Meet Joshua Smith | Photographer & Spoken Word Artist

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

Hi Joshua, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I think the the best way to know if you should keep going or to give up, is based on the question, “Do I still love what I do?”. I always have to ask myself that exact question when I am feeling doubtful about my passion, photography. The moment that you answer “no” and feel like you, truly, do not love what you do, then that is the moment that you give up. Honestly, any individual who is thinking of starting a business or has started a business, has been told “no” or has felt opposition. From first-hand-experience, I know that opposition like that will cause self doubt. All in all, you still have to ask yourself, “Do I still love what I do?”. Even if that answer is “no”, it is not the end of the world and you are not giving up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am freelance photographer and started my very own photography business called “The Classic Shot”. The Classic Shot was created to portray everyday culture, through the lens a camera. It was my way of capturing every moment I witnessed, especially the moments that made me feel something inside. I think that’s what sets me apart from others. Many photographers treat photography as, simply, a source of income, and it reflects in their pictures. Yes, it can be a source of income, but it also should have some passion and love behind it. I first made a big impression with photography, while staying on campus at Florida International University. People took notice of me and my friends and it went on from there. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I had to continuously motivate my self and had a great support system in friends and family. I’ve learned that it will not be easy. You have to want what you’re working for very much. I would like the world to know that I am passionate about what I do and I believe that my work reflects all the hard work that I put into photography.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In my opinion one of my favorite places to visit, when I was in Miami, is the Wynwood Art District area. Wynwood caters to artist and creatives. It is a whole district that artists have free reign and can be as creative as they want to be. I also would recommend visiting Spain. When I was younger, my father was stationed in Spain, for military purposes. It was a life changing experience and I recommend everyone to take, at least, one trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutouts: -Sneaker Asylum Inc. : Black owned fashionable sneaker shop that supports other creatives || @shopsneakerasylum on IG -Hookah Papi LLC- Hookah Caterer || @hookahpapillc

Website: https://www.theclassicshot.com

Instagram: classicprinceofficial

Twitter: classicprincee