We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joshua Cole a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joshua thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Have you ever had that gut feeling that everything was about to fall into place? Last year, I experienced an overwhelming sense of certainty pulsing through my veins, compelling me to trust my intuition and follow its lead.

For many, the Met Gala is hailed as “Fashion’s Biggest Night of The Year.” Millions tune in via social media, from their living rooms, or even the hotels of attendees, eagerly anticipating the debut of extravagant fashion choices.

As a new photographer, attending the Met Gala to capture its elaborate outfits had always been a dream of mine. Uncertain of how to make it happen, I clung to a persistent belief in the possibility. Then, the day of the Met Gala arrived last year. While working my office job in Washington, DC, I watched celebrities flood social media with their arrivals in New York City for the event. That was the moment I decided to take a leap of faith—I purchased a one-way flight departing at 5:45 PM, giving myself just 45 minutes to rush to the airport after work.

I made it onto the flight and arrived in New York City, immediately hailing an Uber to the closest hotel to the Met Gala. Despite blocked streets, I walked the final stretch, clutching my camera with a sense of purpose. As I approached the hotel, memories of a dream I once had flashed through my mind. That night, I captured unforgettable images of Rihanna, Halle Bailey, Keke Palmer, and other stars.

In the hotel lobby, fate intervened. I struck up a conversation with a personal photographer of one of the celebrities attending the Gala. We exchanged contact information and stayed in touch over the following year. When the next Met Gala season arrived, I planned to replicate my previous year’s bold move. Yet, serendipity intervened once more—the photographer offered me an assisting role this time around.

I found myself photographing Keke Palmer’s entire Met Gala journey, including her after-party look. I assisted with her photoshoot for Vanity Fair, and to my astonishment, my work was featured by Marc Jacobs and Keke Palmer herself. All of this transpired because I took a risk and bet on myself a year earlier.

This experience has taught me the profound impact of trusting intuition, taking risks, and nurturing professional relationships. It’s a testament to the transformative power of chasing dreams and seizing opportunities, no matter how daunting they may seem at first.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Joshua Cole, and I am the Founder and CEO of J.Cole Shot It, a photography business dedicated to transforming visions into tangible imagery. My journey into photography began unexpectedly during my senior year of college. What started as a simple idea to take first-day-of-class pictures for friends quickly escalated when over 60 students lined up, eager for me to capture their moments with just my iPhone. Witnessing this enthusiasm sparked a realization—I could turn my Instagram hobby into a professional pursuit.

The pivotal moment came when I received a camera as a gift from a friend, Tyrese of Alignment Productions, who saw potential in my passion. Armed with this new tool, I launched J.Cole Shot It and immediately dove into the world of photography. My inaugural outdoor photoshoot with a freelance model and makeup artist in the DMV region set the stage for what would become a rapid ascent in my career.

Within a year, my work gained recognition when a shoot I orchestrated was published in a notable magazine. Determined to refine my craft, I set a goal to undertake biweekly projects, focusing on perfecting my editing techniques and mastering composition. This dedication paid off sooner than expected—soon, I found myself photographing celebrities, documenting the glamour of the Met Gala, and capturing the essence of New York Fashion Week.

What sets J.Cole Shot It apart is our unwavering commitment to translating ideas into captivating visual narratives. Whether it’s a high-profile event, a personal branding session, or a creative editorial shoot, our mission is to exceed expectations and deliver photographs that resonate on a profound level.

I am most proud of the journey from a college student with a camera to a sought-after photographer in the industry. This achievement underscores the transformative power of passion and persistence. What I want potential clients and followers to know about J.Cole Shot It is our ability to not only meet but also surpass creative challenges. Our work is defined by authenticity, precision, and an unwavering dedication to bringing clients’ visions to life.

As we continue to evolve, my vision for J.Cole Shot It is to inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly. Every project is an opportunity to create lasting impressions and celebrate the beauty found in every moment.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most profound lessons I’ve had to unlearn in my journey as a photographer is the tendency to mix emotions with business. As a creative, I invest deeply in each project, from photography and editing to creative direction. It’s easy to become emotionally attached because each piece feels like a personal reflection of my skills and vision.

Early on, I struggled with the realization that my emotional investment didn’t always align with the client’s perspective. A photograph I cherished might not resonate with them, or feedback could lead to necessary edits that initially stung. It took time to understand that while my passion fuels my work, its reception doesn’t define my worth.

Learning to separate my personal attachment from professional outcomes was crucial. I came to appreciate that photography, like any art form, is subjective. Embracing this perspective allowed me to approach critiques constructively, understanding that they are opportunities for growth rather than personal criticisms.

Ultimately, I’ve internalized that the collaborative goal with clients is to create the best possible image, respecting diverse viewpoints along the way. This mindset shift has empowered me to push boundaries creatively while maintaining a healthy detachment, ensuring that each project evolves through collaboration and refinement.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is the ability to create something that transcends time. While the accolades—magazine features, viral moments on social media, and the validation of likes—are meaningful, my true fulfillment lies in the permanence of my work.

Photographs I’ve captured are not just fleeting moments; they become cherished heirlooms, proudly displayed in my clients’ homes. Beyond the immediate recognition, I see my passion for photography as a means of documenting life itself. Each image serves as a testament to the beauty, emotions, and stories of the human experience.

In essence, photography allows me to leave a lasting imprint on the world. It’s a medium through which I can preserve memories, evoke emotions, and connect generations. Knowing that my work will endure beyond my own lifetime is incredibly gratifying—it’s a legacy that speaks to the essence of who I am and the stories I’ve had the privilege to capture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jcoleshotit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcoleshotit
• Twitter: https://x.com/joshuacole__

Image Credits

Joshua Cole / J.Cole Shot It