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Capturing life’s moments perfectly in frame comes naturally for Hope resident Joshua Adams.

The 26-year-old Hauser alumnus recalls watching his mother, Teresa Bradford, taking lots of pictures as she documented holidays, vacations and ‘just because’ moments for her scrapbooks. As a kid, Adams recalls getting the honor of wielding the camera every now and again and when he had the chance to pursue photography in 4-H, Adams knew he was onto something.

After graduating from Hauser in 2016, Adams went on to pursue a degree in advertising from Ball State University.

“I decided to pick up photography as a concentration on my major doing photojournalism,” Adams says. “And I used those skills they gave me to turn into my own business.”

Adams readily admits the landscape of photography has changed quite a bit since the days of point-and-shoot disposable 110 cameras of back in the day that gave way to the wider introduction of digital in the early 2000s.  

“Just with digital cameras from when I was a kid to now, the quality and what you can do with them has changed so much,” he says. “Really, anyone can take pictures and they are going to look like good photos.”

Embracing Canon as his go-to brand, Adams says regardless of the camera used, the challenge comes down to setting one’s work apart from a sea of other photographers putting their best shots forward.

In part, it is a matter of defining one’s style, he says. And, like any artist, it takes a while to find the groove and flow that defines one’s own trademark approach.

Shortly after taking photos for an Easter breakfast event at WILLow LeaVes of Hope a few years ago, the wheels of opportunity to create and nurture his dedication to the art of photography were set into motion.

Adams was presented with the opportunity to take photographs for Night Owl Country Band’s inaugural Who’s Hoo Award Show in 2022; a mission he chose to accept despite his nervousness. 

As is common with artists, regardless of medium, the tendency is to compare oneself to others in the field. And, more often than not, the worst critic is the one in the mirror.

“You always want your clients to love your photos,” he says. “Whenever you send them off, you’re always a little nervous.”

However, Adam’s initial worries were all for naught.

When asked about his experience working with Adams, Matt Lee, lead singer of the Night Owl Country Band, readily says Adams is the best photographer the band has worked with since it formed nearly 10 years ago.

“In today’s world, it takes a special talent to rise above the rest,” Lee says. “Joshua has the talent and quality in his work that places him at a high level that is hard to compete with.”

Hope resident Molli Chasteen has known Adams for years and followed his journey. When she was seeking a local photographer who was willing to travel to multiple locations for senior pictures, she didn’t look far.

“Once I explained what I was wanting, he gave some ideas and was willing to meet all my expectations for the senior pictures,” Chasteen says.

Not only did Adams offer reasonable rates that were affordable, the level of professionalism with which he worked left Chasteen with no doubt about who she would hire in the future.

“We hired him to do two more senior pictures sessions with two more seniors and our wedding pictures,” she says. “Josh has recorded every family event for the last five years and we will use him in the future.”

When Adams, who works as a marketing director for home décor company Honey and Me, Inc., in Franklin, looks back over his portfolio of photographs he’s taken over the years, he sees growth – and not just in composition.

“I see growth when it comes to editing,” Adams says. “Being able to capture people more candidly versus a set up shot. I’ve grown as a person, myself, and finding the things that are important to people.”

Adams adds that he really enjoys capturing people’s moments for them and giving them memories they can keep – whether that is to post on Facebook or print out and hang on their wall. 

"I enjoy weddings the most," he says. "With it being someone’s first photos together as a married couple and a new start for their lives – it is something I like to capture for people."

“I learned from those in college and those who are younger than I am who’ve fresh ideas that haven’t been in the photography industry for so long,” he says. “For me, with inspiration, it is not a specific photographer but is found in sports photography.”

Adams had the opportunity to shoot a football game while at Ball State and says the familiarity of the sports milieu was exciting, but having access to the field, players and coaches was incredible.

However, when there aren’t games or events to capture, one will likely find Adams in downtown Columbus or Indy during this free time capturing images of everyday life.

Adams exercises some caution, however. Though he loves photography and dedicates nearly 20 hours a month to the practice, he doubts he will ever make it his main pursuit.

“I don’t want to do it full time and burn myself out on it,” he says. “With marketing and photography on the side it allows me to two creative outlets to let me take my mind off of one and give it some rest before I go back in and start again.”

Free time may be a luxury, but when he finds it, Adams is venturing into the world of gardening as he and his fiancé, Jon, recently built a greenhouse and are really into gardening these days, he says.

For those who are embarking on their own journey into photography, Adams’ message is simple: Keep working.

“Take photos anywhere and everywhere you can,” he recommends. “Take your camera on vacations, to farmers markets and even if you’re just out walking in a state park. Find your passion in photography, whether that be wildlife, people, architecture or landscape photography – it is all practice really. Practice your craft, your editing and style. It will come.”