Ep. 052 - Johnny Guerrero: Trading Holsters for Photography

Johnny Guerrero’s a talented photographer and he’s also an Army vet and a retired law enforcement officer who’s all about community and connection. We chat about how his diverse experiences shape his approach to photography and client relationships, and spoiler alert: it’s all about serving others with heart. Johnny shares some heartfelt stories about his time as a foster parent to over 45 kids and how that taught him to connect with people on a deeper level. Plus, we get real about mental health in the military and law enforcement, and how his podcast, Trading Holsters, is creating a space for veterans to share their stories.

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: Johnny Guerrero-Trading Holsters for Photography

Episode Number: 52

Publish Date: 6 June 2025

Episode Overview

From serving this great nation as a soldier to keeping the peace as a law enforcement officer, and now, capturing those unforgettable moments as a wedding and portrait photographer with Magnolia Gruene Photography, Johnny Guerrero's story is nothing short of inspiring. We talk about how his diverse experiences have shaped not just his business model, but also his approach to client relationships. Johnny believes in the power of community over competition, a mantra he truly lives by as the admin of The Business End of the Lens, a Facebook group that fosters growth and support for photographers of all levels. We also touched on the emotional rollercoaster of fostering over 45 children, exploring how those experiences taught him invaluable lessons about connection, empathy, and the importance of creating a safe space for people to express themselves, whether that's in front of a camera or during a heartfelt conversation on his podcast, Trading Holsters.

Takeaways:

• Johnny Guerrero's journey from soldier to photographer shows how diverse experiences shape creativity and empathy.
• Building a photography business rooted in community service fosters genuine relationships with clients, which is key to success.
• Johnny's approach to photography emphasizes making clients comfortable, using humor to break the ice and capture genuine emotions.
• The importance of discussing mental health issues among veterans and law enforcement is a major theme in Johnny's podcast, Trading Holsters.

Resources and Links

• WEBSITE: https://www.magnoliagruene.com
• FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/magnoliagruene
• INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/magnoliagruene

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