Meet Joshua Mendoza

We were lucky to catch up with Joshua Mendoza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua , 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 found my purpose after a long journey of trial and error. By the time I turned 21, I had already made what some might call a bold decision—I left high school at 16 to work full-time. At the time, it didn’t feel like a mistake, but as I tried to find steady, well-paying work without a diploma or college degree, reality started to hit hard. From 2001 to 2007, I always held a job, but they were all minimum wage. I felt stuck, unfulfilled, and unsure of how to move forward.

It was around this time that a family member had an honest conversation with me, encouraging me to go back to school and aim higher if I truly wanted to change my life. I listened. I decided to get my GED and enroll in barber school. Cutting hair had always interested me—I used to experiment on myself and friends as a kid—so it felt like a natural fit. It was also a fast-track alternative to spending years in college.

I’ve had a strong work ethic ever since I was a kid, a quality I credit to my father. So when I committed to barber school, I went all in. The course was supposed to take nine months, but I finished in just under eight. Before I even graduated, I secured a spot in a barbershop down the street. I lived alone at the time and needed to work full-time, so I pushed myself hard. I never missed a day at Rob Roy Academy in Fall River, Massachusetts, and I made it my mission to be early, stay late, and finish strong.

While working at that shop, I became close with two other barbers my age. One of them was preparing to leave and open a new barbershop, and though he didn’t outright ask, I could tell he wanted me to join him. I understood why he was being subtle—no one wanted to “steal” me from our boss—but I picked up on it and decided to take the risk. I left with them and that new shop became my home for the next 11 years.

It was during that time that I bought my first DSLR camera—just something basic, meant for snapping “clean” photos of my haircuts to post on social media. But looking back, I think I’d always been a photographer. Even as a kid, I was constantly using Polaroids and disposable cameras at parties. I didn’t realize then how deep that passion ran. Eventually, I started bringing my full camera bag to work, taking photos of clients not just to show their haircuts, but to quietly practice portrait photography. I’d catch myself daydreaming mid-cut, picturing myself as a full-time photographer. But the imposter syndrome ran deep, and for nearly 10 years I kept photography as just a side hustle—something I loved but didn’t believe I could make a living from.

Then in 2019, I took another leap. I found a space that used to be an old ice cream shop and signed the lease. Over the course of seven intense weeks, I transformed it into my dream barbershop—doing all the renovations myself. I still worked part-time at my old shop during the day and remodeled at night. It was terrifying. But thanks to the hands-on skills I learned from my father, I pulled it off on a tight budget. I opened for business, and for the next five years, I ran my own successful barbershop. I built a thriving clientele, employed five barbers, and earned a solid reputation in the community.

And yet… something was missing.

Photography never left my mind. I was proud of my success, but I didn’t feel completely fulfilled. I still bought camera gear obsessively, watched thousands of YouTube tutorials, read books, and practiced—but doubt lingered. I was surrounded by people who didn’t take it seriously. I’d hear things like, “your little photography thing,” which only fed the insecurities I already had.

One moment stands out. A mother of one of my young clients came in—she was a professional photographer (unbeknownst to me) and an incredibly talented one at that. One of my barbers told her, “Josh is a photographer too, a good one, but he quit and sold all his gear. I don’t know why.” (Truth is, I had recently sold it all out of frustration and discouragement.) She asked to see some of my photos. Nervously, I pulled out my phone. There was a long silence as she scrolled. I assumed the worst. Then she suddenly looked up, grabbed my arm, and said, “Are you kidding me? These are amazing! You HAVE to pick that camera back up. You have an eye and you’re talented.” She was what I would consider my mentor for a while after, always answered me with encouraging words when I was doubting myself. I can’t begin to describe the feeling of relief it gave with her help, encouragement a send of encouraging leader ship/mentoring that she displayed to me, and I wont for get. That is a driving reason that I am ALWAYS willing to help/mentor other photographers or aspiring beginner photographers because I know the crippling feeling of being stuck.

That was the push I needed.

I dove back in. I started shooting again, watching more videos, and most importantly—shooting constantly. Nothing teaches you like doing. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my art, and I poured myself into learning and growing. In 2023, I met my amazing partner who became my biggest supporter and motivator. With that unwavering encouragement, I realized photography wasn’t just a passion—it was my purpose.

That’s when I made the biggest, boldest move of my life.

I sold my barbershop, left the city I built a name in, and moved to New York City to pursue photography full-time. It was terrifying… but incredibly fulfilling. I only wish I had done it sooner. I loved the feeling of giving someone confidence with a fresh cut—but capturing someone through my lens, helping them see themselves in a beautiful and authentic way—that gave me an even greater sense of purpose.

Now, after a year of being a full-time professional photographer, I’ve grown immensely. The progress I’ve made has been substantial—personally, artistically, and professionally. Photography has not only become my career, it’s also inspired me to live a healthier, more intentional life. Because the truth is: without our health, we have nothing. And if something feels right deep down, trust your gut. That voice is rarely wrong.

