Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Randall.
Hi Joe, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Bremerton, Washington. My family moved to Asheville, North Carolina when I was 3 years old. We settled in a small town called Mills River, and I grew up as most kids did; outside in the woods, riding bikes, fishing. Typical small mountain town type stuff.
I went to college at UNC-Wilmington. It was the furthest I could go and still be within the state. I took a broadcast class as a last minute class election, and I loved it. I was full on into media studies. I owe a lot to Dr. Bolduc, who was an inspiration to always be curious and practice what you love. I would often check out cameras from the department to learn how they worked, and what I could do with them. I realized they gave me access to places I normally wouldn’t go, or even consider.
After college I moved to Raleigh, became a loan officer, and I was miserable.
I got a call from my friend Ashley LaRocque to see if I wanted to move to LA and be a post production assistant.
I packed up everything I owned into my parent’s Toyota Sienna minivan and headed west.
I’ve worked in Post Production for 13 years. It’s a brutal industry. My outlet was always taking my DSLR out on the weekends and doing portraits, and headshots as a side hustle. I thought I was average at best, but people kept booking, and I kept showing up.
I got tired of LA, and moved to Nashville with my now wife, Viviene. I’m in the early stages of setting up my business. I still work full time as a Post Production Producer at Open Water Post. I love the adjustment to a more manageable work/life balance. I have Andy Peters to thank for that!
In LA 2019, I had cold messaged one of my favorite artists Charlie Smarts of Kooley High, to see if I could do free photos of his live performance in LA. To my surprise he said ‘yes’!
I became good friends with him and DJ Ill Digitz from the same Kooley Crew. I’ve helped them do vinyl cover designs, merch mock-ups, and advertising. This is what I love.
I cold messaged another of my favorite artists Uncle B (Bryan Simpson) when I moved to Nashville to see if I could do the same thing for his Uncle B’s Damned Ole Opry shows. Another surprise ‘yes’. I still can’t believe I’m in the same rooms as some of my heroes!
I’m going to shows and doing concert photography for amazing musicians. Like I said, I keep my day job, but the hope is always to keep getting better and better at photography.
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?
Not at all! This road is full of bumps and pot holes, and left hand merges while you’re cruising in right hand traffic.
Biggest struggles are ego and imposter syndrome. Always comparing your work to others’. Sometimes thinking you’re too good to learn. Each side of the spectrum causes its own set of issues.
I’ve never quite grasped how much to charge for my time. Is my time even that valuable? Is my work worth the money another artist (who works just as hard) is willing to pay?
Not only the mental struggles, the financial struggles. Equipment is expensive. And photography is an oversaturated market. There are no guarantees you’ll get booked enough to buy the best lenses, or the newest camera. Sometimes you have to just get creative with what you have. And that can range from daunting to debilitating.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in Concert Photography. I think what sets me apart is my coverage and intuition when I shoot shows.
I like to think I can predict when a big moment is about to happen. Almost like I can feel an artist’s enthusiasm is about to explode on stage right before a pivotal chorus.
I believe my work lives in the moment, and has trappings of imperfections that I think might get lost in this digital pixel-perfect age.
I’m most proud of my ability to not only get good images, but also be a good hang that artists want around. I think that makes the photos more authentic. It feels less like a gig/job and more of a friendship/partnership.
Isn’t the point of being in a creative industry to have the fun and carefree-ness, without adhering to the societal molds?
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Honestly, you just have to go to the places you want to be, and talk to the people doing what you want to do.
It’s very rare that if you approach another photographer, they’ll cold-shoulder you.
The hardest part is putting yourself out there. But once you do, you’ll find people along the way that will help you. You really do just have to ask!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/joerandallphoto
