DELEGATE: Tell us more about yourself
Hello, I’m Josh! I came from a life in banking and finance for the better part of 6 years. I decided to make the jump into starting my own creative business after a year or so going back and forth, speaking with friends and family, and conjuring up enough courage to do so. I now, here I am, nearly 5 years into being a full time business owner and photographer. No regrets. 🙂
D: How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
I’ve always loved photographer as a medium of creative expression. So when I travelled or went for some outing or gathering, my trusty little camera more often than not, would be hanging by my side. Wedding photography afforded me the opportunity to document life, full of emotion and wonderful things. I love that being human represents having unique personalities and relationships, and being able to capture even a glimpse of that on camera, excites me. The first year of operation was spent chalking up my 10000 hours of practical experience. Shooting anything from events to product shoots, to weddings and families. It was only during my 2nd year that I began focusing more on wedding photography. Now 90% of my business comes from weddings.
D: How did you start it? What were some adversities you faced when starting it?
Having a limited portfolio and having to contend with industry veterans in an industry that has a low barrier to entry thus facilitating many young and talented photographers joining the ranks every year. I had to hustle a lot. Having to be thick skinned, asking friends and family whether I could shoot for them, asking photographers whether I could tag along as a second photographer (I am grateful to those who obliged), knocking on doors for collaborations and such.
D: What is something we might not know about the industry you’re in?
It might seem we have a lot of time to do whatever we want on weekdays, but the truth is, editing, meeting clients, replying emails, doing accounting, sending out packages, all these things take time. A lot of time!
D: What has been the most memorable experience for you so far in running your business?
There are times at a wedding when a speech or hug or gentle kiss just moves me at the core. Those are times that I am truly grateful for having the honor to witness and document those moments.
D: How do you define success? Who do you see as successful?
Being able to enjoy what I do and having the time to spend with loved ones and friends.
D: Which habits of yours have gotten you to where you are today?
Discipline in branding and marketing is important in such a saturated industry.
D: What is one thing you would like your customers to know about your company?
We are friendly and warm and genuinely interested in their stories, no matter how mundane it might seem to them. 🙂
D: If you could give advice to fellow and budding entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Follow your heart, if you don’t feel a 100% for your business idea, drop it, and find one that you can be a 101% behind.
D: Where else can we find you online?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebeautifulmoment
Instagram: @thebeautifulmomentphoto
