Meet Josh Luten | Southern California Photographer

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

Hi Josh, why did you pursue a creative career?
Expression and having a creative outlet is important to me.

Whether it’s playing in bands who used to practice 5 days a week, and played shows on the weekends, or going out for photos; I have a need to create something that’s enjoyable and interesting.

Music speaks. Photography speaks. And I think my photos have something fun and interesting to say.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
First, I’m a hobbyist street and landscape photographer. But photography is fun and rewarding in so many ways.

There’s a whole photography niche of a dreamy, surreal, and vibrant sky aesthetic on Instagram.
It’s like the sky aesthetic of the video game Grand Theft Auto.

I take photos of beaches, iconic palm tree streets, landmarks, and various landscapes. And I cover San Diego County, Orange County, and LA County. Not everyone shoots the combo of those counties and subjects.

There’s a lot to admire out here.
It feels like giving gratitude to the state by sharing its natural beauty. And that’s how my page began.

I’m a self taught photographer, and also learned editing apps on my own. So when the page started taking off, I felt encouraged to continue.
It took some time to hone in edits, so there was a cringe phase of posts. Luckily I found a groove.

I’m truly blessed to live in California and do what I do. I’m grateful and thankful for everything and everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well let’s say you wanted to check out San Diego County. For food, I’d suggest anywhere in Oceanside. But down in the city there’s a ton of options too. For example, North Park, downtown, and Ocean Beach all have excellent restaurants for any mood you’re in.

During the daytime and afternoon it’s fun hanging out at any of our beaches.

But I mainly know spots for sunsets. Which can also serve as spots to hangout and eat depending where it is.

La Jolla is always a go to place for everything from eating, sight seeing, shopping, you name it.

Oceanside is another example of having all of those things.

Every area, town, and city in San Diego County has its own vibe, and energy. So if you’re in one spot today, and visit another tomorrow, it’ll feel a little different. San Diego County is unique and rich with character.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My partner Meredith deserves a lot of credit.

She’s been the biggest supporter since day one. She’s encouraging, and is there for me every step of the way.

If available, she’ll join me on drives to locations throughout San Diego, Orange County, and LA.

It’s also not uncommon for me to call her with my headphones on, to help talk me through my shoots. For instance, I get anxious sometimes.

Even when I’m putting posts together, she has the outside eye I need for advice. Whether that’s her thoughts on edits, or her thoughts on songs, she offers perspective.

I’ll always be thankful for her.

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

Other: https://www.threads.net/chasingsocalphotos

Image Credits
Josh Luten