One of the day-to-day aspects of running Social House that I didn't really expect was the level of education about the industry that I'd need to provide. I didn't know much about the coworking movement, either, when I first started planning the business - I just knew we'd outgrown our little shared work studio and needed a larger space. I've learned a lot along with everyone else, and still spend a part of each day answering the most popular question we get: "What is this place?" So, I was pretty happy when Josh first came in with an existing understanding of the coworking industry and experience as a member in other spaces. I was finally getting the opportunity that the House provides to our members: the chance to talk shop with others who get you.
On the daily, Josh is providing that sort of support and valuable insight to all of our members. As owner of Joshua Kane Photography, his depth of knowledge in photography and the wedding industry has been a great benefit to our crew of wedding folks, but he's also the kind of guy that is interested - and curious - about a lot of other things, too. Being able to having meaningful conversations about work and life with intelligent, driven, introspective, well-traveled people who get it is, in my opinion, the most valuable benefit of membership in a curated space like ours, and Josh is exactly that kind of person. We recently grabbed a beer with Josh to get his take on being a member, the challenges he's faced with his business, and the rewards that have followed.
What are you drinking?
IPAs
Current mood in less than 3 words:
Good, yea.
How did you discover that photography was what you wanted to do?
Discovering the emotional power of still imagery.
How'd you take the leap from passion to full time job?
I quit my full time job the day my daughter was born because I know that work/life balance and a career on my own terms was more important than an unfulfilling job.
What's your favorite part about what your industry?
That it's centered around a really happy occasion, and that there is very little negativity.
How has Social House helped you with the way you do business?
I get a different perspective on my industry everyday from the other vendors in-house. It's handy to be able to listen in on a bride's consultation with a cake designer or dress boutique or event planner and stylist. I learn all sorts of useful tips from the overhead conversations.
Any productivity tips or secrets?
Don't check your e-mail before 11am, even though I do that every single day. Tackle your to-do list before you get side tracked with responding to e-mails.
Any tips for other creatives looking to start their own business?
Put yourself in a sink or swim situation where you have no choice but to succeed. I got that philosophy from Travis Barker (drummer Blink182) who tattooed his entire body by the time he was 18 so that a real profession wasn't an option, he wanted to be a musician.
Your ah-ha moment:
Probably discovering that there are other photographers with an alternative style that are making a big splash in the industry, where it's considered okay to be a dude wedding photographer and it's not a weird stigma. That gave me the freedom to experiment with each shoot without having to worry about falling into the category of "traditional" wedding photographer. Handing over images that I enjoy just as much as the couples I'm shooting was a huge ah-ha moment.
Something that has happened while owning your own business that you never could have planned for or expected:
Moving to Australia was always the plan, but having twins, which is awesome and amazing, threw a wrench in the works as far as business goals. We had to move back to the US and essentially start from scratch.
Most challenging part and rewarding part of owning your own biz:
Challenging: The work/life balance is difficult, since you can't switch it off at the end of the day like most 9-5. I couldn't walk past my computer on the way to the kitchen without stopping to check my e-mail, and then I would forget to eat.
Rewarding: Knowing that my personal lifestyle and freedom is tied only to my individual effort, and not reliant on anyone else.
Most rewarding part of your week:
Towards the end of the week I'm usually delivering or posting images and getting some kind of feedback, which usually gives me warm fuzzy feelings.
What do you wish more people knew about you?
I don't really enjoy small talk. I have no reservations getting really deep, really quick in a conversation.
Your dream job:
I'm living the dream.
Your favorite piece of work:
Two years ago I shot a really intimate wedding at the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden for a couple who had a surprise announcement for their guests, that they were expecting. Nothing I've seen yet comes close to the emotional weight that that day carried.
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