Today we’d like to introduce you to James Odom IV.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From the beginning, it’s been just my dad and me. Due to my mother’s neglect, he became both my provider and role model. I watched him return to school at 30 to earn his degree while we lived in a one-room apartment. He slept on the couch so I could have the bed. I was in first grade, but even then, his sacrifice planted in me the drive to pursue greatness in all I do.
In middle school, I gave my life to Christ and discovered a deeper purpose. My faith became my foundation, and I felt called to share God’s love—through words, actions, and service. I began posting faith-based content on TikTok and Instagram, speaking to classmates about Jesus, and seeking ways to serve others. My relationship with God fuels my desire to care for people and be a light in my community. I want to be a vessel of Gods love and live my life in a way that honors God, and inspires people
This past school year, I was blessed to help feed over 500 people after Hurricane Helene and be televised and interviewed on the news about it. I also served at Front Porch Housing, a nonprofit supporting families in crisis. But I wasn’t always bold or confident. I used to be afraid to lead—until I attended the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program under the guidance of my mentor, Ms. Rushawnda Olden. The program changed everything. It taught me humility, passion, and integrity, and it helped me grow into a leader. I’m now a Pinckney Leader myself, mentoring others as I was mentored.
These leadership skills opened many doors. I was elected senior class president, received my school’s highest award for leadership, scholarship, and service, and became active in the Guide Right Kappa League Program. For the past two years, I’ve taught 3rd and 4th grade students, building relationships with them and helping them learn and grow. I had the privilege of competing in varsity football and track for 4 years. I also launched my own photography business, J4Productions, growing it to over 1,000 followers on Instagram and learning the discipline of entrepreneurs.
My faith also led me to create a global Christian group chat called “United Children in Christ.” Since 2023, it has grown to over 7,300 members from six continents and 27 countries. It’s become a space for teens to connect, grow, and support one another in their faith journeys—something I never imagined I could lead.
Still, adversity has been part of my story. On February 25th, 2025, my father and I faced eviction . I felt overwhelmed, but I turned to God and told Him “I will obey you in every situation”, finding comfort in Romans 8:18: “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.” Just three days later, God moved in ways I couldn’t have expected. At a Kappa League conference, I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to my dream school—Morehouse College. Even more amazingly, my father also received a full-ride to pursue his master’s degree. This fall, we both begin new chapters in our academic journeys. To make things even better, we avoided eviction at the last minute.
As I approach graduation, I reflect on the highs and lows and am filled with gratitude. Every trial shaped me, every victory humbled me, and every opportunity reminded me of God’s faithfulness. On graduation day, when I take the stage to give my speech, my message will be centered around God, giving Him the proper thanks.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road, I have struggled with having a negligent mother who brought me around very harmful things and situations. I have also struggled financially. My walk with God has been a struggle as well, as every Christian goes through it. I have also struggled with mental health.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about J4productions_?
J4Productions is my faith-based account on Instagram, where I also run my photography business. I mention photography second because the foundation of the account is my faith—I include a Bible verse in every post to reflect that. As a freelance photographer, I cover a wide range of events including prom, graduation, birthdays, and sports like football, track, and basketball. My specialty is sports photography. As an athlete myself, I understand how important it is to capture powerful moments that become lasting memories. I bring this mindset to every shoot, whether it’s sports-related or not. What sets me apart is not only the quality of my work, but also the active presence of my faith and the relationships I build with my clients. When you book J4Productions, you’re not just a client—you become part of a family. I strive to make everyone feel valued and seen.What I’m most proud of is how deeply my faith is woven into the identity of J4Productions. When someone visits my page, I want the Christ-centeredness to be what stands out first. I want people to know that with J4Productions, you’re getting more than high-quality photos—you’re getting moments captured in a way that allows them to be relived, not just remembered. My brand is built on God, community, and hard work.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe risk-taking is an essential part of faith. To take a risk is to step into the unknown—and for me, that means trusting that God will meet me there. I don’t take risks blindly; I take them prayerfully, knowing that growth often comes through uncertainty. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was raising my photography prices by over $40. I had been told repeatedly that my work was worth more, but I struggled with self-doubt. I worried that people would overlook me or think I wasn’t good enough. At first, I hesitated, afraid that higher prices might drive clients away. But after praying and reflecting, I realized that if I wanted to grow—not just as a photographer, but as a person of faith—I had to step out. I raised my prices, and to my surprise, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only did business remain strong, but I also gained a new level of confidence in my value and in God’s provision. This experience reminded me that faith and risk often go hand in hand. I love taking risks now—not because they’re easy, but because I’ve learned to trust God through them. Whether it’s in business, leadership, or life in general, I believe risk is often the doorway to the purpose and potential God has placed inside us.
Pricing:
- 1 Hour shoot- $115
- 2 Hour shoot-259
- All Sports games photoshoots- $40
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j4productions_/
