It’s fun to welcome Joe Photo, an engagement and wedding photographer located in Orange County, as our Guest Photographer Judge this week! While his specialty is weddings, it’s easy to see from the photos he included in this interview that he loves photographing faces in any kind of situation. We are so excited to have him visiting with us!
He wrote: I am beyond thrilled to make my living as an Artist. I’ve had the pleasure (and pain) of operating my studio for 15 years. Photographing people is an exercise in psychology, which leads to a greater understanding of ourselves.
Photography Journey
My photography grew out of art classes in High School. I began to photograph girls on campus, and my rock band friends. I was instantly hooked. I found my expression. I’ve been photographing people ever since.
Fun Q&A with Joe Photo
- What was your #1 favorite photography moment from this past year? My trip to India in January with my buddy Becker. We went for 7 days as a “photo field trip”. It was amazing. The morning we spent at Taj Mahal was extraordinary. There were so many great moments the entire trip.
- Do you have beautiful photos you’ve taken displayed all across your home? I have a few photos I’ve shot in my home. We have a lot of art in our home too. I like to enjoy my images as slideshows.
- Where do you find inspiration to keep your photography creative and unique? This may sound cliche but I find inspiration everywhere. Books, movies, nature, the web, daydreaming…everywhere:)
- Is there a particular photographer whose work inspires you? So many!! I find photographers on The Behance Network that blow my mind everyday! There are thousands of photographers who influence me with their images.
- Do you have your camera with you wherever you go? No, but I have an iPhone:)
- A favorite quote? “I had nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion.” Jack Kerouac from “On the Road”
- How about a “most stressful” photography moment? The most stressed I’ve ever been was after shooting a huge wedding for three straight days, and not being able to get a slideshow to run for the brunch. That sucked on so many levels.
Helpful Hint
Be true to your creative style for the moment. Your style will naturally evolve over time. Shoot the images that make you the most happy, and then show them to as many people as you can.
Photography Equipment
I love my Nikon gear. (Yes, I’m one of those guys).
Special thanks to Joe Photo for hanging out with us this week as our Guest Judge! We can’t wait to see which photos he chooses as his favorites for this week’s theme.
{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
Joe, these are amazing! these faces are beautiful and I want to know their story so badly! My head is spinning with ‘I wonders’…
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang recently posted..Sweet Baby J The Last Day of School The End of Elementary School
Wow!!! What stunning images!!! They draw me into them and make me want to spend more time understanding the story behind them. Such proof that it’s the skill, creativity and eye of the photographer and not the camera that makes a compelling image. Bravo, Joe!!
I have to say that Joe’s photos are a bit freaky, and very artistic of course. Is that the difference between a male and a female photographer? It’s nice to read a male photographer’s interview.
Lucy recently posted..Yellow Pyjama
I went to visit your website and I admired your work unknown to me previously, thanks iheartfaces. I like the way your wedding photographies embrass the different people, atmosphere, giving an unique experience each time. Your black and white are just stunning!
Hi Sara!
India was EPIC. My mission was to photograph people on the streets for 7 days. Mission accomplished. I hope you get back there soon.
Hello DeAnn Jahnke,
I’m so happy to be your new fave! I hope we meet someday!
Blessings to you.
Thanks JOdy. I’ll do my best to be a great judge. Cheers!
Hi Chelle,
Becker is one of my best friends. He has influenced me in so many ways. The Burning Man experience and our trip to India were both life changing photo trips. Thank you for your comment love!
Hi Megan,
Capturing a portrait is as much (if not more) about how you see them as who they really are. I appreciate your lovely comments.
Hello Life with Kaishon,
You know I like being called a rock star:) I’m super happy to be here. Cheers!
Hi Maryanne.
4 of these images I shot at Burning Man. Others include travel and personal projects. I’m a huge advocate of shooting images you love.
My site currently only features my wedding work. I used to blog but got totally burned out. Thank you for your comments.
Hello Pam D!
You are my kind of commenter. Thank you for your enthusiasm! Blessings to you.
Hi Mary Beth,
Thank you for your kind words.
Which image is your favorite?
Cheers!
Thank you Dana- from chaos to Grace. I’m curious about your hyphenated name. Tell me your name story and I’ll tell you mine:)
WOW Lacie. Thank you. You made me smile…real big:)
Incredible, creative photos! I was in India YEARS ago – how I’d love to get back over there now with my Nikon!!
Hi Tara. Thank you. I’m honored.
Thanks Bonnie! I was just looking at the very first wedding I photographed 20 years ago. That reminded me just how far I’ve come. Keep shooting what you love!
Hi Kristen Johnson! My family and friends will all attest to the fact that I have a lot of energy. Sometimes, when I’m lucky, it’s creative. Cheers!
Thank you AmyLynne. It is truly my pleasure to inspire you. I’d love to see the next portrait you do after this inspiration. Email it to me – joe@joephoto.com. Take your inspiration and put it to practice:)
Hi Tracy!
Thanks for the kind words! Photovision was a blast and there should be one or two more segments of info I’ll be sharing there. Maybe we’ll meet and you can buy me lunch and ask your questions. Blessings to you!
Hi Keri!
Do you travel? I love to photograph people while I’m traveling. But I usually just spend a minute or two with them. NOT long enough to really know their story. So the viewer is free to make assumptions about the subject. I’m glad you enjoy them.
ok. ok… I NOW have a new favorite photographer.
Awesome interview… and AWESOME photos
Great interview! And a Great judge! Thanks Iheart Faces! You guys rock around here!
Love Joe Photo! I found you the first time through Beckers Blog with one of the Burning Man posts! Amazing work!
I *love* your style. Beautiful photography.
Wow. I want to talk with everyone in your photos because I feel like you capture their personalities so well!
He seems like a total rock star : ) Camera rock star. Love it! Thanks for coming to I heart faces Joe!
Life with Kaishon recently posted..It was a week of-
A few of these (goggle images) look like they are straight out of the burning man festival in Arizona! Never been, but want to go.
I have a question. Your site features wedding and these look like personal and portrait work. Do you have a separate portrait site or blog?
Wow. My kind of photographer, for sure. And PERFECT for I Heart Faces, because, well… LOOK at those face photos! Just beautiful…
Pam D recently posted..I Heart Faces-Yellow
Wow, I love these photos. Amazing work and so inspiring!
Mary Beth recently posted..Saving Damaged Photos
AMAZING work!! WOW!
Dana-from chaos to Grace recently posted..True story Tuesday-Oh Barnacles!
WOW!
I just check out the slide show on Joe Photo’s website. Seriously jaw dropping stuff. Joe, you have an amazing gift. You photos are so vivid. LOVE your work.
Love his work!
I am in love with your work!!! I love your uniqueness and how you capture everyone and everything!!!
I was just watching Joe on the latest PhotoVision dvd the other day, too! Love his creative energy!
Kristen Johnson recently posted..Special Deliveries
What stunning and moving images. I am so inspired…what beautiful, unique photos. <3
AmyLynne recently posted..Mr Golden Sun I heart faces- yellow
OMGosh!!!! I can’t believe you are this weeks judge!!! I am a huge fan and Photovision junkie!!! Oh how I wish I could pick your brain!!!!! AWESOME!!!
Tracy recently posted..How to build a pool week
Plus WOW! Beautiful wedding photos!
I love this type of work. I love looking at the faces and wondering what is their story! Photo Joe inspires me!