Pictures for the Bigger Picture
By: Tasha Uliano
Sunny Jo is a well-known photographer who resides in Hazleton, PA. He is 22-years-old and has already tasted so much success. We share the same hometown and was a good friend in high school. It’s exciting to see someone so close to home make such an impact on the world. He says the most exciting part of his job is “traveling and meeting new people from all different walks of life.”
He knew that he wanted to be a photographer at 12-years-old. His father was a photographer as well. He said that he started out with a poor quality camera and just kept moving up and getting better with the experience he gained over the years.
“I love it because it lasts forever. We are all going to die and one thing that won’t die is the work that we all leave behind.”
He doesn’t just take pictures though, he explained that each project he indulges in, has a bigger meaning than just a photo. He loves being creative with his work. He fights for LGBT rights and date rape awareness. He also takes photos dealing with anxiety and depression to show people that someone knows how they are feeling, because it’s important not to feel alone during hard times such as those. He wants all of his work to have meaning. He wants his pictures to all be a part of the bigger picture.
Did anyone support or doubt you?
“There’s always doubters. I heard that it would be too hard, that I wouldn’t make it. The only people who didn’t doubt me and are my only supporters are my mom and brother.”
Does anyone treat you differently now that you are successful?
“Everybody. People who would walk past me years ago come up to me now, especially girls. Everyone wants to talk to me. People look at you a different way. They see a 22-year-old money maker and don’t see the art. I still suffered and worked hard to get to where I’m at.”
What struggles have you overcame on your road to success?
“Everything was a struggle to get where I am today. I struggled financially but paid for school in full without any financial aid. I just worked hard. Doubting myself was a hard obstacle. I struggled with depression from losing my father. I put my heart in everything and that got me through everything.”
When asked how different life was for Sunny 5 years ago, he said it was terrible. Sunny described himself as lost and said he didn’t know where he was going or where he would end up and always ate ramen noodles.
“I didn’t see anything good coming…..”
“And I have a beard now.”
You were always humorous, I’m glad to see you haven’t lost that. With all of that said, where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
“I don’t want to know. I just go with the flow it’s been really great. I’m just going to ride the wave. I can say I’ll still be taking pictures.”
So, I have to ask, what’s going on with you in the news?
“I can’t say much because of contracts and what not but basically this woman came to me after her daughter passed away and asked me to photo shop her daughter into these photos. I do this for families all the time to reconnect with their loved ones that have passed away so it was no problem. When it came time to charge her, I just couldn’t because I felt so bad for who I thought was a grieving mother. Three months later I find out that she actually used my photos as a cover up for murdering her daughter.”
“I’m getting a lot of backlash as well as a lot of love for what happened. Even though I had no idea I feel so bad for being involved with something this evil.”
One more question. All in all, when people hear your name, what do you want them to think of?
“Art, love, and creating.”
*Below are some works of art created by Sunny Jo.*
A picture Sunny Jo created of himself.
For more information on Sunny Jo, view his website or Facebook page!