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

Joshua, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Growing up, my Dad would always have a camera in his hand. Home videos. Recording school plays. Capturing award ceremonies. You name it — Dad always wanted to capture and remember memories.
In the Fall of 2022, I was clearing out our garage back home and I found his Canon AE-1 with a Sigma zoom lens. I brought it to him and saw his face light up from the memories that came from this instrument. The joy of photography, memory, capturing moments is what I live for. Im never losing sight of that.

Since then, I leaned more into my creative side and became a portrait photographer in my past time. More specifically, when I collaborated and co-created on projects with fellow creatives in the DMV, I’ve found the joy in capturing art together. That is what Training My Eye. photography is about — to connect with likeminded individuals and create timeless memories, portraiture, and art.

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

Certainly! I’m Jones, originally from the Bay Area, I moved to D.C. in the Summer of 2018 to pursue my teaching career. Since then, I’ve developed a love for photography. Acting as a silent observer, I capture energy, beauty, humanity, and perspective in the moment.

In the beginning of 2023, I solely focused on street photography. However, I leaned into working with subjects face-to-face and grew to enjoy the creative energy that we shared in collaboration. I shoot to show life through my eyes. Working and collaborating with other creatives and photogs has helped me manage my social anxiety. I use photography as a therapeutic vehicle to express myself. In everything that I do, I hope to grow my craft in the art of photography, develop patience & creativity, and build a love of capturing the moment.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my photography is this — I’m one of one. I am my biggest critic; whether it’s before, during, or after a session, I have this little voice in my head that whispers a theme of doubt. Like a wave of impostor syndrome. But, I lean back on the memories I have from past projects and clients. I remember the laughter, the conversations. I remember our collective expression of joy as we look back at the shots we captured. I remember the stories about my clients. The art I create and the experiences that I share with my fellow creatives and clients are experiences that are only unique to the work we have created together.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I don’t actively look to “grow my clientele” because it would slowly take away the joy I get from projects, or potential projects. But, word of mouth and social media are the vehicles for growth. I aim to not JUST provide a service, but an experience. An experience that clients would want to share with their friends and family, so that they too can have their own experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trainingmyeye.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainingmyeye

Image Credits

Thank you to the creatives who have worked with and took a chance on me. You have been instrumental in my life and journey.
Aaminah
Destiny
Chisom
Aaron
Jess
Swarna
Noelia
Belicia