Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Cole.
Hi Joshua, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Growing up, I always heard the phrase, “Take a picture; it’ll last longer.” These words would ultimately fuel my approach to art and creativity. As a multi-hyphenate person, I constantly have concepts and ideas cycling through my mind. In my senior year of college, I considered taking a first-day-of-class picture for myself and my friends.
I posted on social media expecting about 10-15 friends to show up; however, to my surprise, over 60 students were lined up for me to take their pictures with just my iPhone. At that moment, I had an idea to push my Instagram photography skills into a more professional route. Later that year, I was gifted a camera by my line brother, Tyrese of Alignment Productions, who upgraded his equipment for his production company, and that was all I needed to start my business, J. Cole Shot It. I hit the ground running by organizing my first outdoor creative photoshoot with a freelance model and make-up artist in the DMV.
The following year, that shoot was published in a magazine. I challenged myself to shoot at least one project biweekly, focusing on honing my editing and composition skills. In less than a year, I found myself working with celebrity clients, photographing at the Met Gala, and shooting at New York Fashion Week. My passion for capturing real-life moments and bringing visions to life has brought me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been smooth for the most part, but one hurdle I’ve been working to overcome in 2024 is setting professional boundaries with clients. As someone with a vast network of people, many of my first clients were friends and associates.
That came at a price of discounted rates and flexible work hours, and sometimes, I spent more money on a project than what I was paid to ensure I executed my client’s vision. Everything has a learning curve, and I’m always looking to improve myself and my work through experience. As I work to level up my business, I must uphold my responsibilities as a professional photographer to ensure I am not being taken advantage of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a portrait photographer specializing in capturing melanated people in all aspects. I’m known for bringing visions to life with every one of my photographs while also creating a unique perspective for my clients. I am most proud of the work I’ve been able to produce in such a short time. Some of my muses include Rihanna, Asap Rocky, Keke Palmer, Anok Yai, Jada Pinkett Smith, and many other A-list celebrities.
I also worked with some fantastic businesses and organizations like DC’s very own Jerk at Nite, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Alpha Chapter, Broccoli Festival, and Howard University. I am proud of my ability to adapt new skills to my current methods quickly. Each shoot is better than the one before. What sets me apart from others is connecting with my clients personally to find out their needs. Once I decipher what they want, I commit to executing every detail of their vision until it becomes reality.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think tenacity, authenticity, and faith have been the perfect recipe for my success as a photographer. Being tenacious during the times when the weather isn’t cooperating, when my camera settings aren’t working correctly, or even when the idea of comparing myself to other creatives comes in, I am reminded to push through and never let up.
Most importantly, my faith in God has opened up more opportunities than anything I’ve ever done personally. I have been in rooms and conversations with people I didn’t know was possible, but I had the faith to take a chance and be in alignment with what I was doing.
Pricing:
- Creative Portraits ($200)
- Graduation Pictures ($200)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Jcoleshotit.com
- Instagram: @jcoleshotit
Image Credits
Joshua Cole of J.Cole Shot It
