Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Holman.
Hi Joshua, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Western New York, and like many who settle in Clarksville, I’m a southern transplant courtesy of the Army. After 25 years on Active Duty, including a few deployments “across the pond in the sandbox.” I picked up a camera around age 35, figuring photography would be “too easy.”
I quickly learned I was a textbook case of the Dunning-Kruger effect: full of confidence, short on skill. Life got busy, and the camera was shelved. It wasn’t until the year we won’t speak of that I officially launched Joshua Holman Photography, just as cities began to fall silent.
As an essential worker, I invested in my first full-frame camera, a Nikon D610, and began building my portfolio from home. Occasional family sessions and small weddings revealed how much I still had to learn. My wife encouraged me to pursue certification, which led me to the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and their Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) credential.
I passed the written exam on the first try in June 2023 but missed the practical by a fraction of an inch—literally. A few months later, I retested and passed. To this day, I’m still the only CPP in Clarksville, TN.
I spent two years working for another studio, learning the business side and adding real estate photography to my skill set. By then, I’d worked across genres—sports, landscapes, portraits, headshots, volume, weddings, and events. Each has its own tools and demands, and my kit and skills have grown to meet them.
One thing I’ve never bought into is the idea of “niching down.” That resistance is rooted in one of my favorite quotes, attributed to Socrates: “Through discipline comes freedom.”
The more you understand your equipment and how light behaves, the more capable you are of capturing your vision in camera, not in post. That’s always been my goal: to require as little editing as possible. Mastery of the fundamentals gives you the freedom to adapt, explore, and meet the unique demands of each shoot with confidence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not even close. Balancing photography with a full-time job, family life, and transitioning out of the military was tough. There were moments I questioned whether it was worth it.
Early on, I wrestled with imposter syndrome. Comparing myself to photographers who seemed miles ahead was unproductive. I studied constantly but still felt behind. Gear limitations, technical setbacks, and learning the business side added to the challenge.
Finding my place in a saturated market was another hurdle. I didn’t have a niche, which made branding harder. But over time, I realized versatility was my strength. Every genre taught me something new, and every setback shaped me into a more capable photographer.
In moments of fatigue and doubt, I remember something I once told a distraught Soldier: “The size of the obstacle that stops you reflects the degree of your determination.” That mindset has helped me push through. Every obstacle has been a test, and a teacher.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in portraiture, headshots, and event photography, but I’ve worked across a wide range of genres, from real estate and sports to weddings and landscapes. I’m known for being versatile, technically precise, and deeply committed to capturing images that feel authentic and intentional.
One of my proudest moments was winning the 2023 Downtown Artists Co-op Photography Open in the People category with my very first contest submission. I was also nominated for Best Headshot Photographer locally in 2024, and while I didn’t win, the recognition meant a lot. And to this day, I remain the only Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) in Clarksville, TN.
What sets me apart is my approach. I’m a bit old-fashioned: I still prefer to meet clients in person before a session and host image reveal showings afterward. I always offer clients the option to skip the reveal, but most choose to experience it. That personal connection matters.
I also aim to get the shot right in camera. I believe in mastering the fundamentals so that editing becomes a tool, not a necessity. My work is guided by the idea that “through discipline comes freedom.” That mindset allows me to adapt to different genres and client needs without compromising quality or creativity.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Technology will continue to be the driving force, not just in cameras, but also in smartphones and AI. From point-and-shoots to professional-grade gear, cameras are becoming increasingly reliant on automation. While this can sometimes hinder technical growth for newcomers, it also opens doors for accessibility and creative experimentation. For those willing to dig deeper, the fundamentals are still there and still worth mastering.
Smartphones have come a long way. My own device boasts a 200MP camera. Do I use it to its full potential? No. Do I use it at all? Rarely. The convenience of smartphones has sparked the argument: “Why hire a photographer when my phone does just as well?” But the truth is, even with all their advancements, smartphones are heavily software dependent and lack the hardware and control to match professional results.
AI is another major shift. Some creatives embrace it for its efficiency and potential, while others avoid it altogether. Personally, I see it as a tool, not a replacement. AI draws from existing imagery, but it can’t replicate the intentionality, connection, and nuance of a human photographer.
Despite all these changes, I don’t believe professional photographers are going anywhere. The craft may evolve, but the need for skilled, thoughtful image-making will remain.
Pricing:
- Headshots: starting at $199 ($150 for groups)
- Portrait Sessions: starting at $275
- Real estate: starting at $125
- Weddings: starting at $999
- Events: custom quote based on duration and scope
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jholmanphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jholmanphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuaholman.photo
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holmanprosvc/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/jholmanphoto
