Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Gaines.
Joseph, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2012, I developed an interest in photography as a hobby. I decided to purchase my first DSLR a (Canon 60 D). I quickly became consumed with learning all I could about digital photography. I joined several photographies meet up groups and attended various shoots with them. Thanks to the generous encouragement and support of several very skilled photographers, I have continued to improve my skill over the following three years.
Three years ago, I retired from the La Mesa Police Department and took the huge leap and started my sole proprietor photography business. I have joined the Carlsbad Oceanside Artists League and the Artists Alliance at the Oceanside Museum of Art. The art alliance offers exhibition opportunities with other galleries that the museum is affiliated with.
During the last six years, I have traveled to many locations for photography, the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, the Bosque del Apache, National Wildlife Refuge, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park and to Spain.
After a career that covered 40 years in Law Enforcement, (20 years in the USAF, Military Police/ Dog Handler, 8 1/2 years with the US Customs Service as a Narcotics Detector Dog Handler and 12 years with the La Mesa Police Department), who would have thought that there was an artist inside of me. Well, there is and this is me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road as a professional has been slow, I haven’t had a lot of sales. I have been concentrating on producing more content as well as expanding the areas of where my photography can be seen. I have an online photography business page that can be found at www.jg3photography.com and a Facebook Photography page that can be found at www.facebook.com/jg3photography/
Joseph Gaines Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The name of my business is “Joseph Gaines Photography”. I specialize in landscape photography but I also do other types such as engagement and some event photography as well as wildlife photography.
One of my photographs of a Sandhill Crane taken at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico was selected for Honorable Mention in the color wildlife category at the San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography in 2017.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
When I look at the end results of my work, I realize that I have produced something to proud of and happy to have my name as the artist that created the work. Yes, I want more sales, but I know that is only one part of what makes what I do a success.
I am looking for more venues to exhibit my work and plan on entering more photographic competitions as well as join other galleries that have shows in San Diego County.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jg3photography.com
- Phone: 619-867-8934
- Email: jg3photography@yahoo.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jg3photography/
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