Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Josh Springer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Josh, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I love this question, since I sometimes wonder if I’m still on the road towards my purpose or if I’ve arrived. On that same note, if I’ve finally arrived, has some of the purpose of my journey been dulled? Either way, I do know that making people happy is a purpose I do try to achieve every time I’m asked to pick up my camera. There is a challenge that comes with it every time; new people, new venue, new lighting, new timeline, etc. So I guess in that sense, finding my purpose might just be in challenging myself daily.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Photography really is just a part of the communication you have with people you meet. I look at it as a bridge between myself and anyone entrusting me with their this-will-never-happen-again moments. The stories are genuine, so why shouldn’t the photography be too?
My business is mostly in Wedding Photography, although I also dabble a bit in Family & Senior Portrait work. People are people, so the transition comes rather naturally, unlike say hiking to a mountain to photograph stars overhead (which I also just happen to like to do…heh.) There is an excitement that comes with a new venue, a new party of people…. really just a new day with my camera. It’s probably why I’ve never been able to sit still long enough to work a desk job!
Although I am based in Ohio, I do love to work other locations. I recently photographed weddings near Yosemite National Park and in the heart of Key West, FL. Have camera, will travel!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Good question! Without a doubt, my first class in film photography at a small community college set the tone for me. I loved the focus on having to get things right on as few attempts as possible, and not because I didn’t love the process, but because I was a broke college student! I feel like that is definitely lost in today’s world, with electronic shutters capable of shooting images faster than video cameras were able to record video just some years back.
Of course, my first course in Photoshop was a game-changer. Although interestingly, I feel like I’ve had to “un-learn” some of the amount of editing I learned early on. It was easy to get addicted to the removal of “distracting” items in a photograph, only to realize later that I am removing part of a memory. Even though I think there is still a time and a place for it, for the most part I try to retain what the camera sees in that moment. It is becoming a scary world with the tools available. I, however, will do my part to keep things as natural as possible.
The last part of this question would center on a simple Journalism course I took in High School. I like to think that it helped in setting the foundation for basic communication with people. Some days I think maybe I could have used a little more of it though!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Sometimes I think it just takes the right person you meet along the way. I owe nearly all of my creative motivation to my Senior internship in college, working for a man named Jason in Northeast Ohio. Still wandering a bit, he helped to narrow my focus. I learned of the importance of working with people, when NOT to pose or set up a shot, and simple things like color correction and post-work. It was here that I built the confidence to start my own business in 2007, and I’ve been along for the ride since. I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t worried about the success of it. In fact, it keeps me on my toes today! It’s a good thing I love what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thecandidcrow.com
- Instagram: @thecandidcrow
