Meet Joseph Boatman | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Boatman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has played a significant role in my career. The most substantial risk I’ve taken was choosing not to pursue a traditional college education and instead investing in myself, focusing on personal development, and actively building a strong professional network to create opportunities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a child, my two greatest passions were sports and art, so being able to combine them in my career feels like the perfect fit. Photography allows me to capture moments from my unique perspective and incorporate them with my own creative style, resulting in a one-of-a-kind visual expression.

My journey to where I am today has been shaped by the guidance of incredible mentors who provided invaluable support and helped me access opportunities that can be difficult to obtain without industry connections. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust myself. After high school, I wasn’t certain about my path, and while many around me encouraged me to take the traditional college route, I felt it wasn’t the right choice for me. Instead, I relied on my skills and ability to build relationships, proving to myself that success was possible without a conventional college education.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As someone who loves both sports and the city, I would start by taking my friend to a Hawks game at State Farm Arena, followed by dinner at JJ’s, a local favorite.

For photography and culture, we’d visit Krog Street Tunnel, an iconic spot for capturing vibrant street art, and explore the BeltLine and Ponce City Market, which offer great city views and a lively atmosphere. Another must-visit is the High Museum of Art, a fantastic location for both creative inspiration and photography.

When it comes to food, some of the best spots in Atlanta include Hungry AF, Fellini’s, Slutty Vegan, and the iconic Varsity.

For relaxation and scenic views, Centennial Olympic Park and Stone Mountain are perfect places to unwind and take in the beauty of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been fortunate to receive a great deal of support since starting my business, but two individuals stand out in particular: Josef Wilkins and Scott Cunningham.

Josef, my best friend and a talented videographer and photographer, played a pivotal role in my journey. Throughout high school, I accompanied him to numerous events, and he was the primary influence behind my decision to purchase my first camera and begin building connections in the industry.

Scott Cunningham, on the other hand, has been a respected professional in the field for 48 years. When I decided to pursue photography, I shared my aspirations with him, and he generously took me under his wing. His mentorship has provided me with invaluable opportunities that have significantly shaped my career.

Website: https://josephboatman.pixieset.com/boatsportfolio/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephboatman_?igsh=dDZqcm1mOTU4czZ6&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-boatman-102360339

Image Credits
Photos by Joseph Boatman