#DOWNTOWNRVA: Meet John, Traveler from South Carolina

by | Nov 14, 2023 | COMMUNITY, DOWNTOWN RVA, PHOTOGRAPHY

We dispatched our hometown photographer, CJ Payne, to the heart of the city to capture a snapshot and engage in some casual conversation. Consider it our local twist on the acclaimed Humans of New York series that we hold in high regard. Our aim is to foster a sense of community and encourage our readers to deepen their connections with their downtown neighbors. #DOWNTOWNRVA

“My name is John Edward Johnson, I bless y’all, I’m not from here; I’m from Columbia, South Carolina.”

“Today has been a great day! I met a good brother today. In the blessings of good we’re understanding different things to help us carry ourselves through life. Only in life do you get one chance to do things more positive, more righteous and more understandable. Today we’re doing things on the open level of understanding.”

“Everyone out here, in Jesus name, y’all continue to do some strong things to encourage other people to grow, and allow them to know that they have better things and chances in life. These things and all things we ask from the good lord, as well as ourselves. Be an example for those that are younger. In Jesus’ name we ask of these things, amen.”

– John Edward Johnson

Top photo by CJ Payne

CJ Payne

CJ Payne

After studying Classical Performance and Sound Engineering at William Paterson University, CJ moved to Richmond in 2020 where he took up photography. No stranger to the local music scene, CJ has been making a name for himself by shooting concerts around town. You can find more of his work at www.cjpaynephotography.com




more in photo

Venue Turns 30 | The Richmond Skate Shop Keeps Rolling

For 30 years, Venue Skateboards has been part of the Richmond story—a skate shop that’s never been just a skate shop. Since 1994, it’s been a meeting place, a community hub, and a home for skaters from all over the city. Kim and Maury Blankenship didn’t set out to...

Photos | Carytown Got Coned, and It Was Glorious

There’s a certain kind of magic that comes alive in Richmond when the locals decide to let their weird flag fly. And the Richmond Cone Parade? That’s as Richmond as it gets—a little absurd, a lot creative, and deeply communal. So, what exactly is this Cone Parade...

Young Blood | Photographer Vincent Candela

Vincent Candela—Vinny to some—got in touch with me about a year ago. Happens all the time: people looking to get their shots published, their names out there. But his work stood out. There was a rawness, a kind of unpolished ferocity in the way he captured the world,...

Photos | Richmond Boat Parade of Lights 2024 by Dave Parrish

Last Saturday night, Richmond’s James River transformed into a glowing celebration for the annual Richmond Boat Parade of Lights. Boats decked out in holiday lights and festive decorations turned the river into a moving display of seasonal cheer. From glowing Santas,...

Photos | Angel Du$t in Richmond by Cristian Espinoza

Angel Du$t came through Cobra Cabana a few weeks back, and as with most well-intentioned plans, ours crumbled at the last minute—life’s like that sometimes. Fortunately, photographer Cristian Espinoza, always a step ahead, had a set of photos stashed away from their...

Photos | Richmond Flood Wall by Kimberly Frost

Photographer Kimberly Frost captured images of the Richmond Floodwall from Floodwall Park, showcasing this vital infrastructure that protects the city from catastrophic flooding while offering scenic views of the James River and Virginia’s capital. Built in 1995...

Photos | Blood Incantation at The Canal Club

This past weekend, Denver death metal heavyweights Blood Incantation brought their cosmic brutality to The Canal Club. Known for their "psychedelic take on classic death metal," Blood Incantation has been pushing boundaries since their debut album, Starspawn (2016)....