We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joi Conti. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joi below.

Joi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned how to become a professional photographer by experimenting, getting a BFA, and continuing my education by working for professional photographers after I graduated. In high school, I learned by experimenting with self-portraits since I didn’t have models available and it helped me get creative with themes and clothing. I took inspiration from DeviantArt at the time and shared my early work from a point-and-shoot camera on that platform. From there, I decided to study photography in college where I learned a lot of technical skills and lighting using studio strobes. We had projects due every week and gave each other constructive criticism in class and that really helped me produce not only technically-sound images but also lean into the artistry of photography. In college, I got to create, collaborate, and learn from teachers who have been successful in their field of photography. After receiving my BFA, I went back home to New York and worked for professional photographers who specialized in fashion, still life, and commercial photography. I assisted, worked as a digital tech, and became a studio manager all while learning how to run a successful photography business. From my mentors, I learned how to work with clients and make them feel at ease.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi everyone! My name is Joi Conti and I’m a Filipino-American professional photographer in Austin, Texas who specializes in editorial, creative branding, and commercial photography. I work with creative entrepreneurs, artists, and businesses to help them receive one-of-a-kind professional photography that reflects who they genuinely are. The people I work with receive an entire production: a photo session where we get to build ideas together, collaborate to execute their ideas, and create a scene or set that leans heavily into their story. Storytelling is a big part of what I do and I help my clients have a theme in mind when we work together. And a theme can be as simple as who they are, what they love and resonate with, and even their favorite color. I always tell my clients it’s ok to reach for the sky because as a professional photographer, I’m here to help them build that ladder so we can get to the sky. No idea is too crazy. In fact, I give them the pathway and solutions to get to their creative idea and turn it into photographic reality.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to make people feel seen and heard. I want people to go beyond the standard of what they think photography is and tap into their daydreams. I ask my clients to tell me what they really want to say and share with the world and together we have a photo session that is unique to them, telling whoever views their image what they’re about, and what they do with each image we take.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to let go of needing to fit into what everyone else expected so I could tap into my creativity completely and be more. Being able to genuinely work in the creative way I’ve learned throughout the years has only helped me have a vibrant portfolio that captures clients who are incredibly happy with what they’ve received from me. At one point when I first started my business, I photographed in a way that lacked the creativity that is one of the cornerstones of my work now. The work I produced then was acceptable and technically sound, but it lacked personality. And personality, spark, and energy is exactly what I bring out with every photo session I do now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joiconti.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joi.conti/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joi-conti03

Image Credits
All photos provided and produced by Joi Conti Photography, LLC. All rights reserved.