Who is Payne Productions?

Hello, my name is John Payne from Columbus, OH and I have spent the last 10 years as a professional freelance photographer and videographer. Over this time, I have had some amazing & unique opportunities that helped shape me into the self-taught artist that I am today.  This has provided me with a very diverse portfolio that includes bands, models, custom bike builders, weddings, family portraits, sports, animals, and more.

During those 10 years I’ve enjoyed traveling all over the United States as a content creator for a few of the top custom bike builders in the country. From Arizona Bike Week to Sturgis Motorcycle Rallies, I’ve gained a lot of experience photographing and filming all kinds of content for my clients. I am also an internationally published motorcycle photographer as my work has been featured on the covers of American Iron Magazine, Urban Bagger Magazine, Urban Rides Magazine, and several features in other magazines.

I have been working with bands on the local and national level for 20 years, so I am no stranger to a demanding entertainment industry. I fulfilled my dream of being a concert photographer when I became the special events photographer for 99.7 The Blitz WRKZ from 2015-2019. I have met and photographed some of the biggest names in rock & metal, and found myself shooting from the photo pit at some of the biggest festivals in the Midwest. In 2018 I started working closely with a local band named Black Coffee while still shooting concerts and events for the radio station, along with hitting as many rallies as I could. By mid 2018 I was handling some managerial work for the band and I was their full time content creator for everything from photos to music videos. In 2019, I left the radio station and took a hiatus from the bike industry to exclusively work for the band. The band signed a record deal with Lava/Republic Records in 2019 and changed the band name to South of Eden. In June of 2019 we found ourselves out in LA working with Grammy winning producer Greg Wells at the world famous Sunset Sound Recording Studio where I documented the writing and recording process for the band. Just as the band and I were set to spend 2020 on the road, the pandemic hit which turned everything upside down. This ultimately led to me working directly with Lava/Republic during the pandemic providing photo and video content of the band.

When I am not working with bike builders and bands, I have enjoyed photographing weddings, families, seniors, events, models, and nature. There’s not much I haven’t shot as I’ve always felt it was very important to shoot as many different genres as I possibly can. I do have my niche’s, but I really enjoy new experiences and challenges.

I am a big supporter of the military and have worked with charitable organizations including EYES Of FREEDOM - LIMA COMPANY MEMORIAL, MID-OHIO MARINE FOUNDATION, and BIKES FOR THE BRAVE. I enjoy doing charity work with these organizations, and it makes me feel good to know that I can offer something through my art.  As a way to give back, and honor of my late mother, I started hosting a charity dinner once a year in her name, Jenni Payne.  All proceeds from the dinner are split, then donated in her name to a military and animal charity.  These are two things that were very close to my mothers heart, and are very close to my heart as well. I am very grateful to be in a position where I can give back to help others.  #thankaveterantuesday 

My wife Amber and I have been together for 20 years, married for 17.  It's been a long journey for us with extreme highs and lows, but our love for each other has got us through. Amber has worked very hard to give me the opportunity to start a business, and has been very understanding to the demands I face while chasing these goals & dreams.  One day I hope my successes as an artist will provide the kind of life for Amber that allows her to achieve her dreams as well.  

#TeamCanon

On May 17th 2014 I had the opportunity to capture one of the most epic moments in Rock On The Range history.

Thanks to Mike Strahle with the EYES OF FREEDOM Lima Company Memorial, and Ronni Hunter with 99.7 The Blitz, I had the opportunity to capture one of the most epic moments in Rock On The Range history.  Pop Evil & DMC, performing the remix of "Trenches" with the Eyes Of Freedom paintings and Lima Company 3/25 Marines on stage in front of 40,000 strong.  This entire experience changed a lot of things for me, but most importantly, it brought new family members into my life.  

Click on thumbnail to view photos

Believe It or Not

- I played sports most of my life until I suffered a major knee injury at football practice during my freshman year of high school. I still played sports in my adult life, but I don't really have the time anymore.  Sports I played: Baseball, Football, Diving, and Track & Field. Teams I love:  THE Ohio State Buckeyes, Chicago Bears, New York Yankees. 

- My right arm is almost 5 inches shorter than my left arm because I broke the growth plate in my shoulder during a football game in the 8th grade. 

- Toured for 5 weeks over 2 different tours with the band Bobaflex back in 2013. 

- I was given the nickname "Motion Picture" by one of the Godfather's of rap, Darryl DMC McDaniels of RUN DMC, backstage at Rock On The Range 2014. 

- The only time I like being on the other side of the camera is when I am acting.  I have had a great time acting in short films and music videos, and I would love to act in a major motion picture. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me!

*Banner photo courtesy of Jeremy Moore with ZTP Magazine.