This journey has been anything but conventional—but it led me exactly where I was meant to be.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I think I covered a lot of my journey in the previous section where I shared how I discovered my purpose, but I’d love to talk about where I am now—what life looks like currently, and how those early chapters have shaped the photographer I’ve become.

In general, I’d say I’ve grown into a jack of all trades. I’ve held many different jobs over the years, and I’ve picked up a lot of hands-on skills along the way. My dad has owned a salvage yard for over 50 years, and I was raised a little differently than most kids I know. While other seven-year-olds were learning how to ride bikes, I was driving a five-speed 1986 Pontiac Sunbird around five acres of land. I learned how to work on cars, how to fix things, and how to adapt. That kind of upbringing taught me resilience, creativity, and the ability to figure things out—which shows up in my photography today.

While I primarily shoot portraits, I consider myself a very versatile photographer. I love exploring all kinds of photography—portrait, boudoir, family, events, macro, landscape, wildlife, product—you name it. I’m not the type to pick one niche and master just that. Instead, I’m passionate about developing skill in all the styles that inspire me. That’s where I find joy, and that’s what keeps the work exciting and fresh.

Of course, the downside is that it can be confusing for potential clients. On social media and in marketing, people want to know, “What type of photographer is this person? Can they do what I need?” So I’ve tried to keep my platforms primarily focused on portraits to keep things clear—but trust me, I do much more behind the scenes.

There’s just something powerful about capturing a person in a beautiful, honest moment. Sometimes, I’ll look at someone and yell out, “Don’t move! Let me grab my camera!” I’ll run back, take the shot, and show them—and almost every time, they’re stunned. They can’t believe they look that way. That reaction—that moment of surprise, confidence, and joy—is one of the driving forces behind why I do what I do. It lights me up every single time.

Photography also gives me a personal challenge. I push myself to get better every day. Living and working in New York has come with its own challenges—especially not knowing many people when I first arrived—but I’m still making it happen and booking jobs. I’ve learned that word-of-mouth is still the most powerful tool in business, just like it was back when I was a barber. Whether it’s online or in person, I’m always promoting my work. I’ve literally walked up to strangers, struck up a quick conversation, and handed them my business card or asked them to check out my Instagram—and to my surprise, it works. It’s opened doors and connected me with incredible people.

One thing I’ve become known for recently is surprise proposals. In the summer of 2023—before I even went full-time—one of my barbershop clients reached out and asked if I could help pull off a proposal disguised as a couples photoshoot. We executed it flawlessly. I didn’t post the content for another eight months, and when I finally did, it went viral—twice on Instagram and twice on TikTok with over 38 million views collectively. That led to more bookings, and now surprise proposals are one of my favorite sessions to shoot. Being trusted to capture such a meaningful moment is something I don’t take lightly.

Eventually, when things become more steady with clientele, I plan to open my own photography studio—just like I built my barbershop from the ground up. But until then, I’m going to keep building, keep improving, and keep showing up the way I always have.

A big part of what attracts people to work with me isn’t just my photos—it’s my personality. I take my business seriously and always maintain a professional tone when it comes to booking and communication, but when it’s time to shoot? I make it fun. I crack jokes, I make people laugh, I break the ice. I know how awkward it can feel being in front of a camera—even I get that way—so I do everything I can to make people feel relaxed and confident.

Nearly every client I’ve worked with has told me how much fun they had during their session. That means the world to me. Because there’s nothing worse than having your photo taken by someone who’s cold, awkward, or disconnected. I’m the total opposite of that. I believe the energy behind the camera plays a huge role in what you capture in front of it.

This is more than just a job to me—it’s a calling, a craft, and a way to help people see the best version of themselves.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Connectivity and empathy, versatility and lifelong learning, resilience and determination. That’s 6, but the pairs go hand in hand together. If you feel compelled to create are no matter what form it is, keep doing it, it takes time to get better but with determination you’ll see the results of your hard work. and most importantly, do not pay attention to what other artists are doing, there’s nothing wrong with with having mentors you look up to but It can make you focus on what THEY will think of your work and have it hinder you from posting/showcasing your work and what you do soley from concern of what they will think. This is how it went for me, and one year ago I stopped trying to learn from others and took my own path. Its clients you want to impress, not other creatives. Once you do this, the shackles are off. Oh, and if you feel like You shouldn’t post it, POST IT!!!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

“How to Create Stunning Digital Photography” by Tony & Chelsea Northrup — I read this book back in 2015, and even though I was only three years into my photography journey at the time, it taught me so much. From composition and exposure to posing and even how to handle clients on the business side—it covered it all. I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve recommended this book to. Honestly, I should be getting royalties at this point! Haha. But in all seriousness, it’s an incredible resource for any beginner or novice photographer looking to level up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joshuachristopherphotography.com
• Instagram: @_joshuachristopherphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075805493311
• Youtube: @joshuachristopherphotography

Image Credits

Joshua Mendoza (photos of me are self portraits)