We were lucky to catch up with Joseph Mendoza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joseph thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

My best investment was purchasing my camera. My journey began in March 2020 during the COVID lockdown when my job shut down for a couple of months, keeping us home indefinitely. With no social interactions or productive activities, boredom started to take a toll on me. To pass the time, I played video games and spent hours browsing YouTube.

One day, I came across Mike Amarico, also known as North Borders, and was immediately fascinated by his photography and videography. His videos showcased landscape, street, travel, and car photography, and I found myself drawn to the craft. It made me think, Maybe I can do this too.

A couple of weeks later, a friend of mine was selling his Sony A6000, and I saw it as the perfect opportunity to dive into photography. Since no one knew when life would return to normal, I decided to make the most of my time. After purchasing the camera, I dedicated an entire week to “YouTube University”, learning everything I could about photography.

I quickly fell in love with it. For the first couple of weeks, I fully committed myself waking up at 6:30 AM to capture the sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., then exploring the city to shoot more. Afterward, I’d head home, edit my photos, and watch more YouTube tutorials to improve my skills. I repeated this process day after day, pushing myself to get better with each shoot.

And that dedication hasn’t changed, even after life returned to normal. I’ve continued investing my free time into learning and refining my photography skills, always striving to improve. Along the way, my journey has connected me with incredible people and led me to opportunities I never imagined.

I’ve had the privilege of shooting professional sporting events like the NBA, MLB, and NFL, and I’ve worked with well-known athletes such as Jordan Poole, John Wall, Paige Bueckers, Tasha Cloud, and more. Beyond sports, I’ve captured a wedding in Seattle, explored multiple national parks, and even received an invitation to photograph a pickleball event on Necker Island, owned by Sir Richard Branson.

Looking back, buying that first camera was the best investment I ever made. It started as a simple way to pass the time but ended up shaping my future in ways I never imagined.

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?

My name is Joseph Mendoza also known as JoMatt, and I am a part-time freelance photographer based in the DC, MD, VA area. I am currently in my 5th year as a photographer, and my journey continues to evolve. Over the years, I have worked across a variety of events, including weddings, portraits, commercial shoots, and now sports photography.

I am incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come and for the amazing creatives I’ve had the privilege of meeting along the way. Moving forward, my goal is to connect with even more creatives, build a supportive community, and share my knowledge with those looking to grow in the field. I aim to provide guidance to aspiring photographers and help nurture the next generation of talent.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to capture and share stories through my lens. Photography allows me to freeze moments in time, whether it’s the raw emotion of a wedding, the intensity of a sports event, or the beauty of a landscape. It’s a way to express myself and connect with others in a way words can’t always do.

Another deeply rewarding part is the constant growth and learning. There’s always something new to explore whether it’s refining my technical skills, experimenting with new techniques, or discovering fresh perspectives. The creative journey never feels stagnant, and that constant challenge is fulfilling.

But above all, it’s the connections I make with other creatives. Building a community, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others is incredibly fulfilling. It feels like being part of something bigger than myself, where we all support and learn from one another. That sense of camaraderie is a huge part of what makes being an artist so rewarding.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my primary goal is to build a community of creatives who can inspire and support one another. Throughout my journey, I’ve come to appreciate the value of connecting with both those who share similar passions and those who bring different perspectives. By exchanging knowledge and offering guidance especially to those just starting out. I hope to help others grow in the field, just as I’ve been fortunate to learn from many along the way.

I want to use my platform and experiences to show that photography, especially in sports, can be accessible and rewarding for those willing to put in the time and effort. Ultimately, my mission is to create opportunities for aspiring photographers and creatives to thrive, encouraging them to follow their passions and reach their full potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jomatt1992.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jomatt_m
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jomatt_m