We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joel Swonsen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joel below.
Hi Joel, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
For me, self-care starts with daily walks outside and exercise. There is something meditative about walking outside, hearing birds, and feeling the sun; it’s so grounding to me. I just recently discovered that washing my face and moisturizing is awesome; it sounds silly, but it’s my favorite part of the day! But I always try to end the night with prayer and affirmations when I lie down, it’s just a really nice way to have that be my final thoughts. Doing all of these things helps keep my mind sharp and my mental health strong. Doing these things helps me keep going and slow down at times, especially when it feels like everything around me is running at full speed.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi, my name is Joel Swonsen, and I am a visual creative specializing in photography and video. I graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a B.A. in Photography. I actually started as an Art History major. Still, I quickly realized that photography wasn’t just another class for me — it was a passion.
What I love most about what I do is being able to show people the world through my lens. My goal is always that when people see my work, it brings them joy and allows them to experience a moment, a feeling, or a story in a new way. I started working as a photographer simply because I loved it, and I hope that passion comes through in every image and video I create.
This past year has been especially exciting because I launched a new real estate media business with my best friend, Logan, called Welkin Visuals. Together, we’ve been building something that combines creativity with purpose, and it’s been a true blessing (and a lot of fun!). Alongside Welkin Visuals, I continue to work with my personal photography and video clients, capturing portraits, events, and producing marketing and training videos.
At the heart of it all, my family motivates me to keep growing — both personally and creatively. They’re the reason I push myself to keep learning, experimenting, and building something meaningful with my craft.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For me, it is time management, getting my Part 107 Drone License, and learning that it is ok to take time for myself. Now allow me to elaborate on these.
Time Management looks different for everyone; what works for me may not work for you. Personally, I like to write everything down on a legal pad and plan out my days with a checklist. There’s something satisfying about crossing items off as I complete them. It keeps me organized and motivated to keep moving.
Purchasing a drone and obtaining my Part 107 Drone Pilots License has been a real game-changer, especially now that I’m shooting real estate. Whether it’s photos or videos, drone shots always add that extra touch clients love. It has opened up new creative opportunities and elevated the quality of my work.
Taking Time for myself is something I’ve had to learn the importance of. Over the years, I’ve realized that I’m not doing anyone any good if I don’t take a little time to recharge and center myself. Even something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood helps clear my mind, gives me clarity, and renews my creativity.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself to pause, breathe, and take things one step at a time. I’ve learned that pausing and breathing is the best way to chill and figure out what needs to be done.
Most of the time, I try to do too many things at once; sometimes it works, but more often it doesn’t. That’s when I know I need to step back, reset, and focus on finishing one thing at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joelswonsen.com & www.welkinvisuals.com
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/joel-swonsen-7b748647
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