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

Joshua, appreciate you joining us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

In the industry that I am most known for, which is photography, I definitely feel that the photography world, when it comes to being provided big opportunities with mainstream companies, artist, celebrities, etc. is not as inclusive as it should be. As a black editorial, fashion, portrait photographer, who has dabbled in many realms of photography, I have gained much insight on how to be better each day with my work. It reflects in every photoshoot that I continuously do. In every session, I. get better and better. Even so, all though I have been blessed to have wonderful opportunities, I have also missed out on some, as well. And for someone who is always proud of the work that he puts out, I always would question why that is. Then, I looked at the dynamic of the photographers in the industry and I don’t see a lot of people like “me”. It doesn’t help that I am a black and openly bisexual man who is comfortable in my own skin. So, when we talk about creating a more inclusive workplace, in the photography field, for great opportunities, not just. basic ones, I would like for this workplace to be more inclusive to black photographers and, even more, black photographers who are a part of the “community”.

Joshua, 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?

For anyone who may not have heard about me before, my name is Joshua Smith. I am a photographer, born in Jacksonville, Florida, currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia area. I mostly shoot in fashion, portrait, and editorial photography, but have dabbled in other forms of photography, as well. I’ve been a photographer for about 5-6 years now and my company’s name is called “The Classic Shot”. “The Classic Shot” was created to portray everyday culture, through the lens of a camera. My work has been featured on major brands, including major music artist and brand owner, Lil Yachty’s nail art brand “Crete”, in their shopping section of their social media. It has also been featured with. companies like. Nyrva, and has also been with articles, social media pages, with high end fashion shows in the Atlanta area like Young Atlanta, and articles. These are some of the things that I am most proud of. I want people to know that I love and I am passionate about what I do and it reflects in every single photoshoot that I do.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Honestly, I wish I made more connections then and reached out to more people then, to network.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I feel like every day, in this field, is a day of a new situation for resilience. In this industry you have to constantly put yourself out there and create opportunities for yourself. So, to answer this question, I would say, constantly trying to create those opportunities for yourself, is an every day illustration of resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theclassicshot.com/
• Instagram: forjvsh