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

Jocephus, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success is not universally defined; it varies based on individual goals, values, and personal aspirations. However, in general terms, success is often the result of a blend of mindset, habits, skills, and determination.

“It’s Never Too Late”
At 42, I stood at a crossroads in life. My friends thought he was crazy. “I too old,” I been out of the service too long. they said. “The Army is for young people.” But deep down, I knew that I had unfinished business a dream to retire from the military when I joined the Marine Corps the first time but due to my leak of discipline had to get out before I got in article 15.
I spent almost two decades working long hours moving from job to job to pay the bills but left me unfulfilled. I tried to get back into the Marine Corps but when I made one step, it seemed that I was pushed back two steps. All I wanted was a chance to prove to myself and to the world that he still had what it took.
When I first walked into the Army recruiter’s office, I heard all those voices that said negative words to me. The Army recruiter took me to North Carolina Central University track and told me I had to run 18 min three miles to qualify to enter the Army. In my heart I was saying “I can do it” but my mind was saying you are going to bust your heart trying to prove something, is it worth it? But I worked too hard to fulfill the promise to myself: and I was not going to let anything stop me from reaching that goal.
I did not pass but the recruiter seen my determination and I promised him I would not fail the 1st PT test when it came time for me to take it. I had two weeks to get in shape to pass the first PT test a Fort Lee, I trained in the morning, afternoon and evening running, lifting, doing push-up and set-ups pushing myself to pass that test. I spent the other time studying and preparing mentally, to build myself up piece by piece.
AIT wasn’t easy. My muscles ached, my lungs burned, and there were moments I thought about quitting. But every time, I kept on reminding myself why I started this journey. While the older recruits twenty-five and older understood, they younger ones through that I was somewhat crazy to be at 42 being the first to wake-up, the last to go to sleep and always telling others to never give up.
By the end of training, I wasn’t just keeping up, I was leading. I earned the respect of my peers and instructors. When I graduated and stood in that uniform, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years: pride.
Joining the Army at 42 didn’t just change my career, it transformed my life. I gained strength, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. I learned that success isn’t about age; it’s about commitment, perseverance, and belief in oneself.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I (Joe West) love for photographing began when I was on an overseas tour in Germany. I was going to different car shows but did not have a camera to take pictures of the beautiful paint jobs of those fanatic cars that I was seeing. I went out in brought my first camera in 2013 to capture the moments. That same year I met another photographer and we travel around together photographing all model of cars. From that moment on, I was hooked. I spent hours in the backyard photographing flowers, birds, pets, family and friends. My enthusiasm for photography grew and JWPHOTOS282 came to live.
My keen eye for the extraordinary in the ordinary things make even the simplest scenes come alive through the camera. Whether it was the golden hues of a sunrise, the innocence in a child’s smile, or the urban chaos of a bustling city, I have the uncanny ability to capture the essence of the moment.
I decided to share my work with the world, I created an Instagram, Twitter and Facebook account, I also shares links to pictures that I have taken on my Google Photo page. My friends and family quickly became my biggest fans.
As my following expanded, I began to receive requests for photo shoots. I worked tirelessly to accommodate my newfound clients, bringing my unique perspective to engagement sessions, family portraits, and even events. My photography business, which had started as a simple passion project, soon blossomed into a successful venture.
I explored exotic landscapes, captured diverse cultures, and experienced unforgettable adventures—all through the camera lens.
I remained true to my roots. I will never forgot that it was the love for car shows from that ignited the passion for photography. I continued to photograph the simple beauty in everyday life, reminding my followers that there was magic in the mundane.
JWPHOTOS282, I’m not just a photographer; I’m a storyteller. Through the lens, I shared the tales of the world’s beauty, its people, and the moments that made life extraordinary. And as long as there are stories to be told, I will continue to capture them, one click at a time.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As a photographer it is more than just capturing images; it’s about telling a story. I’m dedicated to turning moments into a visual narrative, preserving the emotions and memories that make a person day truly unforgettable.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

It comes down to building trust, visibility, and value.
Word-of-Mouth & Referrals (Most Powerful)
• Happy clients are your best sales team.
• Always overdeliver so they can’t help but recommend you.
• Personally ask satisfied clients to leave testimonials or share your work.

Networking & Partnerships
• Connect with local businesses that serve the same audience but aren’t competitors.
• Example: A photographer can partner with event planners, makeup artists, and venues.
• Attend local events, expos, or community gatherings.
• Offer to collaborate — joint promotions, bundled packages, or co-branded campaigns.
• Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jwphotos282.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwphotos282?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D