Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Funk.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
I graduated from Augsburg University in Minneapolis with degrees in Film Production and Theatre Performance in 2011. I always had a strong passion for directing film and television so I moved to Los Angeles shortly after graduation.
My number one passion has always been filmmaking. And, in my opinion, to be an exceptional storyteller means truly understanding every aspect of film production and theory. So in LA, I worked within as many different crew departments as possible (on top of writing and directing my own projects). I primarily gravitated towards cinematography and the camera department so I turned most of my attention towards working behind the camera.
Being a former actor, I also fell in love with headshot photography. Learning different headshot styles and looks became more than just a hobby for me. I truly enjoy collaborating with actors to capture headshots that will help them book that next, big gig! As artists, we’re all in this together. And nothing makes me more happy than having an actor walk away with headshots that make them feel energized and excited about their career!
In 2019, I re-located to Atlanta, GA and opened my new studio here on the East Coast. I still travel out West and work out of my Los Angeles studio, but I consider Atlanta to be my new home. I’m excited to be a part of such a thriving, new film community and be working with talented artists here in Atlanta.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh no! It has not always been a smooth road but learning to truly love the journey has certainly helped me.
In the film industry, it is very easy to let career comparison and jealousy take over your life. Especially in the age of social media, it’s all too easy to constantly be looking over your shoulder at the paths of your peers and unfairly judge your own progress.
To overcome these negative thoughts, I’ve learned to double down on what truly makes me happy within my own craft. Creating an authentic, constructive connection with actors through my headshot photography helps me feel like I’ve made a positive influence in the lives of others.
In my opinion, finding a purpose and a ‘why’ to our careers is paramount to personal and professional happiness.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is called Joe Funk Photography and I specialize in headshot photography for actors within the entertainment industry.
Coming from Los Angeles, I’m well-versed in the industry-specific styles of actor headshots. I’m very grateful that I sharpened my photography skills in LA where I could tap in directly to feedback from top casting directors and agents to develop the looks THEY preferred.
Personally, I’m most proud of the variety of styles I provide in my headshots. I consider myself extremely proficient at capturing both commercial and theatrical headshots that will showcase different sides of my clients. I believe my diversity of headshot styles sets me apart from other photographers and really helps elevate my work to the next level.
Unlike other headshot photographers, I also don’t set a time limit on my sessions. I believe that setting these restrictions places unnecessary stress on the actors as well as myself. I want these photos to absolutely shine. I want my clients to be booking new, exciting gigs with these shots. So I pride myself in producing a stress-free, collaborative environment for both myself and my clients.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Atlanta is the perfect place for my business!
Being a part of the film community here in Atlanta has been so exciting and artistically invigorating! Honestly, everyone has been so welcoming and made the transition from LA very smooth. There are so many film-specific meetups and hangouts that just don’t exist in Los Angeles.
Atlanta has a certain indescribable, fresh energy and joy within its film industry that I have never experienced before.
While Atlanta is a wonderful place for me, I strongly encourage others to step out of their comfort zones and experience other film cities as well. Ideally, I would love to establish photography studios in Atlanta, Los Angeles AND New York City in the future. Each city has its own distinctive energy it brings to the entertainment industry and experiencing all of them is a personal goal of mine.
Pricing:
- $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joefunkphotography.com
- Phone: (651) 210-5429
- Email: joe@joefunkphotography.com
- Instagram: @joefunkphoto
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
