An interview with CJ Wolfe

CJ Wolfe has been impacting sports and athletes' lifestyles through his creativity behind the scenes and behind the camera. Our founder is not only known for his raw candid style of photography, but also for being a disruptor in the creative industry. CJ started his creative journey in high school, inspired by social media, fashion, music, and ultimately photography and videography. He leaned into his creativity as a way to express himself and his experience as a young black man growing up in Philadelphia. After college, Wolfe pivoted from his five-year plan in corporate finance to establish Immortal Vision Studio in 2020 as a creative studio and collective to inspire and empower other creatives from similar experiences with hope through the arts. Launching in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, Immortal Vision Studio always fought an uphill battle, but what kept Wolfe growing Immortal Vision Studio is the foundation in social entrepreneurship. Immortal Vision Studio’s business model is not just dependent on getting clients, but is grounded in sharing Wolfe's vision to educate, inspire, and empower other young black creatives with tools to support themselves by living their dreams.

immortalvisionstudio.com

@cjxwolfe

What was your process in narrowing down the many submissions?

During the selection process it was difficult to narrow down the final panelist. There were many talented photographers that placed submissions. The show itself had over 1100 images to choose from. We had to narrow the images down to about 60 captures. During the process I wanted to highlight many different fields of subjects which means portraits, fashion, sports etc. While curating this show I was intentional on highlighting many different photographers and styles. Even to experience - during the show I met some of the artists and a few of them were new to photography meaning this was their first year in the business or it was just a hobby. On the other hand, there were other photographers that have been shooting longer than myself. (5 years plus) Overall, I had a duty to highlight many different photographers and styles during the customer gallery at Unique Photo.

Have you curated other shows? Tell us a little bit about your photo background.

This was my first show that I curated. I'm highly thankful for Todd over at Unique Photo to give me the opportunity. I started photography in 2018, while being a student athlete. I did not have enough money to purchase a camera so once I found out that my friend had one in college and it was collecting dust so I asked to practice on it. Since then my passion for creating lifetime memories was unmatched. I started off impacting sports and athletes' lifestyles through creativity behind the scenes and behind the camera. I have produced work for Allen Iverson, Will Parks, John Wall, Dion Waiters, Louis Williams, Meek Mill, and many more. Known for my candid and raw style of photography, I was able to let my talent with the camera bring me brand partnership collaborations which lead over to my creative studio located in North Philadelphia. Immortal Vision Studio was born in December of 2020. I was working as a full-time financial advisor and personal banker while opening up a creative studio + agency in Philadelphia. In March of 2021 things changed and I became a full-time creative entrepreneur Ever since its birth, Immortal Vision Studio has been inspiring creators while building a creative community.

What are your plans for the future?

Immortal Vision Studio is a unique place. We are a creative studio that built up a creative community that focuses on educating, empowering, and connecting with others. My vision for my studio space was to have a safe and accessible space for creators and aspiring creators to meet and join a like minded network. While also being innovative within our approach. Our full service creative agency helped and created content for over 150 clients within a 16 month time frame. We currently have a staff of 7 that includes an internship program for local college students. Within our future plans we look forward to opening more IV Studio locations in other cities to reach more creators and provide a space where they can call home.