A Conversation With John Krivec
If you spot John Krivec around the island, you might do a double-take and think you just passed Owen Wilson. True story, John has actually been approached and asked for an autograph! If it’s not he they’re after, it’s it super-star dog, Bodhi. Bodhi is a gorgeous Great Pyrenees with long, white fur. Bodhi has been chased down the beach by ladies wanting to pet him…also a true story.
John moved here to St. Simons in 2010 from his home town of Atlanta. Like all the smart, brave, (and a little crazy) people, John was courageous enough to turn what he truly loved and was good at, into his livelihood. John is one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in St. Simons. He can turn any moment into the most memorable, unique, one-of-a-kind photo that will be talked about and treasured forever. He does more than just weddings…his work can been seen hanging on living room walls, on Christmas cards, pet photos, family photos, on billboards and in tourist videos. John’s love for our area can be seen in the work he does for the Golden Isles Visitor’s and Convention Bureau. His work does such a good job representing the natural beauty surrounding us everyday. His passion and talent shines through in his unique photography style.
John lives with his long-time girlfriend Tara. John and Tara can be found any given day taking Bodhi for a walk on the beach. When he's not shooting or editing, he spends most of his time on the water or the sand. As the former owners of SSI SUP, John and Tara are partially responsible for growing the standup paddleboard craze on our island. John is still called upon by his friends to organize and lead cool paddles through the swamps or during full moons to see the bioluminescence.
We got a chance to sit down with John and ask him a few questions.
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ASSI: Describe your journey to St Simons. What brought you here? What's kept you here?
"I spent a few years traveling and living in different places and after a few years, I ended up back in my hometown of Atlanta. A few months in Atlanta, was enough to make me feel really restless and I was not enjoying myself anymore. I felt stuck. A good friend of mine was living here at the time, and on a lark, I decided to throw my stuff in the car and move on down.
I quickly fell in love with the island once I was here. Loved the laid back place, the scenery and the people. It felt like a great place to spend some time and grow a business."
ASSI: Tell us the 3 best things about you.
"Ha ha, what do I say? I don't like talking about myself much.
- I love my dog, Bodhi, and hanging out with him on the beach
- I don't enjoy doing things I don't want to do. So I set up my life to do the things I enjoy everyday, as much as I can.
- The version of me I like the most is when I can get back to my traveling and exploration roots, and get on a plane, or hop in the car and go somewhere new."
ASSI: If you could share one thing about Saint Simons to someone who has never been here what would it be?
There are so many hidden treasures on this island that most people don't even know exist. Like new moon nights in the summertime. If people just turn off their flashlights and put their phones down, and let their eyes adjust, they'll see a few incredible things. Like the milky way and all of the bioluminescent sea life.
ASSI: What would your superpower be?
My super power would be flying, so I could save money on travel.
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If you love John’s work you can see more at saintsimonsphotography.com and if you do see him around, you will know it’s not Owen Wilson but instead, it’s THE Blonde John Phenomenon. _ _