Meet Alan Joseph | Professional Photographer and Tax Consultant

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

Hi Alan, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard”. I’m not sure who said it but it has stuck with me for many years. The phrase is important to me because it highlights the fact that although someone may be naturally gifted at something, there is someone else that may not be naturally gifted at that craft but can quickly “close the gap” with discipline and putting in the work. The other side to it is keeping the talented person humble and in a state of constant learning to not get comfortable.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a New York based portrait photographer. I think what sets me apart is the experience that I create for my clients. Doing a photoshoot is not something that most people are naturally comfortable with so when I create an environment that allows them to truly express themselves, I am content. It was not easy because in doing this, it forces me to have interactions with different people at times where my social bar may be low. But in the long run, people are not only pleased with the quality of the work but their overall experience with me which is a combination of our interactions prior, during, and after the shoot, down to even the music that I play during the photoshoots. This is where building a brand comes to play which encompasses more than just taking a nice photo. I want the world to know that our mission is to positively impact society by empowering individuals to share their vision.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Long Island City which is in Queens, New York. There are many restaurants by the water along with a pier with a view of the city. One of the most interesting things to check out are the Speakeasys in New York. The themes of these place truly transport you to a different place.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize the National Association of Black Accountants (known as NABA) and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (known as ALPFA) as major contributors to my professional development during my college days. Those organizations have shown me the importance of networking which can exceed the benefits of merit-based success and opportunities. Being great at your craft is fundamental skill that is necessary but having a solid network and mentorship to guid you once receiving recognition of your greatness is equally if not more important. As a professional photographer, people expect me to take nice photos but what really drives the business is a network of individuals that can put you in front of opportunities, something that knowing how to take a photo doesn’t help with.

Website: www.ajfotographyllc.com

Instagram: Aj.fotography

Image Credits
AJ Fotography