Header photo: Yellow Rain Coat _ Original Crop by photographer JC_Photographs

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community, sharing their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed JC_Photographs, a hobbyist PurplePort photographer with more than 2 years of experience based in Brighton, United Kingdom. 

Crystal by photographer JC_Photographs with model CrystalCryMoon

Estelle is a Boss by photographer JC_Photographs

About PurplePort photographer JC_Photographs

Joshua Casper is an American creative who recently moved to the UK after spending over a decade in Brazil. 

His artistic journey began in Atlanta, where he studied music production in art school. Initially a hobbyist DJ, playing at house parties and in bedrooms, Joshua's breakthrough came when he was invited to DJ an industry night in Atlanta. The show’s success quickly propelled him into a full-time role as a club DJ, thanks to the connections he made within the city’s vibrant music scene.

It was during one of his DJ sets that Joshua met his partner, a Brazilian native. In search of new adventures, he accepted her invitation to move to a large island off the northeastern coast of Brazil. Together, they opened an English school, which never fully gained traction. However, the downtime allowed Joshua to refine his music production skills and teaching techniques, eventually leading him to create educational music content on YouTube.

In just a few short years, Joshua caught the attention of a Brighton-based music technology company, which offered him a contract and sponsored his visa to work full-time in the UK. The opportunity pushed Joshua to evolve from screen-recording tutorials to stepping in front of the camera, expanding his skill set. The company also equipped him with Sony A7S III cameras and high-end G Master lenses, enabling him to explore photography in depth.

While waiting for his family’s visas for seven months, Joshua challenged himself to take at least one unique photo every day. Though this project lasted just three months, it allowed him to fully grasp the technicalities of his camera gear, resulting in some of his favorite images to date.

Now, Joshua manages a small team of videographers and on-screen personalities. He is behind and in front of the camera almost every day. While photography is not his full-time job, he jumps at an opportunity to be involved in photo projects. 

Since joining our creative community in 2023, Joshua has built up a number of glowing references on PurplePort, won a daily competition, and had his stunning work featured in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection.

Natalia by photographer JC_Photographs

FEATURED Interview with PurplePort photographer JC_Photographs

How did you get into photography?

Well, to be completely honest, how I actually started taking photos is super uninspiring.

When I first got to the UK, my family was stuck in VISA hell. I was bored and had full-time access to a couple of Sony A7s iii cameras for my job. I figured, why not try photography?

I set out to take at least one photo every day to learn the ropes and try as many types of photography as possible. I think I did 70+ sequential days. I quickly fell in love with the art, and while I am not still shooting every day, I do shoot as often as possible. 

A Walk on the Beach by photographer JC_Photographs

Old Couple in Love & Conversation by photographer JC_Photographs

What did you do before becoming a photographer?

I have been a professional touring club DJ in the US, I have owned an English school in Brazil and I make music production videos and manage a small team of videographers as a full-time job here in England.

I have been all over the road, but it has almost always been in and around art and/or teaching. I feel incredibly fortunate because of that! 

Zara by photographer JC_Photographs

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

Coffee and mood boards. It sounds simple, but both of those things are fundamental to me getting in and staying in the zone. 

Unless I have a clear vision for someone or something, I also get the model involved with the mood board and inspiration gathering. Coming up with something we can both be excited about is such a big win, and this can come on the day, but it is much better coming before we meet up. 

Day at the office by photographer JC_Photographs

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

I am currently deep in the throes of portraiture. There is something insanely gratifying about getting a photo that is moving with just one set of eyes, one face, one body and next to nothing happening in the background. I am a minimalist in a lot of ways, and I suppose this is an extension of that.

Though, one of the things I find most exciting is trying new things. I literally want to try it all. Unfamiliar experiences are incredibly attractive to me. I thrive off not being 100% sure. There is still so much for me to explore, test and try, and I am looking forward to it all. 

Image by photographer JC_Photographs

SK _ What You Looking At? by photographer JC_Photographs

What do you most enjoy about being a photographer?

In short, capturing moments that make me, the model and the viewer feel something. 

I love the challenge. I love making small tweaks to lights. I like suggesting crazy poses. I love the collaboration with the models. 

Miss Brazil in Blue by photographer JC_Photographs with model Miss Brazil

Summer Vibes Pt. 2 by photographer JC_Photographs with model Miss Brazil

What would you describe as your main strengths as a photographer?

This is an interesting question to answer about yourself. I am not sure. I think I can get a few great portraits on any shoot. I am pretty good with lights, but wow, do I feel like I have so much more to learn. 

Another aspect, which some may not see as a strength, is being open to a lot of collaboration with the model I am shooting with. I really approach things like it is a team sport. I have some objectives, but I always ask that anyone I am working with does as well. I think the real winners always come somewhere in the combination of both. 

Miss Brazil is Comfortable by photographer JC_Photographs with model Miss Brazil

What's your absolute favourite photo?

My photo "boy vs wave" is one of my first photos ever—Day #55. It shows a young person standing in front of a massive wave on Christmas day. It was taken on the seafront near Brighton a couple of years ago. The sea was tumultuous and aggressive like I had never seen it here. 

I particularly like that his right foot is raised, and it's unclear if he is walking towards or away from the wave.  

Some photographers might not like the cinematic aspect ratio crop I did to it, but I do. 

Boy vs Wave by photographer JC_Photographs

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

Peter Coulson for portraiture. I admire so much how he can spend an hour just setting up the lights, shooting hundreds of photos, and all that just for one or two winners. His portraits are so minimal, mono, and seductive but not gratuitous. He also just seems like someone I could have a beer with and talk shop.

I also really enjoy Peter Mckinnon. He has a massive YouTube channel and is great at that, but his images are pure fire as well. I think it’s awesome that being a massive success on YouTube has opened doors for him to do some seriously impressive photography around the world. 

Reese by photographer JC_Photographs

What advice would you give to a photographer just starting out?

Shoot, edit, repeat... as often and as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to shoot and fail. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t be shy on a shoot, but do be respectful and courteous. 

Those boots by photographer JC_Photographs with model HannahLouPole2

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

Crazy talk! 

Estelle _ Steel Blue Gaze by photographer JC_Photographs

SK _ Black Hooded Jacket by photographer JC_Photographs

Yellow Rain Coat _ Original Crop by photographer JC_Photographs

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, JC_Photographs. 

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of JC_Photographs' beautiful work!

Here's where you can find more of JC_Photographs' work

PurplePort: JC_Photographs

Instagram: joshua_casper 

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