Interview with Joas Souza on Photography Trends

Website:
https://www.joasphotographer.com/

Country: United Kingdom

Photography Genres: Architectural, Interior, Industrial and Aerial Photography

Fave Camera Brand: Fujifilm

Socials:
Instagram | LinkedIn

What’s in your camera bag?

• Sony Alpha A7R IV
• Fujifilm GFX 50S
• Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Lens
• Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS Lens
• Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F/4 ZA OSS Lens
• Sony FE 12-24mm F/4 G Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens
• Canon TS-E 17mm F/4L Tilt And Shift L Series Lens
• Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Series Lens
• Fujifilm Lens GF 20-35mm F/4 R WR
• Fujifilm Lens GF 32-64mm F/4 R LM WR
• SMC Pentax-FA 645 35mm F3.5 AL [IF] Lens
• KIPON Shift P645-GFX adapter
• Techart EF-GFX EF-FG01+ Auto Focus Lens Adapter
• Metabones Canon EF Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Mark IV)
• Fujifilm EVF-TL1 GFX EVF Tilt Adaptor
• Canon Extender EF 1.4x III
• Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Tripod
• Photo Clam Multiflex Head with Arca-Type Plate

Where do you get the latest news on new gear? Where do You usually buy new gear?

DPreview.com for the latest news in new gear. Normally, I buy from wexphotovideo.com.

How is photography making the world a better place in 2024?

As photographers, we will continue to make the world a better place through our craft. Through visual storytelling, we will raise awareness, capture powerful moments, and inspire positive change. We will document social and environmental injustices, advocate for important causes, and encourage sustainable practices.

Preserving diverse cultures, we foster understanding and appreciation. By capturing collective memories and disseminating knowledge, we will keep contributing to the preservation of history. Together, we can make a meaningful impact, promoting empathy and positive transformation in 2024.

What emerging photography trends do you foresee gaining popularity in 2024?

I foresee that starting from 2024 and continuing beyond, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to perfect or enhance images captured by humans will become not only a trend but a revolutionary tool that photographers can expect.

The integration of AI into photography will open up new possibilities for us photographers to refine our images in ways that were once limited by budget, resources, or technical constraints. This integration will empower us photographers to achieve desired results more efficiently and affordably.

If you could pick a photography mentor in 2024, who would you pick? Why?

Chris Burkard will likely be the one. I would love to hear from him how he manages to have 3.9 million followers on Instagram while being a photographer at the same time. Achieving such a massive following as a photographer requires dedicating a significant amount of time to creating content for social media. I find it truly puzzling how he manages to handle both roles effectively.

What is your favorite photography-related book or resource that will continue to have a significant impact on your career in 2024? Why?

I have a collection of wonderfully inspiring books on my shelf that I use as a source of inspiration to create increasingly better images. Many of them are not directly related to the type of photography I pursue, but the exceptional level of perfectionism and craftsmanship showcased in each photograph by these photographers is truly inspiring.

Some notable publications in my collection include works by Sebastião Salgado and Bernhard Edmaier. Additionally, books like ‘A Photographic History of Modern American Architecture’ by Ezra Stoller and ‘Modernism Rediscovered’ by Julius Shulman have also been influential in my creative journey.

What is your go-to method for overcoming creative block and finding inspiration in 2024?

My go-to method for overcoming creative block and finding inspiration is to immerse myself in different forms of art and seek new experiences. I believe that creativity thrives on diversity and exposure to various artistic expressions.

To break through a creative block, I often explore different mediums like music and literature or visit art galleries. Engaging with different art forms helps me to shift perspectives, discover fresh ideas, and ignite my imagination.

If you could give one piece of advice to a beginner in photography, what would it be?

Gain knowledge about the photography business, including various ways to monetise your creations, ideas, and photographs. It’s essential to understand how to effectively generate income from your talent and passion. It can be disheartening to possess exceptional photography skills but struggle to sell your work. It’s crucial to learn not only about the art of photography but also the art of running a business.

Just as owning a well is useless if you cannot sell water to a thirsty person in the desert, photographers must possess the ability to market and sell their work. So, in addition to honing your photography skills, it’s equally important to develop your business acumen.

Can you share a specific tool, technology, or software that has revolutionized your workflow and significantly enhanced your creative process as a photographer?

It was actually a book that has revolutionised my workflow, not a tool, technology, or software, but ‘The 4-Hour Work Week.’ book This book introduced me to the concept of outsourcing tasks unrelated to the creation of my images, which has resulted in a remarkable alleviation of responsibilities. By delegating non-creative aspects of my work, I have experienced a newfound sense of creative freedom, relaxation, and the ability to dedicate more time to my family and other fulfilling pursuits in life.

I believe that creativity thrives on diversity and exposure to various artistic expressions.

Joas Souza

What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness as a photographer in 2024?

My biggest strength: Technical Proficiency and Adaptability. I strive to maintain a high level of technical proficiency, staying up to date with the latest camera gear, editing software, and photography techniques. This enables me to produce high-quality images and adapt to evolving trends in the industry.

I am also very good at self-promotion and effectively marketing my work, although, in 2024, with the growing importance of social media and online platforms, it will be crucial for me to develop stronger branding, marketing strategies, and networking skills. Improving my ability to showcase and promote my photography more would help me reach a wider audience and secure more opportunities.

What is the biggest challenge in your photography genre in 2024? What are the solutions?

The biggest challenge is the rising competition and market saturation. To overcome this challenge, we should focus on developing effective marketing strategies and cultivating closer relationships with clients. Delivering exceptional results that surpass client expectations, both in terms of photography and customer service.

It’s important to understand that being the best in your niche is not the only path to success. Marketing and strong public relations skills play a vital role in establishing a successful photography business. By effectively promoting your work and building positive relationships with clients, you can stand out in the competitive market and achieve long-term success.

What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a photography niche or specialization in 2024?

Choosing a photography niche involves considering various factors, but passion is crucial. Genuine interest and enjoyment in the subject matter drive motivation and result in better work. Dedication and commitment stem from this passion, leading to continuous learning and improvement.

Specialising in a niche allows you to develop expertise and stand out among competitors. It enables targeted marketing to reach the specific audience interested in your niche. Differentiation in a saturated market becomes possible, attracting clients who value your specialised skills. Starting with genuine passion sets the foundation for long-term success and fulfillment as a photographer.

Is there anything else you would like to add or any final thoughts you would like to share about your artistic journey, inspirations, or the impact you hope to make through your photography?

A photographer’s legacy is the images they leave behind at the end of their life. It is essential for photographers to reflect on whether these images truly represent the legacy they want to leave behind. Striving to master the craft and refusing to settle for mediocrity is key.

To be remembered for the beauty of your work, it is important to continuously learn and improve. The way you photograph and the subjects you choose to capture will shape how people remember you. Therefore, it is crucial to never stop learning, to constantly seek improvement, and to create images that truly reflect your vision and passion. Your photographs have the power to leave a lasting impact and become a part of your artistic legacy.