Hi everyone! I made the video above so you can put a face (and voice) to my name and for those that are short on time, kind of like a CLIFF notes synopsis. But for those that have a little more time and want to know a little more about me, I figured I would write this. So, hi, my name is Josh and I specialize in wedding and boudoir photography in the central Florida area and beyond.
So how did I get here?
Without the risk of repeating myself, my photography journey began in Puerto Rico. It’s hard to run a successful photography business when you have to deploy all the time, so it was just a hobby while I was in. I would do photo sessions for friends and family members, but I couldn’t commit the time needed to my business.
That began to change after I retired in 2015. I knew that being a photographer was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I enrolled in a local art school and received my BFA in Digital Photography. After graduation, I went back to school again, this time at the local community college. This time was for a certificate in entrepreneurship and business. I wanted to put myself in the best possible position to succeed. 230 college credits and numerous photography conferences later, I am here.
Along the way, I went from just wanting to take pretty pictures to telling a story. One of the conferences I went to, had a husband and wife duo talking about the importance of the photo. Without getting long-winded, her sister passed away 3 days after a small get-together at the house. Thankfully they decided to do an impromptu family photo that day. That photo was taken the last day that they talked to her. Obviously, that story resonated with me.
One year later I had my own story that helped shape my thoughts on photography. Taking maternity photos of a young expectant mother. My goal was to make the prettiest photos possible, selfishly thinking of my portfolio instead of thinking of her story.
3 weeks later I heard that the young mother went into labor, but her baby didn’t make it. I was devastated. I was invited to the wake for the baby. After a lot of soul-searching, I went. I had my own moment where it was showing the importance of the photo. But by being invited, I was welcomed into her family. I realized that even though my goals were shortsighted, I made enough of a lasting impression to become welcomed into her family, to become family.
So where am I now?
So, I have 2 visions that have come out of that session. The first is to tell your story first and foremost. That one is for you guys. The story will still be told with amazing imagery, but the story comes first. The second vision is for me. I want to become part of your family, even if it is just for the day. I want to be looked at as Uncle Josh.
With those 2 visions, I will be able to show your wedding in a beautiful and unfiltered way.