We were lucky to catch up with JOSH DEANGELIS recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, JOSH thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

There are so many circumstances where I’m brought onto jobs that I have no investments in other than financial gain. Because of this, I find solace in my personal projects. One project in particular, I have been working on for 2-3 years on and off.

Here is the project synopsis:

‘This photographic project takes you on a journey through the life of a pioneering member of the Federation of Black Cowboys. Through immersive visits to his hometown of Wetumka, Alabama and intimate conversations with those closest to him, we uncover the pivotal moments and experiences that have shaped the man’s character.
From exploring his family’s remote property, Henderson Hill, to revisiting his memories of assisting his grandfather in producing and selling corn liquor. This project offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the diverse life of Raymond Henderson.

As we reflect on the past, we come to appreciate the beauty and significance of happiness with the subsequent overcoming of adversity.

This project invites the viewer to contemplate the passage of time and to cherish the memories that make Raymond’s experiences so rich and meaningful. Join us as we delve into the story of a life that has left a lasting impact and understand why this story deserves to be told.’

I’m really taking my time with this one. I’ve developed a close friendship with Raymond over the past few years and this has, in a way, become OUR project, so I want to make sure it does him justice. I want him to be proud of this as well, and it’s a sense of responsibility that i’m honored to carry.

JOSH, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got my start as an intern at Milk Studios in Hollywood. It was a place where I met lifelong friends and just learned so much about my craft as well as myself and how it really takes the effort of an army of trusted people to be efficient and productive. Problem solving was something that almost came instinctual to me, So I really feel comfortable in high energy, intense environments. I almost thrive in chaos a bit. It puts me into a mode of focus I won’t find in other places. I’d say that is what sets me apart from others. I’m not afraid of a challenge when it comes to being creative and I honestly welcome it most of the time. I shoot mostly fashion and advertising, but love to work on documentary/non-fiction focused projects in my personal time.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I first moved to LA, I had no place to stay, no plan, no guidance and little to no money. I was 18 and months out of high school. I lived in my car for a while and many seedy air bnbs. I worked as a dishwasher at a cafe for a year before becoming a server and was there for another 2 years before being fired for booking plane ticket to Berlin, without asking permission to take off. When I came back I had no job and debt that seemed insurmountable. These are the times where I really learned that I thrive in moments of fear of the unknown. It showed me that everything is finite and to just trust myself and know that it was just a part of my journey.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I never went to university, or continued my education outside of personal endeavors. I refused to be 100k+ in debt for a path that wasn’t paved. Because of that, I basically tell myself that any debt I incur from my personal projects is just debt that’s specifically measured in small doses rather than a lump sum for a degree.

Contact Info:

• Website: Joshdeangelis.com
• Instagram: _joshdeangelis