November 5, 2016

Meet Hollywood Photographer, Videographer, and Editor: Joshua Applegate

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Applegate.

Joshua, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I picked up my first camera in the 90’s, called the Tyco Video Camera for kids from Toys R’ Us.

I eventually bought myself an ‘adult’ video camera and began creating family videos from our family gatherings over the years.

I moved to Los Angeles when I was 15 years old and continued my passion in video. Filming school shows, plays, dances, and gathering my friends to make music videos and shorts.

Attended UCSC for Film/Digital Media to then drop out after 2 years to pursue my dreams in the film industry back home in Hollywood. I got a job at H.S.I. Productions at a PA and worked my way up to Vault Manager where I cataloged and stored the commercials and music videos, occasionally being able to cut sizzle reels for the directors.

I worked at H.S.I. for 3 years when the industry was changing and was forced to be laid off, which then I took a year to road trip America and discovered a love for photography and ended up at Getty Images as a photo editor, working on red carpet events and award shows.

7 years later I’ve developed my career as a self-employed photographer and videographer. I shoot weddings, events, EPK, behind the scenes films, shorts, portraits, landscape, travel, you name it.

Many times I’ve toyed with the idea of a new career, but the creativity is what inspires me, so that’s what I continue to do. My other aspirations would be building furniture with my hands, architecture, and interior design.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it was not a smooth road for me. I’ve struggled with self-confidence in my work. I’ve also struggled with not making enough money with my art to live on. I’ve taken tons of time off to travel and try to rediscover my inspiration. And in most cases, I would come back full of inspiration.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am looking forward to expanding my clientele and my brand in photography and video. I’ve worked in Entertainment photo for 7 years and really looking to break into more commercial/creative work. I plan to fully utilize the ever growing technology while holding true to the classic photographic/video traditions keeping my work authentic and real.

Let’s go backward a bit – can you tell us about the most trying time in your career?
My confidence as an artist. Sure, fear of failure is a battle and learning to live present in the moment is the key. I’ve always been hard on myself, I’m my own worst enemy and would compare myself to so many other AMAZING artists. However, the moments I’m totally submerged into my creativity is when I put all judgment aside and get lost in my projects, allowing for inspiration to breathe.

I went through a period of my life where fear completely held me back from saying yes to any work in photography or videography. When I took a year off to travel, inspiration came naturally when I would hold up my camera to my eye. I began to vlog my travels which then grew into starting a youtube channel for a while. I’ve re-discovered that capturing moments is what truly inspires me. When I am able to capture someone else’s memories through MY lens and move them emotionally, that is what keeps me doing what I do.

Are there days when you feel like you’ve done everything you wanted to, careerwise – the “I’ve made it” kind of moments?
My first time working on a film as a BTS/EPK videographer/photographer which led to multiple films to follow. Receiving IMDB credit “Behind the scenes by Joshua Applegate”. Shooting for Getty Images, having a byline that says “Photo by Joshua Applegate”. When I post a wedding on social media and comments of memories and emotion flood my facebook page. I wouldn’t say “I’ve made it”, I probably never will. In my head, there is no end goal to this journey, just the feeling, and experience of each moment.

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