keep moving forward, no matter how small that step might seem.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I can’t say there is just one person who has helped me overcome my challenges, but a have a small, strong network of friends who believe in me and support me every step of the way.

Earlier I mentioned the friends I have developed through my love of the arts. I have former bandmates who live here in Nashville and were actually the ones who convinced me to move here a couple of years ago when I was really struggling with my direction. I don’t know where I’d be right now with any of this if they hadn’t talked me into moving to Nashville and offered their support in my photography businesses.

I also have a dear friend I met through an office job a couple decades ago. Although he doesn’t live here, we are in constant contact and I visit him whenever I can. He’s always there to offer his encouragement and help however he is able. In addition, he has a great sense of humor, which helps keep me smiling when I want to feel down.

Lastly, I’ve felt truly embraced by the community here, especially the animal lovers and pet parents I’ve been so fortunate to connect with over the last two years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://getpetpics.com , https://jrfletcherphoto.etsy.com , https://www.fletchjrphotography.com/
• Instagram: @getpetpics , @jrfletcherphotography , @fletchjrphotography