Daily Inspiration: Meet Josh Vaughn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Vaughn.

Hi Josh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been an artist my entire life but I really got into photography while I was in the Air Force living in Germany about 15 years ago.  I took every advantage I could to learn from advanced shooters and professionals and eventually went back to school to get a degree in photography and digital imaging.

When I started my photography business I took on any work I could get but through intense networking and relationship building, I’ve been able to carve out a niche in Automotive and Aviation photography as well as commercial photography.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m very lucky to do a job that is also my hobby. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d just keep doing what I’m doing but in a nicer house with a garage full of my favorite cars. I guess I don’t consider the journey I’ve taken to be a struggle because I’ve enjoyed it. I’d compare it to my wife Aimee who’s passionate about horseback riding and learning dressage.

Has it been easy? No, not at all but she’s loved every step just like I have with my business. The biggest struggle I’ve had is the fact that I’ve carved such a narrow niche that my work isn’t as broadly appealing as say a sports or portrait photographer. I enjoy both portrait and sports work but I’m known as a car photographer.

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’m a photographer specializing in Automotive and aviation photography. I think what I’m most known for is being comfortable in any shooting conditions with anything subject matter in front of my lens and getting incredible shots every time.

I was the photo editor for the newspaper in college and I used to push my staff photographers to be such a master of photography that I could put them on the sidelines at a football game, on the stage at a concert hall, in a portrait studio or in a low light fast-moving environment and they could not only get the shots but get impactful incredible images that tell a story. Maybe that’s what sets me apart from others in the car photography world is that I’m comfortable and confident in my skill in any situation and any environment. Trackside shooting racecars or in a studio with a model and off-camera flashes I know I will capture amazing images.

I’m most proud of the fact that almost daily I receive messages from people asking if they can tag along and learn from me. I think when you get to the point where others what to learn from you that’s a solid indication that you’re on the right track.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Be an expert. Just like with my staff photographers in college, be good enough and practice enough that you can thrive in any situation. I know anytime I pull out my cameras I’m going to get great images but that didn’t happen overnight- it took years of practice to build to that point. I think knowing that it’s going to take years- maybe a decade to get good is key.

I wish I knew the importance of networking early on. Networking, getting out there and meeting people, and telling them exactly what you’re looking for and what they can do to help you and your business is like throwing rocket fuel into the fires of your business plan.

Contact Info:

• Email: JoshSVaughn@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.joshvaughnphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh.vaughn.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshVaughnPhoto
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshvtacp
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoshVaughnPhotography

Image Credits
Ryan and Lauren Tannehill, Mike Wolfe