Meet Our Founder


Welcome to Day 1 Pictures, where we specialize in capturing the stories, moments, and creative visions of entrepreneurs, non-profits, models, and influencers. At the helm of our company is Johnny Perez, a highly skilled photographer and dedicated advocate for underserved populations.

As the Founder and Creative Director of Day 1 Pictures, Johnny has worked with a number of notable nonprofits and national campaigns, including the End The Exception Campaign, a multi-state effort to abolish the 13th amendment in the United States led by Worth Rises. He is also a producer and consultant on two upcoming film projects, one about the notorious Rikers Island Jail in partnership with Time Studios, and the other a story of reentry through the lens of his own personal experience.

Johnny's photography and videography skills have been put to use at local, regional, and national conferences, fundraisers, and public actions, where he has captured memorable moments and the portraits of many national leaders in the reform community. As a sought-after speaker and organizer, he has been invited to present on criminal justice reform at institutions of higher learning across the country. His commentary has been published in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Ebony Magazine, and USA Today, where he was nominated as a Leader of Change and regularly contributes his writing. He has also made appearances on Now This, The Grio, and both the Tribeca and Sundance Film Festivals.

In addition to his work as a photographer and justice advocate, Johnny is a dedicated father to his 22-year-old daughter and four-year-old son, Elias. He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from St. Francis College of Brooklyn, where he mentors formerly incarcerated students and recently completed the inaugural Franciscan Service Fellowship. Johnny lives in Harlem and is committed to using his talents and platform to make a positive impact in his community and beyond.


A good photographer is one who sees what others do not see, and who has the ability to capture it in a way that moves and inspires others.
— Johnny Perez