We recently connected with Josh Beaton and have shared our conversation below.
Josh, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in a creative career or as an entrepreneur is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
The biggest unexpected problem I found when I started my business was that I expected to post my images on social media and the clients would come rushing in. It turns out, that’s not the case. I was pretty stressed out about it for a long time. I fully believe in my work, so why aren’t the clients coming? I spoke with a few seasoned photographers and realized that marketing yourself is a full time game. You need to be networking and talking about your work almost all of the time. I’m a midwest guy, so I always felt bad talking about myself/my work with any sort of confidence. It took some time and a lot of effort, but it has changed my business.
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 am a portrait photographer out of Chicago, IL. I started my business in Jan. of 2020 (I know, great timing). I describe my images as dark romantic. I am surrounded by tons of other great photographers in my area, but none shoot in the same style as I do. I create works of art that feature my clients and can be hung on their walls for generations.
My wife and I also started a non profit called The Tween Esteem Project. We work with tweens/teens struggling with low self esteem and confidence issues and give them tools to battle those struggles. The program culminates with a celebrity style photo shoot. It is amazing watching them completely open up during the program. It truly changes lives.
I love photographing people. I get to hear stories that few others get to hear. I create images that will passed down for generations and many years from now a young kid will look up at the wall and say, “I can’t believe those are were my great-grandparents!”
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation has been built with great work and kindness. I have had many people reach out to me for advice and I always give it. The photography community should be about building each other up. A rising tide lifts all boats and all that. When clients see that you are respected in your community, they are more likely to have that respect when they reach out. It helps take away some of the sticker shock when it comes to pricing.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I knew that nothing was impossible. I told myself for years that I couldn’t do something for whatever reason and I just moved on. I let too many things hold me back. So the resource I wish I knew about is unfettered belief in myself. You want angel wings, but you can’t afford them? Make them. You want a client wardrobe in your studio? Take a sewing class and learn to make dresses. I could be so much farther than I am right now if I had only believed in myself from the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joshbeaton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshbeatonphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshbeatonphotography
