Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Able-Carter.
Hi Joshua, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was first introduced to photography at a young age by my uncle who was a photographer for the marines during the Vietnam War. From there I have had a long relationship exploring photography and after taking a step away from it after high school I always felt it calling back to me. During COVID I realized it had always been my passion that I had been ignoring for too long. Since returning to it I have had the opportunity to work with many incredible Baltimore based musicians, wrestlers and artists. I love being able to help others tell their stories in ways they may not have thought possible and bringing the beauty out of the mundane.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s constantly been a challenge finding who I am as an artist, especially when early on I was told this was not a passion that I should follow. And having some very tough love style mentors that challenged me to constantly push myself and to experiment even. The pressure these challenges applied always made me strive to be better and keep pushing my boundaries as an artist. There has been many times I have doubted my abilities and let imposter syndrome win over, but the support system of friends, family and other artists has always been there to help me get back up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My main specialties are concert and wrestling photography. But I also work in documentary and experiment extensively in alternative processes for photography. Learning the different processes helps you understand how the medium an image is created with affects how it’s perceived by a viewer, and that each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. Albumen and cyanotype prints have been my main mediums as of late and they have influenced greatly the way I compose my images knowing that they have such a limited range of colors but create beautiful tonality when done right. I think what sets me apart is I do not try to stage and create the most beautiful compositions I can, what I do is take what’s given to me and find how to make it work. Concerts and wrestling you have essentially no control over what you are shooting and what that teaches you is control what you can, work your angles, and make the best image you can to tell the most effective story. I blend fine art with documentary style to tell the beauty of the quotidian.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Morning Somewhere podcast is a great 20-30 minute daily podcast that helps me get into a good flow in the morning. The Baltimore Scenes group has been immensily helpful in exploring photography and building community. Anne Arundel Community College’s photography program gave me the foundation of what I needed to become the artist I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ablecdesigns.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ablecdesigns
