Capturing Authentic Moments: An Inspiring Conversation with Photographer Joshua Shelton
Welcome back, photography enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recent conversation with an extraordinary talent in the world of photography—Joshua Shelton. In Episode 53 of Photo Country, we delved into Joshua’s inspiring journey, his deep-seated passion for capturing life's most profound moments, and how he balances a bustling career with being a dedicated family man.
The Profound Power of Family Moments
Joshua kicked off our conversation with a touching insight: the most important thing in his life is being a father. There’s something incredibly moving about seeing families play together, capturing the pure joy on a parent's face when they look at their child—the same look Joshua has when he gazes at his own children. For him, these moments are the most powerful thing he could ever document, outweighing even the most dramatic adventures he’s experienced.
Introducing Joshua Shelton
If you’re not familiar with Joshua Shelton, allow me to introduce him. He’s a talented photographer with extensive experience in still photography and television production. Joshua has traveled far and wide for his projects, ranging from family portraits to reality TV shows. In our episode, we explored Joshua’s unique journey, his creative process, and his exciting future plans.
Podcasting Experience and Hello Stranger Series
Joshua has been a guest on several podcasts, but our conversation revealed a personal side that might not always come across. He shared the genesis of his “Hello Stranger” series—a fascinating project that started as an impulsive idea. One night, Joshua realized he had a multitude of 4x6 prints just sitting around. ‘
He wondered, “What if I just mailed these out randomly to people?” This idea blossomed into a much-loved series, connecting people through unexpected, tangible art.
The Joy and Challenge of Photography
Joshua has been passionate about photography since his high school days. Initially drawn to acting, he discovered a deeper love for capturing moments behind the lens. From shooting sports at Florida State to creating intimate family portraits, Joshua’s journey has been one of constant learning and evolution.
Our conversation also touched on the challenges of balancing commercial photography with personal artistic expression. Joshua is candid about the struggle to maintain his passion amid commercial pressures. However, with the support of his family, particularly his wife, he’s managed to rekindle his love for picking up the camera, whether for a paying gig or just for the sheer joy of capturing nature.
From Reality TV to Local Family Portraits
Having worked extensively in television reality shows, Joshua has experienced it all—from filming in remote Alaska to documenting the lives of people making moonshine. Although he enjoyed these exhilarating experiences, the constant travel became exhausting. Nowadays, he’s refocusing on local work in Milton, Florida, aiming to balance his professional commitments with family life.
Shooting Styles and Future Plans
When it comes to his style, Joshua doesn’t confine himself to one genre. He enjoys experimenting with different phases of photography, whether it’s moody family portraits or capturing spectacular astro portraits with complex lighting setups. This versatility is what keeps his work fresh and exciting, preventing him from ever feeling stuck in a creative rut.
Looking ahead, Joshua aims to establish a thriving local business, focusing on family photography while occasionally taking on bigger projects. With a new studio in the works, he’s optimistic about the future and excited to continue capturing beautiful moments.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
As we wrapped up, Joshua shared some sage advice for young photographers. He emphasized the importance of passion over equipment and formal education. Instead, he encourages aspiring photographers to immerse themselves in the craft, study the masters, and continuously seek out new challenges to grow
Closing Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this heartwarming and insightful conversation with Joshua Shelton. You can follow his work online and stay updated on his latest projects, including the captivating "Hello Stranger" series. Remember, if you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review for the Photo Country podcast. Your support allows us to bring more incredible stories from photographers around the world.
Until next time, keep capturing those beautiful moments! This is Rajeev, signing off.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and captivating photography insights. Don't forget to check out Magic Mind using the code RAJEEV20 at magicmind.com/photocountry for your special discount!
Happy photographing!
Joshua’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelton_pictures/
From Reality TV to Family Portraits - Ep. 53