HI, I’M
JOSH
I'm excited to share a story with you. Before we get started, I want to make sure we're on the same page. If you're going to trust me with your "why," it's only fair that you know mine too. I've been fortunate enough to have turned my high school hobby of photography into the job of my dreams over the past 20 years.
Storytelling Since the Beginning.
When I was young, curious, and a bit wild, I loved getting lost in books and National Geographic magazines. This part of my personality helped me connect with photography as a way to convey complex thoughts and emotions through visual storytelling. In high school, I explored this passion further by becoming the managing editor of the Bruin yearbook. This experience taught me the fundamentals of my craft, including not just the technical aspects, but also the importance of the underlying meaning behind each photograph. My yearbook sponsor, Dawayna, who had majored in English and Journalism, challenged me to think critically about every picture I took by asking me the question, "Why did you take this?" This question has become the foundation of my approach to photography and has helped me to create meaningful and impactful images.
Embracing Purpose.
Throughout my career, I've had the honor of collaborating with a diverse array of clients—from entrepreneurs and small business owners to creatives and professionals. Each encounter has been a chance to capture their unique stories and talents through the lens of my camera.
As I delved deeper into this work and nurtured my brand, my "why" grew clearer. I realized that the images I created had to do more than just capture a likeness—they needed to reveal something meaningful about the person in front of the lens.
This guiding principle permeated my roles in portrait and marketing positions, shaping my approach to every project. As the lead photographer and chief administrative officer at a regional photography company, I honed my craft and developed a keen understanding of the power of visual storytelling. Similarly, my tenure as the director of photography at a marketing agency provided me with invaluable insights into the intersection of creativity and strategy.
It was during these experiences that I witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of photography—not just as a medium for capturing moments, but as a tool for connecting people and communities. This realization fueled my passion for initiatives like Cenla Smiles, where I could leverage my skills to make a positive impact in the lives of others. In this free event, hair stylists, makeup artists, and photographers donated their skills to create beautiful portraits for the underserved of our community.
“...the images I created had to do more than just capture a likeness—they needed to reveal something meaningful about the person in front of the lens.”
Connections Through Portraits.
I've noticed during my conversations with people that we all struggle with answering a particular question from time to time: what motivates us to carve our own path in life? What makes our way unique, and what drives our uncontainable creative spirit? Helping you connect with your confidence and creating imagery that captures your essence is mine. That's what builds bridges of empathy and trust with your audience and encourages them to trust YOU. If you have ever seen a photo of yourself and thought, "That's ME," you know what I mean. And I'll let you in on the secret to how we'll do it: a portrait experience that makes you feel at ease and enables you to be completely genuine.
If this resonates with you, I want to connect. Let's start planning your story!
