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

Hi Joe, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe finding one’s voice is the end game for all artists. As creatives we can easily fall into the trap of following trends and popularity contests. They say the definition of a hack is one who strives to create the work they believe others want to see, a true artist is one who crafts the art they desire.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Working in healthcare with a specialty in newborns and pediatrics continues to be endlessly fulfilling. Even if things pop off with JSPhoto creative work I don’t imagine a world where I’m not at least part time of a team of people helping people.

In the mid-2000s I focused full time on pursuing photography as a career. I failed. From the ashes of failure I realized how difficult it is to be an independent creator during that time. Till this day my drive is to community build, connect with other creators, utilize people and tasks based on specific skillsets and project goals. I’ll go on shoots sometimes where rather than photog, my role is dedicated to assistant and its a lot of fun! Whether its group based or solo – its a great feeling to be part of a project thats bigger than ourselves.

Modern tech and its affordability as well as online resources for learning makes it an amazing time to be a creative! Its an entirely new landscape than when I was shooting with a Nikon D50 and before the invention of the iPhone. Many people are now regularly making a comfortable living chasing their passions and its a beautiful thing. I love creating and also enjoy helping others in their projects, putting on workshops, connecting talented and powerful people and helping folks achieve their image related needs for their brand or company.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Rocco’s Tacos consistently knocks it out the park! Their foods out of control and drinks are stellar.

If you want to chill or meditate – head towards the everglades. The Florida State parks are clean, pleasant, and a consistent source of a place to escape the traffic, take your shoes off and connect with nature while enjoying a sunset. Matheson Hammock park in Miami is one of my favs!

They Keys are like another continent attached to us where a 3 hour drive can deliver you to paradise. While visiting I always take a Fury Tour – theyre excellent boat and ocean adventures had at a reasonable price. I’ve been on nearly 20 of their eco, dolphin watching and sunset trips! … also, they do serve alcohol on the boat 😉

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to the vast online communities which bring inspiration, energy and knowledge to us all! I’ve had no formal training and all online taught. My educational background consists of art and design courses; so I’d like to shoutout amazing instructors all the way back to elementary school in the 1980s.

Some folks who are actively and intentionally fostering online learning communities and affect us creatives worldwide are:
Eric Pare and the folks on the Tubetribe
Manny Ortiz
Francisco Joel Hernandez

There are countless others which carve new paths, evolve the path and serve as inspiration.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsphoto_official/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jsphoto

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.