Daily Inspiration: Meet Joshua Libertine

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

Hi Joshua, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my journey with photography in 2006. My first camera was a tiny silver Canon XSI with the infamous 18-55! When I graduated high school, I ended up attending the University of Mississippi with my sister. I first opened up a photo studio in Memphis back in 2013 after dropping out of college.

I floated around for a while trying to figure out how to actually make money from my photo studio days. I took odd jobs painting the side of a building and selling gym equipment then finally landed a job as a studio manager for a Chicago-based Fortune 500 photogrammetry company. I specialized in workflow optimization. Across a 2-3 year span, I traveled extensively and I think I lived in maybe 5+ different states, from Kentucky to Indiana, Chicago, New York, Florida, to Nevada and eventually back to California.

Now I operate my own company and have 1 full-time employee, I own 2 Grip trucks, 3 Ton combo truck and Cargo Van, a pretty decent amount of lighting and grip equipment. 10+ Camera bodies, full sets of large format cinema lenses and most importantly I’m able to provide for my family. I think that’s the biggest accomplishment of all.

Currently, I have no investors, no silent partners, no mentors, no family loans, no credit, no favors just me grinding it out.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the beginning, it definitely was not a smooth road, to say the least. I think to live in LA you almost have to earn your right to be a creative here. I began my journey in the production world as a PA on the CBS lot near the grove.

One experience I remember as a PA is a 1st AD telling me over the radio to jump into the trash can to push down the trash to fit more bags specifically because I had nice shoes on. I’ll never forget the feeling of walking across set and hopping in that terrible-smelling trash can in front of everyone. This is one of the main reasons why I try and push for higher rates for PA’s as well as not overwork them.

At the time, I couldn’t afford to live in Los Angeles so I was living with my mom in Vegas and would drive to LA for the projects. Sometimes I’d only work 2 or 3 times out of the week, so, in between those days I couldn’t justify driving back. I would end up sleeping in my car. At the time, I had a LA Fitness membership, which I definitely used to the max. I’d work out there, shower, then sleep in their parking lot. Sometimes I’d sleep in the parking of the hospital which ended up being much safer than the other spots I’d pick.

I lived out of my car for about 8 months or so before officially settling down in a place in West Covina. I absolutely hated it and that’s one of the main things that pushes me when I’m out in the field. I never want to feel that feeling ever again.

In 2018 my truck was broken into and all my gear was stolen along with rental items. It seems like as soon as I started settling in LA spit me right back out.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Director of Photography by trade but will occasionally play director for a few pieces here and there depending on the project. I love lighting & creative compositions so far side key and a little salt and pepper is a must in my work. It’s hard to get the camera out of my hands so I tend to sneak in a few handheld inserts here and there if I’m ahead of schedule.

For most of my projects, I incorporate some sort of creative camera rigging along with little lighting queues. I don’t know what I’m known for but hopefully, it’s for being a good person and being a leader who likes to get his hands dirty in all departments.

I’m not sure what sets me apart from others, as I believe everyone’s journey is equally complicated and mysterious. I have an overly passionate personality so I jump with both feet regardless of the project or the rate. Only thing I think that sets me apart from others is how much I reinvest in myself and my future. I’m definitely the person who’s reinvesting over 50% of my income consistently.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
One stands out and really helped push my career was Young Dolph. When I was first started my transition over to camera dept. he and his team whole wholeheartedly trusted me with their vision. I think I did maybe 20+ projects with them over the span of three months and that’s what allowed me to officially move to LA. I’ll never forget when I pulled that folding table out of my truck and from that moment, he started calling me J Everything instead of J Libertine. He was a great person.

And lastly, I think one of my biggest supporters would have to be my fiance, Mia. Throughout this entire journey, she’s been by my side pushing me to keep going, buying me books about lighting and production that I’d read while living in my car and most importantly she’s sacrificed her time with me to allow me to go out and chase my dreams. There’s even been times where I’m running a few too many projects at once and don’t have funds from the labels to clear crew payments and she’s given me the money balance while I wait on back ends. Thank you a million times over.

As far as mentors, I’m still looking for one in both business and film or even an agent, so if anyone reading this please call me. I’m happy to learn and shadow.

Contact Info:

• Website: joshualibertine.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/joshualibertine