Meet Joseph Barber | Photographer

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

Hi Joseph, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
My path to starting a photography business was anything but linear. I spent years in the restaurant industry bartending and serving, honestly, I loved it and thought it might be my career. I also had a degree in finance, which felt like the “responsible” path, so I dipped my toes into the financial world. But sitting in a cubicle under fluorescent lights all day? It drained the life out of me.

I eventually went to theology school, became a minister, and thought that would be my life’s calling. Ironically, that’s when photography just a creative outlet at the time, started tugging at me. Friends who were getting married asked me to shoot their weddings, even though I had only photographed nature, landscapes, and my travels. I said yes.

That’s when something clicked.

I met a friend who was a professional photographer, started listening to podcasts, and realized…this could actually be a thing. A real career. Even as someone raised in a left-brain world, physics awards, engineering, finance…photography woke up something in me that had been buried: the artist.

The funny part is, photography is both. It’s deeply artistic, but it’s also technical and strategic. That balance spoke to me. Over the years, I’ve gone through highs and lows, but the thing that keeps me in it, more than money or freedom, is the fulfillment I get from creating. That spark is what drives me. It’s the one thing in my life I keep coming back to, no matter what.

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 didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a photographer. I studied finance. Worked in restaurants. Went to theology school. For a while, I thought ministry was my life path. But underneath all that, I always kept creating. Art classes were the one thing I kept coming back to. Drawing, design, composition—I couldn’t not make things. I just didn’t think it could ever pay the bills.

Then one day in Portland, I picked up a camera. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t some grand vision. But something shifted. Suddenly I had this way of connecting—with nature, with people, with emotion. It gave me a way to feel, to notice, to slow down. That’s how it started.

At first, I shot landscapes and flowers. Then friends started asking me to shoot their weddings. I had no idea what I was doing, but I kept showing up. I started learning the business. Learning light. Learning how to create something that felt like the moment—not just looked like it.

What sets my work apart? I don’t shoot to impress. I shoot to connect. I’m not trying to follow trends or match someone else’s vibe. I want the photo to feel like you. The quiet glances. The weird laughs. The chaos and stillness of life in motion. That’s the good stuff. That’s what lasts.

This journey hasn’t been easy. There have been doubts, burnout, seasons where I almost walked away. But I kept coming back to the creative part. The part that makes me feel alive. That’s what keeps me going. Not the likes. Not the bookings. The art.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best work comes when you stop trying to control everything. When you trust your gut. When you shoot from the heart, not a checklist. That’s how I show up. That’s how I shoot.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a close friend came to visit Southern California, I’d want to show them the real rhythm of this place. Not the tourist checklist, but the way I actually live and breathe here.

We’d start with Joshua Tree. It’s where I go to disconnect. I shoot astro photography out there, but more than that, I go to remember how quiet the world can be. It feels like another planet. No signal, no pressure, just stars, rock, and stillness.

Back on the coast, we’d spend a day at San Onofre or Trestles. I’m a surfer, and this is my version of church. We’d park the van, make coffee, surf, chill, eat, nap, and repeat. It’s simple and perfect.

Laguna Beach is always on the list. We’d explore the hidden coves, walk the cliffs, pop into art galleries, and watch the sun light up the water around golden hour. After that, we’d hit one of the rooftops. The Rooftop Lounge and Skyloft are staples. And if we’re in the mood for something more chaotic, The Dirty Bird in Laguna delivers every time.

Balboa Island is one of my favorite places. I used to work there, and it still feels like its own little world. The boats, the boardwalks, the old houses, the frozen bananas. It’s timeless. I’d pair that with a cruise through Newport Beach, just soaking in the energy of the harbor and coast.

For food, we’d hit a few go-tos. Wilma’s Patio on Balboa for classic pancakes, Sancho’s are always worth the stop. Bear Coast Coffee has great views and an even better vibe.

If the energy is right, we’d head into LA or San Diego for one night. Rooftop bars, live music, and that late-night energy you can only get in the city. Then head back to the ocean for a slower morning.

This is how I experience Southern California. Sunrise to sunset, art to chaos, saltwater to starlight.

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?
If I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would go to a few key people and resources that shaped my path as a photographer.

First, the book Picture Perfect Lighting by Roberto Valenzuela helped me finally understand how to see and shape light. Before that, lighting felt like luck. That book gave me structure and clarity, and helped me realize photography is just as much about observation as it is about gear.

Second, the talk Photography from the Heart by Joe Buissink, hosted by B&H, completely shifted how I approach photography. I had been stuck trying to copy other people’s styles and chasing what I thought was “good.” Joe’s story reminded me that photography is about connection, emotion, and honesty. It helped me give myself permission to shoot from the inside out.

Lastly, I want to shout out my friend Elmer from TNK Photo. He’s been in the wedding industry for over 15 years. I first met him buying a strobe off Craigslist, and over time he became a mentor I could call or message with questions. He’s always been generous with his knowledge and feedback, and having someone like that in the industry has made a huge difference.

Website: https://josephbarberphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephb.photo/

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/josephmbarber/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JosephBarberPhotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/joseph-barber-photography-newport-beach-2

Image Credits
All photos by Joseph Barber Photography